Poots Watch (2)

N.Ireland’s Minister of Fun, Edwin Poots has dropped even further into the manure today:

On Wednesday, the government published a technical report on the site selection process from which the Maze was chosen as the preferred location for the stadium.

What the BBC forgets to mention is that this report dates from October 2004 and the government had refused to publish it until they were over-ruled by the Information Commissioner, following an FOI (Freedom of Information) appeal by NI football supporters. Democracy in action, eh?!

The BBC understands Mr Poots wanted to release an accompanying statement which claimed the report confirmed why he had no alternative but to endorse a previous decision to back the Maze.

However, senior elements in the party intervened.

They’ve intervened because for reasons being discussed here and elsewhere, there are serious flaws in the report-why do you think the government refused to make it public for three years?

BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Gareth Gordon said: "Instead of being a ringing endorsement of the Maze, the statement which appeared in Mr Poots' name, merely noted the report's publication and recommended that anyone interested should read it."

And ask serious questions of their political representatives...how exactly has this illogical project got so far....

The BBC has been unable to contact Mr Poots who is on holiday in the USA.

Which is interesting because, according to the DCAL, the Smithsonian Festival (Poot’s publicised reason for going to the US) continues until the 8th.

But let’s not be churlish, Edwin has gone through a few stressful weeks, he deserves a bit of R and R and after all, he was present at demonstration of traditional N. Irish arts and crafts, even made a speech about it:

Arts and Culture Minister Edwin Poots, MLA who attended the Festival said: “This is a great opportunity for Northern Ireland to showcase both the traditional and modern trades from our region. Carpet design, pottery making, linen manufacture, whiskey distilling and call centres skills are among the varied trade activities on display at the Festival

A showcase of Northern Irish "call-centre skills"?