McCarthy launches stinging attack on UUP over stadium plans

2.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Apr 2008

Alliance Culture Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Culture Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has attacked the Ulster Unionists' plan for a new stadium that will not cater for the GAA. He said that it was yet another idiotic plan from the Ulster Unionists and that any stadium must be a shared space or it will fail.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "This is yet another idiotic plan from the Ulster Unionists. It would appear to be a Baldrick-style cunning plan that could blow up in their faces. The UUP often push hare-brained schemes that will never fly, but this one takes the biscuit.

"What's the point in having a new stadium if it is not a shared space? Why are the Ulster Unionists trying to exclude and alienate the GAA? Their plans are a total disgrace.

"Unionists have to face up to the fact that the Maze stadium bid is currently the only show in town. Until they wake up to this they will continue to run round like headless chickens.

"Northern Ireland needs a world-class all sports stadium. It will only be a success if it is a shared space and the Ulster Unionist's plan will fall flat on its face."

ENDS