Statement by TUV spokesperson John Ross:
“Having received complaints from local residents, TUV wrote to the Chief Executive of Belfast City Council earlier this week raising a number of questions about the apparent removal of football pitches to make way for a GAA pitch.
“We questioned what consultation, if any, took place before the decision to scrap the football pitches was made, the cost of the creation of the GAA pitch at the expense of the football pitches and what thought has been given to provision for footballers who continue to enjoy a sport which has always been welcoming to all sections of the community.
“I welcome news that work on the removal of the football pitches to make way for the GAA has been halted and that consultation will, however belatedly, take place.
“No sport should receive special treatment, particularly when it comes directly at the detriment of another. Sadly there has been far too much special treatment of the GAA in Belfast.”