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27/03/2008
Sinn Fein Claim Police Games Threatened By DUP
In an amazing turn-around, unthinkable a few years ago, Sinn Fein has thrown its weight behind the forthcoming World Police and Fire Games.
The party has said that delays to the planned national stadium at the Maze could scupper Northern Ireland's plans to host the event in 2013.
Ironically, given decades of opposition by the party to all forms of policing, Sinn Fein's Paul Butler accused the DUP of threatening the event and said that around 25,000 people from more than 65 countries are expected to travel to the event in March 2007, and noted it could boost the economy by around £25m in extra hotel nights and hospitality spending.
Mr Butler said: "The DUP needs to end the uncertainty and make it clear that they support the stadium being built on the site of the former prison.
"The reality is there will not be a stadium built with Executive approval unless it is built at the Maze/Long Kesh site."
Some members of the DUP oppose the location near Lisburn, Co Antrim, over plans for a conflict transformation centre.
Speaking as the MLA for the area Mr Butler warned of the financial cost if the Police and Fire Games were lost.
He was commenting against a background that there has already been concerns that the Province could lose out on spin-offs from the 2012 London Olympics.
A spokesman for the DUP said the final decision rested with the Executive.
However, the Culture Minister Edwin Poots has already told the Assembly's Culture Committee that hosting the Police and Fire Games is "predicated on a stadium being available within the greater Belfast area".
(BMcC)
The party has said that delays to the planned national stadium at the Maze could scupper Northern Ireland's plans to host the event in 2013.
Ironically, given decades of opposition by the party to all forms of policing, Sinn Fein's Paul Butler accused the DUP of threatening the event and said that around 25,000 people from more than 65 countries are expected to travel to the event in March 2007, and noted it could boost the economy by around £25m in extra hotel nights and hospitality spending.
Mr Butler said: "The DUP needs to end the uncertainty and make it clear that they support the stadium being built on the site of the former prison.
"The reality is there will not be a stadium built with Executive approval unless it is built at the Maze/Long Kesh site."
Some members of the DUP oppose the location near Lisburn, Co Antrim, over plans for a conflict transformation centre.
Speaking as the MLA for the area Mr Butler warned of the financial cost if the Police and Fire Games were lost.
He was commenting against a background that there has already been concerns that the Province could lose out on spin-offs from the 2012 London Olympics.
A spokesman for the DUP said the final decision rested with the Executive.
However, the Culture Minister Edwin Poots has already told the Assembly's Culture Committee that hosting the Police and Fire Games is "predicated on a stadium being available within the greater Belfast area".
(BMcC)
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30 September 2011
'Team NI Executive' Backs '999 Team'
NI Executive Ministers have been celebrating with the Sports, Justice and Public Safety Ministers all joining forces and congratulating team members from the Fire, Police and Prison Services who recently took part in the World Police and Fire Games.
'Team NI Executive' Backs '999 Team'
NI Executive Ministers have been celebrating with the Sports, Justice and Public Safety Ministers all joining forces and congratulating team members from the Fire, Police and Prison Services who recently took part in the World Police and Fire Games.
29 January 2009
SF Slams Minister As Maze Stadium Plans Axed
Gregory Campbell has hammered the 'final nail in the coffin' of a much-mooted Maze Sports Stadium. In a move already criticised by Sinn Féin, the NI Sports Minister has decided to drop the plans, following months of uncertainty and political wrangling.
SF Slams Minister As Maze Stadium Plans Axed
Gregory Campbell has hammered the 'final nail in the coffin' of a much-mooted Maze Sports Stadium. In a move already criticised by Sinn Féin, the NI Sports Minister has decided to drop the plans, following months of uncertainty and political wrangling.
01 August 2012
First DUP Politician Attends Pride Event
The current mayor of Belfast has become the first DUP politician to attend a gay pride event. Gavin Robinson took part in a discussion event called Belfast Pride Talks Back yesterday evening. He said he accepted the invitation because he wanted to "engage with every section of our community".
First DUP Politician Attends Pride Event
The current mayor of Belfast has become the first DUP politician to attend a gay pride event. Gavin Robinson took part in a discussion event called Belfast Pride Talks Back yesterday evening. He said he accepted the invitation because he wanted to "engage with every section of our community".
28 November 2003
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
05 September 2011
Emergency Services To Host 2013 Games
Northern Ireland took centre stage in New York today as the official handover took place for Belfast to host the World Police and Fire Games in 2013.
Emergency Services To Host 2013 Games
Northern Ireland took centre stage in New York today as the official handover took place for Belfast to host the World Police and Fire Games in 2013.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
