West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Time for DUP to end internal division over Long Kesh site, says Butler

Published: 4 October, 2008

Sinn Féin Lagan Valley MLA Paul Butler has called for the DUP to end their internal debates over the future of the Long Kesh site and urged the Culture Minister Gregory Campbell to get on with delivering on the sites potential and the creation thousands of much needed jobs.

Mr Butler 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 have 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.

"There is huge economic uncertainty and serious pressure on the construction industry. Yet, we have at our disposal and opportunity to create thousands of jobs. And, while this would only be one part of a complete economic package it would send out the strongest signal that DUP Ministers are committed to progress and can put their own petty infighting to one side.

"We need to develop this provision for sport and recognise that the three main governing bodies of sport have already reached a consensus and that there is an urgent need for progress. As DUP junior Minister Jeffery Donaldson has already pointed out there is a real danger that opportunities related to the 2012 Olympics will also be lost.

"The Minister has stated that he is prepared to act decisively on matters and make a statement regarding the development over the next number of weeks. The previous DUP Minister Edwin Poots made exactly the same claim this time last year. The time to act is now."