The organisation had asked OFMDFM for permission to have an open day on the 23rd and 24th August following a successful event last year, but after waiting five months without a response, the Ulster Aviation Society have cancelled the event. It is believed that Sinn Fein blocked the event because of the DUP’s opposition to the Conflict Resolution Centre.
Trevor Lunn MLA said: “It is ridiculous that this event has been cancelled as a result of a spat between Sinn Fein and the DUP. There is a severe lack of leadership coming from these two parties. OFMDFM has a massive problem of inaction on many issues and this is just the latest example.
“This event has nothing to do with politics, and just like the Balmoral show which also takes place at the Maze site, it should have been approved by Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.
“The claim by Sinn Fein that they have blocked this event as a result of the DUP’s veto of the Conflict Resolution Centre is not a valid excuse. It is just an example of petty politics. We can only hope that even at this late stage, common sense might prevail and allow this event to take place.
“Regardless of this story, I do hope that we will see further development at this site.”
ENDS