Majority oppose Maze veto

Sinn Fein are currently opposing development at the Maze until the issue of the Peace and Reconciliation Centre is resolved.

Following protests from some political parties and community representatives, the plans for the centre at the former prison site were shelved by the First Minister.

However, since that decision was taken, Sinn Fein have been using their veto to block not only further development at the site but also activities and special events.

Most recently the Ulster Aviation Society, which is based at the Maze/Long Kesh site, were forced to cancel this year’s open day as a result of the Sinn Fein veto, which meant permission to hold the annual event was not forthcoming from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Currently only the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Show is allowed to go ahead at the 3,347-acre Maze site.

Speaking on the poll local Ulster Unionist Councillor Alexander Redpath commented: “I am always reluctant to put too much store by polls, especially in Northern Ireland; however any indication that the public reject Sinn Fein’s dogmatic veto on the development at the Maze has to be welcomed.

“The Maze site represents one the greatest economic opportunities in Lisburn’s history.

“I want to see the site fully developed and potentially earmarked as a development zone.

The proposed ‘Peace Centre’ has been totally rejected by local people who rightly ask how reconciliation can occur on a site steeped in republican propaganda.

“The Ulster Unionist Party has proposed an alternative scheme to deal with the legacy of the Troubles in the form of a world leading centre for the treatment of mental health problems.

“I am absolutely convinced that the vast majority of local people oppose a peace centre at the Maze.

“The majority of those who responded to the poll said they believed development should be allowed to continue at the former prison site but that the Peace and Reconciliation Centre should be put on hold.