Ulster Unionist Culture Spokesperson, Michael McGimpsey, has criticised the Sinn Fein DCAL Minister Caral Ni Cuillin for failing to nominate a single person for an Honour within the Queen’s New Year Honours which was published on 31st December 2012.
The South Belfast MLA said;
‘Following a written Assembly Question which I tabled on this matter I am deeply concerned at Minister Ni Cuillin’s admission that she failed to nominate anyone from Northern Ireland for an Honour within the most recent Queen’s New Year Honours. In a sporting context Olympians and Paralympians from Northern Ireland performed excellently in London during the summer and to be denied the opportunity to be put forward for an Honour by this Minister is unacceptable.’
‘Sinn Fein’s Caral Ni Cuillin should be a Minister for all and, in this situation, she has proved incapable of being so. Those who enjoy particular successes or give outstanding service in their respective fields should not be disadvantaged or denied opportunities for recognition because of prejudice.’
‘I would call on the Minister to publicly clarify her position in relation to nominations for Honours by her Department.’