First Ministers' Ignorance of HM the Queen's Jubilee Trust Exposed
29 May 2012
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“On 28th October last year a charitable Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, was announced “to honour Her Majesty's lifetime of duty, and create an enduring legacy to her sixty years of service.”
“After the fund was launched in February Sir John Major explained that the Trust “aims to raise funds from Governments, individuals, organisations and industry, to invest in projects that will make a real and lasting impact on the lives of people – of all generations – throughout the Commonwealth."
“The official website of HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee carries the following message: “If any individuals or organisations wish to give a Jubilee gift to The Queen, Her Majesty has asked that they might instead consider making a donation to The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.”
“I am therefore surprised that not only does the Office of the First Ministers not intend to make a contribution to the fund but – according to Martin McGuinness – they haven’t even heard of it!
“Doubtless the people of Northern Ireland will appreciate contributions from the fund towards any of the worthy causes they intend to help. These include encouraging young people to engage in sport, supporting people with disability to take control of their own lives and helping to protect cultural heritage.
“It is deeply disappointing therefore that the First Ministers’ Office hasn’t heard from this worthwhile Trust.
“I am also surprised that just a few days before the Jubilee weekend Peter Robinson is only now brining a proposal to the Executive that a gift be presented to Her Majesty the Queen. It seems my question woke him up to the fact that this historic event was coming up.
“It was noticeable today that McGuinness refused to rule out the possibility of Republicans vetoing any gift. I will watch with interest to see what happens in relation to this.”
