Minister urges business to back Capital of Culture bid

Michael McGimpsey has addressed a gathering of Northern Ireland’s business community about the need to get behind Belfast’s bid to obtain the prestigious European Capital of Culture award in 2008.

Speaking at Parliament Buildings, where he was speaking to 100 representatives from many of the province’s leading businesses, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure said: “Northern Ireland’s political development has given us all a unique opportunity to transform ourselves into one of the main players in Europe. We have a wonderful chance to enhance our standing, by winning the race to make Belfast the European Capital of Culture in 2008. If we can do so, a giant step forward will have been taken.

“I am confident that success for our capital city could transform the whole of Northern Ireland. It is too good an opportunity to miss but the Government cannot do it alone. We need everyone’s full support and I am calling on you tonight to throw your weight behind us in our quest.”

Urging the business community to get on board and commit itself to the task ahead, Mr McGimpsey added: “Over the next six years, we will need around £150 million to transform the City into a modern, vibrant European capital. This is a formidable challenge, but I am determined to do my utmost to ensure that we succeed.

“With your help, I am confident that we can lift this coveted title which would raise the status of Belfast and Northern Ireland, not only in Europe but throughout the world.” (AMcE)