Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has expressed frustration at the late withdraw of Terence Brannigan from a planned briefing on the development of the Maze site, which was scheduled to be given to the Committee of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on the opening day of the Balmoral Show.

The Strangford MLA, who also chairs the Committee, said: "I was informed with well under 24 hours notice that Mr Brannigan, the Chairman of the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation, had withdrawn.

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"This was the only briefing the Committee had scheduled for tomorrow’s meeting. Frankly, it is deeply disappointing. In their Programme for Government commitments, one of the identified risks to the development of the site is loss of political support. This late withdrawal from offering a long-scheduled update is hardly consistent with the promised pro-active communication strategy.’

"I understand there was considerable media interest in covering this briefing session. It is too late to cancel the meeting, given any costs have already been incurred, and the public have been invited to two open Question & Answer sessions, but the late cancellation will inevitably leave the taxpayer wondering why?"

(CD/MH)