David Ford said: “I will be boycotting the re-launch of the Environment and Heritage Service. This event is a total sham. What we should have been seeing is the launch of an independent EPA instead of a re-launch of this already existing body. This event is the political equivalent of the emperor’s new clothes.
“Tomorrow’s re-launch is a farce and an embarrassment for the Department of the Environment. Instead of going, I will discuss the way forward with environmental groups who are also boycotting the event.
“The Executive’s spin doctors can dress up this re-launch as much as they like but it’s still a sad joke. Tomorrow’s event only highlights Ministers’ abject failure to protect the environment.”
ENDS