A petition has been set up to establish if sectarianism is behind the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) Arlene Foster’s decision not to release funding to the Bloody Sunday Museum in Derry’s Bogside.
The current Free Derry Museum.
There is anger in the city since Ms Foster, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), last month refused to release funding, thus putting the project in jeopardy.
The organiser of the petition says: “As with Edwin Poots abusing his position for his right wing views, then I think Arelene Foster is abusing hers for sectarian reasons.
“Let’s get as many as possible signing this petition to end the abuse of power for sectarian reason in the North of Ireland.”
It is hoped the online campaign will gather 10,000 signatures.
The Bloody Sunday Trust has warned a £2 million extension to the museum is at risk because Ms Foster has not signed off on a £1.2m tourist board grant.
The Trust, which runs the museum, said it already had funding agreed in principle from the Department of Social Development and the Heritage Lottery fund – but it all hinged on Ms Foster agreeing to release the tourist board investment.
In a letter to Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin dated 26 February this year, the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) said it was “only awaiting ministerial approval to proceed and issue a letter of offer for approximately £1.2m for phase two of the museum.”
The Department for Enterprise said the project was still being considered.
To sign the petition go to: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/
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