Jim Nicholson comments disappointing
24 May, 2006
Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has expressed disappointment and concern
that Jim Nicholson UUP is joining fellow unionist MEP Jim Allister in a
string of attacks on European Funding bodies.
Ms de Brún said:
“Let there be no doubt. This is not about fair play or representation.
This is about setting an atmosphere where funding bodies feel under
pressure to give preference to unionist areas in the time ahead.
“Having seen that a funding bias can be put in place under British
Ministers here in the North the two unionist MEPs are trying to achieve
the same result with European money now that the time has come to set the
criteria for EU funding for 2007-2013.
“These latest pronouncements are about creating the illusion that the
unionist community is in someway being discriminated against through the
allocation of EU funding. This has been a tactic employed by both unionist
MEPs since their election in 2004. All independent assessments show that
this is not the case.
“Mr Nicholson should state publicly whether or not he is accusing the
Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN) of impropriety, wrongdoing or
sectarian bias. ICBAN carry out superb work in the promotion of all
Ireland cross border work on infrastructure, tourism and regional
strategic planning between councils in the 6 and 26 counties.
“Sinn Féin is committed to fair play for all and to balanced
representation in the workplace and on management boards. We have
sponsored cross-community events with open access to ensure that those at
grassroots are aware of funding opportunities at EU level. Are unionists
now prepared to do the same?” Ends
|
