Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA has challenged the Culture Minister to clarify why no extra funding was made available for the Covenant Centenary celebrations, and to state whether this same policy will apply for the rest of the decade of commemorations.

Tom said:

“I recently asked the minister what extra funding the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure had put into events surrounding the 100^th anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant, bearing in mind the large budgets spent on Titanic events earlier in the year. When one considers the local impact of both events it would suggest the Covenant celebrations should have received several times the funding of the Titanic.

However according to the Minister’s reply, all she can point to is a BBC documentary and some extra displays at museums and libraries.  This is not acceptable and once again shows the bias at the heart of the decision making in her department.

“We are at the start of a very important period of commemorations, with the Titanic and Covenant setting the scene for the decade to come and for such a disparity of funding to appear so early raises concerns and sets a poor tone for the future. A selective view of history will do no-one any favours. This  has been a wasted opportunity to dispel myths and misconception in both communities.

“A strong expression of gratitude is due to the many individuals and groups around the country who, acting on their own initiative, organised events celebrating these momentous occasions. Many have told me how they would have appreciated at least some support from their Department of Culture as an acknowledgement if nothing else. More importantly, a little bit of funding would have enabled them to take their story beyond the usual audience and share it further afield. I await with interest to see if this imbalance continues or fairness prevails in the end.”