Normally rival unionist factions have collaborated in a bid to scupper plans for a multi-use sport stadium at the site of the former Maze prison, according to a Northern Ireland Assembly member.

Pat Ramsey, SDLP, has claimed that Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) members are joining forces with the rival Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) to foil plans for the 35,000 seat stadium, despite the fact that the DUP sports Minister Edwin Poots is championing the proposals.

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Speaking to Mr Poots' scrutiny committee at Stormont, Mr Ramsey said: "There's an obvious collaboration between the unionist parties to undermine the Long Kesh site and has been since the whole concept came together."

However, UUP Assembly member David McNarry denied there was any collaboration or discussions between the two parties. Nevertheless, he stressed that he would not accept plans for the stadium if they included the proposed conflict transformation centre in the neighbouring prison buildings.

Mr McNarry said: "This Ulster Unionist is not going to back a shrine on any site."

(VB/JM)