Statement by TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell:
“The DUP MLA Stephen Dunne has, in today’s News Letter, correctly highlighted the fact that there are “serious questions” about where Minister O’Dowd’s priorities lie after Mr Dunne revealed that the cost of the Irish language road signs in parts of Belfast is going to be £50,000.
“Speaking during an Infrastructure Committee meeting Mr Dunne observed:
“Questions must be asked about whether spending £50,000 to replace perfectly functional traffic signs is a wise use of public money. Changes to street signage in Belfast are already controversial due to their cost. The minister should carefully consider his priorities before committing any additional taxpayer money to further rolling out this scheme.”
“I agree but there is now a question for Mr Dunne and his DUP colleagues – what are they going to do about it?
“There is a petition in the Assembly Business Office calling for Minister O’Dowd’s decision to be referred to the Executive where Unionists could block it. Are the “serious questions” serious enough for the DUP to block this decision? If so, Mr Dunne and his colleagues will sign the petition and in so doing begin the process which will permit Unionists to overturn Minister O’Dowd’s plan for Irish language road signs in Belfast.”