DUP councillor attacks Sir Reg 'Titanic' comments

DUP councillor Robin Newton has attacked comments made by Sir Reg Empey on the future of a 'Titanic' development plan in east Belfast.

Mr Newton said Sir Reg's statement on the need for government “to act decisively and take a lead in promoting a major Titanic development” smacked of "hypocrisy and political opportunism".

Mr Newton said that Sir Reg, as former Economy Minister, had had his chance to place the development of a major Titanic project high on the agenda but failed to do so.

"To now feel, out of office, he has a right to be critical of the lack of action in promoting a project is politically dishonest," he said.

"This missed opportunity confirms a lack of vision and strategic thinking by Reg Empey when he occupied the economic development plush office."

Last week Sir Reg called on the government to help businessmen take the plunge with ideas to develop the Titanic theme in the area.

The former Lord Mayor of Belfast said there had been much talk in the area about 'Titanic' ideas and that he had been approached by local businessmen who where trying to get a consortium going to exploit the opportunity created by the story and history of the vessel.

(MB)