OFMDFM no time to meet MEPs
11 January 2008
Statement by Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister:-
"I note the OFMDFM visit to Brussels is over. I also note I as an MEP - I cannot speak for the others - was not invited to meet any members of the delegation to discuss issues pertinent to Northern Ireland and the EU. This despite having made a written request as long ago as 6 August 2007 for a meeting with the First Minister on EU issues - a request which hasn't even been acknowledged.
I was invited by the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels to their reception last night in honour of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, but as I give no honour or acknowledgement to McGuinness I declined. Its not receptions which interest me but the opportunity to discuss issues in proper meetings.
Thus, despite the pretence that OFMDFM is doing much to help and promote Northern Ireland, I find it bizarre that the First Minister, in almost 6 months since being asked, has no time to meet one of Northern Ireland's MEPs."
