The squabbling between Sinn Fein and the DUP over the Maze/Long Kesh project and the internal wrangling within the DUP has already proved something of an international embarrassment.

For not only is the North still lacking a world-class sporting arena, backed by the three main sporting organisations, the potential to create more than 6,000 jobs through the development of the Maze is being lost.

This is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss in the current economic climate.

However, the proposals for the development of elite sports facilities promised under Direct Rule have also hit a brick wall as their development is tied up in a similar decision-making process.

The point of developing these sites is to give athletes from the North access to the same high standard of training facilities as their counterparts elsewhere in Europe.

It was intended to ensure Northern Ireland both benefits from, and contributes to, a legacy relating to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

The way things are going with the Executive the only legacy left to our sporting champions is second rate facilities which are, quite frankly, an embarrassment and leaves us with little credibility.

Pat Ramsey MLA

SDLP (Foyle)