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13/06/2008
Maze Stadium Plan 'A Winner' Says Former Minister
Locating Northern Ireland's national stadium at the former Maze prison site is the only worthy option - according to a former NI Executive Minister.
Edwin Poots, speaking for the first time since being replaced as Arts and Culture Minister, does not believe he had lost his job because of his support for the controversial Maze stadium project.
He is also still firmly of the opinion that the plan to build a national stadium at the Lisburn site remains the best option.
In fact, he believes - when all the options are weighed up by the new Minister Gregory Campbell - his successor could reach the same conclusion as he did, as no other plan "stacked up".
He also believed some NI civil servants were opposed to the scheme, and he wasn't withdrawing that claim.
As reported in the Lisburn Star newspaper, he said: "I had the Department of Finance and Personnel in mind. Very often they are too cautious.
"The North West gas pipeline was opposed by the DFP in the last Executive, but the two Ministers, Reg Empey and Mark Durkan, overruled them and they were right.
"Civil servants wanted the (Belfast) Odyssey arena to have 4,500 seats instead of 8,000.
"We know now that would not have worked so sometimes politicians have to take the big decisions, that's our job.
"The Maze wasn't something I was prepared to concede on, it was a principle issue.
"I wasn't prepared to back off and I still haven't given up on something significant at the Maze," he said.
However, Mr Poots acknowledged Northern Ireland remains 'Belfast centric' - an historical legacy he said with all but two government departments based in the city and greater area - rather than elsewhere in the Province.
"I am not against Belfast being developed," he continued. "It is our capital city and I am delighted to see the progress there and as Minister I had an input into that, but I don't see the level of reciprocation across the rest of Northern Ireland from people who think everything should be sited in Belfast."
"Being an MLA is a seriously busy job and it's the work I enjoy. I look forward to vigorously and aggressively representing the Lagan Valley constituency.
"That was one thing I didn't like about being a minister. I wasn't able to fully focus on my constituency and I didn't forget the only reason I am holding political office is because the people of Lagan Valley vote for me."
See: Stormont Play-Off Over Maze Stadium
See: Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
See: Fresh Dispute Over Maze Stadium Proposals
(BMcC)
Edwin Poots, speaking for the first time since being replaced as Arts and Culture Minister, does not believe he had lost his job because of his support for the controversial Maze stadium project.
He is also still firmly of the opinion that the plan to build a national stadium at the Lisburn site remains the best option.
In fact, he believes - when all the options are weighed up by the new Minister Gregory Campbell - his successor could reach the same conclusion as he did, as no other plan "stacked up".
He also believed some NI civil servants were opposed to the scheme, and he wasn't withdrawing that claim.
As reported in the Lisburn Star newspaper, he said: "I had the Department of Finance and Personnel in mind. Very often they are too cautious.
"The North West gas pipeline was opposed by the DFP in the last Executive, but the two Ministers, Reg Empey and Mark Durkan, overruled them and they were right.
"Civil servants wanted the (Belfast) Odyssey arena to have 4,500 seats instead of 8,000.
"We know now that would not have worked so sometimes politicians have to take the big decisions, that's our job.
"The Maze wasn't something I was prepared to concede on, it was a principle issue.
"I wasn't prepared to back off and I still haven't given up on something significant at the Maze," he said.
However, Mr Poots acknowledged Northern Ireland remains 'Belfast centric' - an historical legacy he said with all but two government departments based in the city and greater area - rather than elsewhere in the Province.
"I am not against Belfast being developed," he continued. "It is our capital city and I am delighted to see the progress there and as Minister I had an input into that, but I don't see the level of reciprocation across the rest of Northern Ireland from people who think everything should be sited in Belfast."
"Being an MLA is a seriously busy job and it's the work I enjoy. I look forward to vigorously and aggressively representing the Lagan Valley constituency.
"That was one thing I didn't like about being a minister. I wasn't able to fully focus on my constituency and I didn't forget the only reason I am holding political office is because the people of Lagan Valley vote for me."
See: Stormont Play-Off Over Maze Stadium
See: Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
See: Fresh Dispute Over Maze Stadium Proposals
(BMcC)
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08 April 2009
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
19 May 2008
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
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.
10 March 2008
Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
There are no immediate plans for Northern Ireland's leading unionist party to veto proposals to build a contentious sports stadium at the Maze.
Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
There are no immediate plans for Northern Ireland's leading unionist party to veto proposals to build a contentious sports stadium at the Maze.
31 January 2006
Sports Minister tours Maze stadium site
Northern Ireland Sports Minister David Hanson has visited the Maze to tour the site for the proposed multi-sports stadium.
Sports Minister tours Maze stadium site
Northern Ireland Sports Minister David Hanson has visited the Maze to tour the site for the proposed multi-sports stadium.
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