Executive Bows to Pressure on Gift for HM the Queen
31 May 2012
Statement by TUV leader and North Antrim MLA Jim Allister:
“It is only right that the Executive has decided, belatedly, to present a gift to Her Majesty the Queen to mark the occasion of Her Diamond Jubilee. It is important to remember that this happened only after repeated attempts by myself to obtain movement on the issue.
“On 20th January I tabled a priority written question asking the First Ministers what plans they had to mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee by way of a gift on behalf of her subjects in this part of the United Kingdom. On the 17th of this month I issued a statement highlighting the fact that it was one of a number of questions which the First Ministers’ Office was refusing to answer.
“Having studiously avoided the issue, it was only after I was successful in the ballot for oral questions to OFMdFM this week and had a chance to raise the issue on the floor of the Assembly that Peter Robinson got exercised.
“So I am glad that the Executive has bowed to pressure and will, after all, be making a presentation to Her Majesty the Queen on behalf of the people of this part of the United Kingdom.
"My question as to whether like other Commonwealth Governments they will contribute to the Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund remains unanswered. So, I will continue to pursue this matter too.
“I am still waiting for Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness to tell me what contact the Executive has had with Westminster’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport to mark the Jubilee - an issue I raised with them in July of last year.”
Note to editors
Mr Allister’s unanswered questions on the subject are as follows:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans they have to mark Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee by way of a gift on behalf of her subjects in this part of the UK. [Priority Written] (tabled 20/1/2012)
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 4775/11-15, whether the Executive is currently making any plans to mark the occasion of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, in consultation with the Department for Culture, Media and Sports. (tabled 7/12/2011)
