Hi °C | Lo °C I FIND it extraordinary that, as society is trying to come to terms with severe austerity measures, our elected representatives casually allocate £18m to a so-called 'conflict transformation centre' at the former Maze prison.
The infamous H-Blocks should have been de-listed and demolished when the department rejected Sinn Fein's original request to retain them in 2005. The panel then stated: "They did not feel that the buildings in the complex were unique, nor had they any special architectural value."
However, this decision was strangely reversed, with no clarification, transparency, or rigorous rebuke by local politicians.
It is also surprising to learn Peter Robinson worked with Martin McGuinness in jointly drafting the application for EU Peace III funding for the project. Contrary to the public stance by some DUP individuals, they are, by the actions of their leader, inextricably linked to delivering the Sinn Fein deal for the Maze.
This is a stance which, at face-value, is at odds with the position of Nigel Dodds, the DUP deputy leader, when he pointed out that the conflict transformation centre was "a shrine to IRA terrorists, no matter what way it's dressed up". I find it shameful for politicians to encourage past and current members of the security forces to become involved in this venture.
It's an underhand way to attempt to sanitise this obnoxious project and is an affront to all the victims of IRA terrorism.
RUTH HOEY
Hillsborough, Co Down
