Roberts slams Community Arts Forum attack

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 3rd Aug 1998

Glyn Roberts, Alliance representative in East Belfast, has described a DUP attack on a Belfast city centre mural as 'pathetic'.

Mr. Glyn Roberts, who is the chairman of the Alliance Party's East Belfast Association, said there was 'absolutely no justification' for Sammy Wilson's criticism of the Community Arts Forum mural in Cathedral Quarter.

The Alliance Party spokesperson said:

"I am amazed that Sammy Wilson should attack the excellent work done by the Community Arts Forum in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast.

"It is absolutely typical of the DUP to spend all their time searching out for things to be offended by and then issuing silly and childish press releases.

"Surely as an elected representative in Belfast, he should be using his position to encourage such vital initiatives as the new Cathedral quarter."

"I think the mural will encourage a lot more tourists to visit Belfast and after the damaged caused by Drumcree, it is clear the we need to attract more tourists.

"And looking at the mural in question, I am simply spellbound as to how Mr. Wilson could be offended by it as it is both fair and balanced to all traditions.

"I think Mr. Wilson should catch himself on. The Cathedral Quarter in Belfast is going to be vital in creating a new and vibrant Belfast which many tourists will want to experience.

"What they don't 'need is more ridiculous statements from Mr. Wilson. It is time that Mr. Wilson moved to encourage more people to come to Belfast," added Mr. Roberts.

ENDS