02/03/2007

DUP and Crusaders say ‘no’ to National Stadium plans

The DUP have revealed they have welcomed the Secretary of State Peter Hain’s comments regarding the siting of Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in the Welsh capital city centre.

Councillor William, the former High Sheriff of Belfast and DUP Assembly candidate for north Belfast said: “We now have the Secretary of State clearly accepting what many of us have been saying for some time. If Northern Ireland is to have a new national Stadium it needs to be sited in Belfast.”

He continued: “Peter Hain’s comments are further evidence that the wheels are coming off his own government’s plans for the National Stadium to be sited at The Maze outside Lisburn. It must now be crystal clear that The Maze Stadium does not have the necessary widespread support within the football fraternity in Northern Ireland and indeed the wider community.”

Premier League club Crusaders have also came out last night and said they are against the government-favoured Maze site.

The club broke ranks and Chairman Jim Semple told Belfast’s Newsletter they had already replied and said no to the Maze plans.

“Everyone on our committee is of the opinion the new stadium should be in the city just like the Millenium in Cardiff, Wembley in London and Hampden Park in Glasgow.”

Councillor Humphrey concluded: “It is time that the political agenda of those pushing The Maze project is ended and that sport and sporting facilities are the main consideration regarding the siting of stadia and not politics.”

The 35,000-seater stadium is planned as the national venue for rugby, football and GAA.

(JM/SP)

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