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03/11/2008
Alliance MLA Attacks 'Unacceptable' Delays On Maze Decision
An Alliance Party MLA has blasted delays over the 'Maze' stadium decision as "unacceptable".
Assemblyman Trevor Lunn (pictured) urged Sport Minister Gregory Campbell not to renege on promises to bring forward his plans for the site.
In August, Mr Campbell said a decision on the future of a national sports stadium, for Northern Ireland, would be delivered in weeks.
Since then, the issue has been marred by conflicting media reports, with many hinting plans for a mixed-use sporting facility have be ditched.
Most recently, Mr Campbell said a report was ready to be presented to the Stormont Executive.
However, the Cabinet is at a virtual standstill, as ructions between the two biggest parties - the DUP and Sinn Fein - continue over the devolution of policing and justice powers.
Mr Lunn said Minister Campbell should end the uncertainly, and publish his recommendations, to avoid further 'embarrassment'.
"Gregory Campbell's failure to make a decision on the Maze site has become a real embarrassment," Mr Lunn said.
"This decision can not be delayed any longer - the people of Lisburn deserve to know what is going to happen, instead of being left in limbo.
"I call on the Minister to make a decision on the Maze, now and I would urge him to make the right one. The Maze site offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for Northern Ireland and we simply cannot fail to take this opportunity," the MLA told the Belfast Newsletter.
Since its inception, the notion of a national sports ground situated at the former-Maze Prison has proved divisive.
Unionists have expressed concerns over the linkage of a conflict resolution centre on the site, which they say could become a 'republican shrine'.
The final decision on such a development will rest with the two First Ministers - Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
(PR/JM)
Assemblyman Trevor Lunn (pictured) urged Sport Minister Gregory Campbell not to renege on promises to bring forward his plans for the site.
In August, Mr Campbell said a decision on the future of a national sports stadium, for Northern Ireland, would be delivered in weeks.
Since then, the issue has been marred by conflicting media reports, with many hinting plans for a mixed-use sporting facility have be ditched.
Most recently, Mr Campbell said a report was ready to be presented to the Stormont Executive.
However, the Cabinet is at a virtual standstill, as ructions between the two biggest parties - the DUP and Sinn Fein - continue over the devolution of policing and justice powers.
Mr Lunn said Minister Campbell should end the uncertainly, and publish his recommendations, to avoid further 'embarrassment'.
"Gregory Campbell's failure to make a decision on the Maze site has become a real embarrassment," Mr Lunn said.
"This decision can not be delayed any longer - the people of Lisburn deserve to know what is going to happen, instead of being left in limbo.
"I call on the Minister to make a decision on the Maze, now and I would urge him to make the right one. The Maze site offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for Northern Ireland and we simply cannot fail to take this opportunity," the MLA told the Belfast Newsletter.
Since its inception, the notion of a national sports ground situated at the former-Maze Prison has proved divisive.
Unionists have expressed concerns over the linkage of a conflict resolution centre on the site, which they say could become a 'republican shrine'.
The final decision on such a development will rest with the two First Ministers - Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
(PR/JM)
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