Stalling over stadium shows 'lack of ambition and vision'
by JULIE ANN SPENCE
LAGAN Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has claimed the failure of the Executive to make a decision on the future of the Maze Stadium demonstrates 'a lack of ambition for Northern Ireland'.
Mr. Lunn, a former Mayor of the City, claimed current speculation suggested the Executive was going to "run scared' from building a world-class multi-sports stadium on the site.
He said it looked as if Lisburn would now miss out on the potential benefits of the London 2012 Olympics.
He also warned any decision by the Executive to construct a 'conflict transformation centre' at Maze without the stadium would mean it had 'missed the point of the project as a whole' and also "missed a golden opportunity for Lagan Valley and the wider region.
"For Northern Ireland to come through this downturn in good shape, we need a government with vision and courage. Given the stalling tactics used by Ministers on important issues like the Maze and the replacement of the 11-plus, I have little faith in their ability to make brave decisions," he continued. "Where are the visionary projects that Northern Ireland needs? We have seen much quick-fix politics from the Executive but little long-term strategy.
"I want to see more courage and strategic
'thought from the Executive. The people of Northern Ireland will not accept further delays on the plans for the stadium."
Ulster Star
16/01/2009
