Maze peace centre is not a threat says Lagan Valley MLA

Trevor Lunn Alliance Party conference 2011. Picture by Bernie Brown

Mr Lunn was speaking in the same week that DUP leader Peter Robinson and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt embarked on a war of words over support for the centre. The leaders have exchanged open letters making a series of accusations about each others stance on the redevelopment project.

“We should be viewing this project as an opportunity, not a threat. We cannot run away from our history and hope that it is forgotten about,” said Mr Lunn.

“If we did nothing, then different groups will be free to put their own spin on what happened there. By having an officially approved project we can work together and ensure that our history can be correctly told.

“I am bemused by the current squabble in unionism over support for this project. All parties have at one time supported the plans for the redevelopment of the site.

“I sat on the Maze Consultative Panel in which there was full commitment for this project from all sides. We should stop playing political games with the issue.”