Shrine, not stadium, is the issue - MEP
28 January 2009
Responding to news that no multi-sports stadium is to be built at the Maze Jim Allister said:
“The primary concern which Unionists across the Province have always had about the Maze was the potential it had to become a shrine to Republican terror. Any announcement to scrap the proposed stadium, therefore, does not address the core issue.
“Far from the DUP taking a stand, they have sold out to Republicans on the Maze. Firstly, both Arlen Foster and her successor as DOE Minister, Sammy Wilson, chose to defend the highly questionable decision to grant the ugly buildings at the Maze listed status, thereby prohibiting their demolition.
“Secondly, OFMDFM, under both Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson, has lobbied the EU for a so-called “Conflict Transformation Centre”. This euphemistic language will fool no one. Whether built with EU money or Executive money, neither is possible without DUP assent. So why has the plug not been pulled by the First Minister on any request for EU funding?
“As I have repeatedly warned, the shrine, not the stadium, is the issue. It’s permission, under any guise, is a matter which Unionists will not quickly forgive or forget”.
