Stormont Play-Off Over Maze Stadium

It's kick-off time as the two leading 'teams' in the NI Executive score points against each other on the pending decision on locating the contentious new sports stadium for Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein is now likely to stay 'in the dressing room' unless the new facility is built on the site of the former Maze Prison, while the Democratic Unionist Party is said to be threatening to blow the whistle if things don't go their way with a Belfast-based stadium.

As speculation continued that plans for a £240 million stadium hosting soccer, rugby and Gaelic Games matches may be jettisoned because of divisions in the DUP, Stormont Junior Minister Gerry Kelly insisted the development of the site must begin as soon as possible.

The North Belfast Assembly Member said: "The Long Kesh master plan proposal emerged from a lengthy and thorough consultative process. It received endorsement across the political spectrum.

"Long Kesh is one package. With it, a major opportunity now exists to provide a world-class facility for sport which would command the support and confidence of the GAA, the IRFU and the IFA and the wider sporting public.

"Sinn Fein will not accept a stadium being built on any other site."

Earlier this week, Finance Minister Peter Robinson and Sports Minister Edwin Poots moved to quell claims that their party, the DUP, had decided to abandon the plans.

However, some members of the DUP oppose the Maze site because they argue Belfast would be a much better location.

Other unionists have raised concerns that the Maze master plan also includes plans for the preservation of some of the old H-Block prison buildings as part of a conflict transformation centre.

Some DUP members, including Economy Minister Nigel Dodds, have voiced concerns that the retention of the prison buildings could be used as a shrine to terrorism.

Play continues, but with no referee on the field, there is likely to be a further 'kick-about' before any final score is declared.

(BMcC/KMcA)