Shameful Maze Shrine a step closer

02 February 2012

TUV Leader Jim Allister has reacted to news that the EU Commission has approved £18m for the Maze Shrine as ‘a Provo victory’ delivered through the complicity of a roll-over DUP. “A few years ago the DUP vetoed the stadium because of the retention of the shrine buildings on the Maze site. Then, to keep Sinn Fein happy they fell into line by agreeing a so called Conflict Transformation Centre which will incorporate the very buildings which stymied the stadium project.”   

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.

 “The real intent is further underlined by the fact that OFMDFM has agreed ex-prisoners will serve on the Corporation Board. There, no doubt, 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.

 “While frontline services are being slashed, including A & E departments, it is full steam ahead with the Maze Shrine project, whose funding was ring-fenced in the DUP/Sinn Fein budget while everything else was cut, and now it is the priority for scarce EU resources.”

Terrorism