Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:
“I want to commend Jamie Bryson for bringing a case before the courts concerning the imposition of Irish signage at Grand Central. In doing so, Mr Bryson has accomplished more on this issue than all the Unionist parties combined.
“This morning’s court hearing made it abundantly clear that the lack of action from DUP and UUP MLAs is, in fact, aiding the Sinn Fein Minister responsible.
“I note with concern that the Department for Infrastructure’s legal representatives cited the complete absence of signatures—beyond my own — on my petition against the dual-language signage as justification for claiming Minister Kimmins’ decision was not controversial.
“This flatly contradicts claims by some on social media that failing to support the petition made no difference. Quite the opposite is true: that inaction is now being used as legal cover for the imposition of signage which the local loyalist community strongly oppose.
“It is therefore incumbent upon every Unionist MLA in the Assembly to explain why they failed to support my petition, and to publicly clarify their position on this matter. Letters making this clear to the court are a matter of urgency.
“When a Sinn Fein-led department cites Unionist inaction as proof of consensus, it’s time for serious reflection — and accountability.”