Tensions deepen over future of prison site
TENSIONS between the DUP and Sinn Fein over the future of the Maze site have spilled into the public arena again.
Ignoring unionist hurt and anger over this week's BBC documentary on the Maze breakout, Sinn Fein MLA Barry McElduff called on DUP Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Gregory Campbell to get on with unlocking the potential for the site to deliver jobs.
Republicans support plans for development on the land – including a national stadium – if it includes a conflict resolution centre, which some unionists refer to as a 'shrine' to IRA hunger strikers and prisoners.
But astonished DUP MLA George Robinson retorted that it was Sinn Fein blocking "business worth hundreds of millions" by refusing to hold Executive meetings at Stormont.
He said: "Minister Campbell has made clear that a decision on this matter will be brought before the Assembly in due course.
"Mr McElduff should know that."
He added: "Of course a wide range of issues would be processed a lot faster if Mr McElduff's party ceased behaving like spoilt children, holding up the transaction of Executive business."
The future of the Maze is believed to remain a serious sticking point between the DUP and Sinn Fein, as well as issues such as policing and justice and academic selection.
DUP MLAs are strongly opposed to any sort of shrine to republicanism at the old prison site.
Sinn Fein has claimed it would not be a shrine but a museum representing all sides as well as the history of the Troubles and the jail.
But this week's BBC Maze documentary – and the anger it has generated in the unionist community – is thought to have made the issue even more sensitive.
Mr McElduff said: "Minister Campbell must be decisive and move the Long Kesh project forward. For too long, internal DUP splits and divisions have been allowed to stall this project.
"In short, the DUP has conspired to make a complete mess of the entire proposal.
"The DUP needs to show vision for the future – the debate around the Long Kesh site has been going on for well over 10 years now. The inquisition is now over; it is time to act."
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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