Commenting on the publication of advertisements by OFMDFM for a Chairman and members of the ‘Development Corporation’ to run the Maze development http://www.jobstoday.co.uk/job/chair-corporation-members-939751932?selection=93975193 , TUV Leader Jim Allister said it was clear that while frontline services were being cut – like A & E at the City Hospital and Lagan Valley – it is full steam ahead with the Maze Shrine project, whose funding was ringfenced in the DUP/Sinn Fein budget while everything else was cut.

In a statement Jim Allister said:-

“The retention of the ugly prison buildings, by successive DUP ministers in DOE refusing to delist and demolish them, means the entire site, including its worthwhile aspects, like economic development and housing, will be blighted and tainted by the so called “Conflict Transformation Centre” – official speak for the Maze Shrine. If a ‘Conflict Transformation Centre’ is thought to be necessary, why does it have to be at the Maze? Clearly, because the intent is to allow the incorporated prison buildings to facilitate the terror fest aspect of this Provo project. Thereby, the entire site will be blighted.

“I also challenge OFMDFM to say why ex-prisoners will serve on the Corporation Board if not to guarantee its terror credentials. If this was a genuine economic development project there wouldn’t be a terrorist about the place, but, instead, in both the construction of the board and of the eventual edifice we will see the terrorist presence. Yet another IRA/Sinn Fein triumph and DUP capitulation.”