No election posters during Giro d’Italia a step closer – Durkan

There was widespread acceptance on a voluntary ban on election posters although there are some practicalities still to work through.

Mark H Durkan, said: “This was a very useful meeting today. The Giro d’Italia has a global audience of hundreds of millions in 165 countries with 200 participants and up to an estimated 140,000 spectators. This presents a huge opportunity to showcase the beauty of the North’s countryside and urban areas.

“If we can reach a voluntary agreement this would send a very positive message that our politicians have worked well together to ensure the Giro d’Italia will be an election poster free route when Northern Ireland is on a global stage.

“I would like to thank the political parties for meeting today. Whilst there are still some practicalities to be worked through I am confident that this can be achieved. I have already asked officials to work through these issues urgently and I have given a commitment to go back to the parties as soon as possible.

“There is a responsibility on us all to present the best possible picture of the North. This meeting today is an important step closer to collectively reaping the benefits the Giro D’Italia can bring for everyone in Northern Ireland.”

The Giro d’Italia takes place from 9-11 May across Belfast, the Causeway Coast, Glens of Antrim and Armagh before finishing in Dublin.