McGimpsey calls for expansion of cultural horizons

Culture minister, Michael McGimpsey, has called for a renewal of the spirit of innovation, creativity and pioneering endeavour which has typified Ulster’s contribution to the world in the past.

Speaking in Omagh on Wednesday, where he was visiting the Ulster-American Folk Park and the Centre for Migration Studies, the Minister said: "This part of Ireland contributed enormously to the development and expansion of the USA. We did this through the migration of our people and the dissemination throughout the New World, of the ideas, the innovations, and the spirit of renewal, which those Ulster men and women brought with them."

The Minister told his listeners that for Northern Ireland to prosper and compete in the 21st century, it was important that that process of sharing new ideas and skills with other cultures continued. He added: "We must retain that belief in ourselves and what we are capable of achieving. But we must also be open to new ideas and receptive to others’ viewpoints. I am convinced that Northern Ireland will only reach its potential when we are comfortable with looking outwards, and to the future, rather than inwards, and to the past."

The Minister said that for many people, this would represent an enormous challenge, but that there was nothing to fear, especially when local people could draw on the stimuli of past achievements, as revealed by the Ulster-American Folk Park and the Centre for Migration Studies. (MB)