Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey has called on Sinn Fein’s DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilín to address the disappointingly low revenue figures in the first third of events in Londonderry’s year as UK City of Culture 2013.
The South Belfast Assemblyman, who is also his Party’s spokesperson on Culture, Arts & Leisure issues, said:
“It should come as no surprise to anyone that Londonderry’s term as UK City of Culture is proving to be less than successful on this Minister’s watch.
Sinn Fein has been less than enthusiastic in its support for the Capital of Culture. Only last week Sinn Fein councillors on Derry City Council attempted to remove the “UK” prefix in the City of Culture title from branding and literature as part of the new exhibition in the Guildhall.
It is perfectly clear that the responsibility for the current situation lies with the DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilín and her Party. Under her leadership this whole project has been beset with difficulties.
The City of Culture organisers and staff simply have not received the support they need from the Department and the Minister and she must state what she is going to do to support the UK’s Capital of Culture.
It is in no-one’s interests for this project to fail and the interests of all of us that it succeeds.”