TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell said:
“Now that the DUP have decided to abandon the agreed position of Unionism in opposition to the Union dismantling Protocol and have become Protocol implementors, I have little confidence in their ability to take a stand for anything.
“Minister Lyons should, however, reflect on what the point of being in the Executive is if he proceeded with Casement. This is a scheme which has zero support within the Unionist community and, importantly, is passionately opposed by the members of the Green and White Army. We face the prospect of a major international tournament coming to Northern Ireland and leaving no tangible footballing legacy.
“Furthermore, the cost of £200 million is unjustifiable at a time when Stormont is complaining that it doesn’t have the money needed to fund vital frontline services.
“If, however, the Minister wilts to pressure and decides to proceed with the project, the bare minimum he should ensure is that Casement is not just a lucrative cash cow for the GAA for ever and a day. Even at this stage, a clause in any more funding to Casement should stipulate that the public can claw back a considerable amount of the cost of this project from profits generated by future events at the stadium.”