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23/04/2004
Ulster-Scots chief hits out at Government
The outgoing head of an Ulster-Scots organisation has hit out at the government for its lack of financial support.
Lord Laird announced on Friday that he is stepping down as chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency claiming the group had been deprived of money by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL).
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Friday, he said the "last straw" was the Government's decision to remove £600,000 from the agency's budget.
"It seems to be getting worse. I have absolutely no difficulty with other cultures. I am supportive of, for instance, West Belfast Festival who, every year, get £600,000 of government money.
" I support that, but where is our slice of the cake?"
The board of the Ulster-Scots Agency said news of Lord Laird's resignation had been received with "great regret and disappointment".
Ministers with responsibilty for the North South Language Body, Angela Smith and Eamon O Cuív TD, expressed their sorrow at the new. In a joint statement they said: "Since his appointment in 1999/2000, John has played an important role in promoting the Ulster Scots culture in Northern Ireland.
“As Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency, he has provided leadership and encouraged interest in the language for which we thank him.
“We also want to assure the Ulster-Scots Agency and the wider Ulster Scots community, that we will continue to play a full role in helping to promote the Ulster Scots culture and language, in line with the commitment given in the Good Friday Agreement.”
(MB)
Lord Laird announced on Friday that he is stepping down as chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency claiming the group had been deprived of money by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL).
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Friday, he said the "last straw" was the Government's decision to remove £600,000 from the agency's budget.
"It seems to be getting worse. I have absolutely no difficulty with other cultures. I am supportive of, for instance, West Belfast Festival who, every year, get £600,000 of government money.
" I support that, but where is our slice of the cake?"
The board of the Ulster-Scots Agency said news of Lord Laird's resignation had been received with "great regret and disappointment".
Ministers with responsibilty for the North South Language Body, Angela Smith and Eamon O Cuív TD, expressed their sorrow at the new. In a joint statement they said: "Since his appointment in 1999/2000, John has played an important role in promoting the Ulster Scots culture in Northern Ireland.
“As Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency, he has provided leadership and encouraged interest in the language for which we thank him.
“We also want to assure the Ulster-Scots Agency and the wider Ulster Scots community, that we will continue to play a full role in helping to promote the Ulster Scots culture and language, in line with the commitment given in the Good Friday Agreement.”
(MB)
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