The Ulster Unionist Party brought the Oscar success of Belfast man, Terry George to the floor of the Assembly today.
Congratulating the director, Robin Swann said:
“The Shore is a film which depicts Northern Ireland in a highly positive light. Terry George winning the Oscar for best live action short is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted the highest accolade in the film industry has been won by a local man.’
“Whilst we have had a number of Oscar nominees from Northern Ireland in the past, including Liam Neeson, Kenneth Branagh and Seamus McGarvey, to win in this category in this year is outstanding.’
“I would ask, however, what was done by the Assembly to make the best of this success? What plans were put in place by the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Investment or the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure to market such a significant occasion? Where were Invest NI and the Northern Ireland Business Trust, for example?’
“We must capitalise on successes of this nature when they come around. We cannot continue to miss golden opportunities like this.’