We need public clearing of the air on Causeway
08 October 2007
Statement by Jim Allister MEP:
"I find most people are shocked by the daily revelations over the Causeway debacle.
How UNESCO, the National Trust and EHS can offer professional advice against the private proposal and yet the Minister smiles upon it, is unexplained and baffling for most.
The Giant's Causeway is North Antrim and Northern Ireland's greatest natural asset. It belongs to us all. Its exploitation through a much-needed visitors' centre should not be a matter for private profit. Thus, I oppose the DUP Environment Minister's "minded" decision to grant permission to Seymour Sweeney's private proposal. The fact that Mr Sweeney is a DUP member and, it turns out, close associate of Ian Paisley Junior, only adds to the public unease.
The teeth-pulling manner in which Ian Paisley Junior's links to Mr Sweeney have had to emerge has accentuated the public disquiet. When the Causeway issue began to unfold we had the economical declaration on public radio by Ian Paisley Junior that he "knew of" Seymour Sweeney. It has since turned out that Ian Paisley Junior and Mr Sweeney have in fact a long-standing relationship. I think the people of North Antrim expected more openness and transparency from Ian Junior.
I recall when the Columbia 3 were unmasked Sinn Fein claimed only to "know of them" - in fact they turned out to be inner confidantes. We don't expect such economy of language from Unionist Assembly Members.
In light of the drip-feed manner in which Mr Paisley Junior has dealt with this matter, I think we are entitled to a full, unvarnished account from him of every facet of his relationship with Mr Sweeney.
In light of today’s clear declaration from UNESCO that they never approved Sweeney’s proposal and believe the visitors centre must be on the original site, the First Minister also owes a detailed explanation as to how he, using the weight of his office as an MP, came to represent the opposite to the Lottery organisation. It’s time for all involved to come clean. Politicking with this issue could ultimately jeopardise our world heritage status."
