"We Want a New Life for our Children" Andersonstown News - Saturday, May 2 1998The father of murdered community worker Terry Enright has publicly thrown his support behind the Good Friday Agreement, urging people to tell those who killed his son to "go away, go away. We want a new life for our children and grandchildren".
Speaking at the launch of the Vote "Yes" Campaign at the Europa Hotel, Terry Enright Snr. fought back tears as he spoke of his son and the two most recent Catholic victims of the LVF.
Yesterday, he told Andersonstown News the Agreement was "a basis for a workable settlement.
"I came on board because this is a group of volunteer organisations, community groups, individuals, and businesses who came to the vote in a non-party, non-politiical way," he said. "That's not to say that things will be settled overnight - they're still going to have to sit down and question some of the finer details, but what else is there?
"This is our greatest chance for a workable peace."
Terry Enright Jr. was murdered by a Loyalist gunman as he worked the door at a city centre pub. A well known community worker respected by Catholic and Protestant youths alike, his funeral attracted thousands of mourners from all over Belfast.
The senior Enright is a long time activist in environmental issues. Known as "The Mountain Man" to West Belfast locals, Terry Enright Sr. has led countless hikes up the Black mountain, and spearheaded campaigns to save the mountain from over quarrying.
Stepping into the referendum campaign, he pointed to the progress that has been made since the talks process began, particularly when it came to stumbling blocks thrown up by unionist parties. "Unionists are afraid of change and progress, but they have to change. They talk about concessions, but issues of equality, justice and parity of esteem are not concessions.
"People are afraid of change and progress, but the unionist population has to see that. As it comes nearer to the time, I think people will decide they don't want to live in fear, and they're ready to put the past behind them. I hope that people do see the need to work, and make the decision to come out and vote."
The Vote "Yes" Campaign has been set up as a resource for political parties, the business communities, trade unions, voluntary and community organisations in order maximise the "yes" vote.
The group, led by former NICVA chief Quintin Oliver, says it will not get involved in the details of the Agreement, and stressed that they were independent and non-partisan
Terry Enright said he would do what he could to help ensure a large "yes" vote on 22 May.
"Part of me is not allowing myself to believe that my son was killed for nothing," he said. "Nobody likes to think their child was killed in vain. The politicians did their share. Now it's our turn."