Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has criticised Peter Robinson's 'weak leadership' as he has appeared to bow to pressure over plans to develop the Maze Long Kesh site, despite the extensive cost to the public purse.

Mr Lunn said the decision by Mr Robinson to release a letter from his holiday home in Florida effectively stalling the process, showed clearly he was not a First Minister for all in Northern Ireland and was more interested in securing votes for his party ahead of a three-year election cycle.

Mr Lunn MLA said: "This cowardly move by the First Minister may gain the DUP more votes, but in reality they have failed to earn the trust and respect of voters which would allow them to lead a constituency through difficult issues.

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"He has proven himself to be weak – issuing this from Florida to avoid dealing with his partners in government and the press on such a significant decision.

"There are serious questions that must be answered, including how much this project has cost so far. Planning fees, architect fees, business case preparation and EU funding disregarded all amounts to a considerable sum. I would predict the DUP has cost the public purse several million that will never be recovered.

"Alliance has always recognised the importance of acknowledging and coming to terms with our past, if we are to move forward in building a shared society for everyone. We continue to support the Maze Long Kesh development and recognise the economic potential it has for Northern Ireland. But we have always said that anything approved for the site must promote reconciliation, be inclusive of all perspectives and not celebrate terrorism or glorify violence."

(CD/JP)