Speaking after Hilary Benn’s appointment as new Northern Ireland Secretary of State, local senator, Erin McGreehan, said she was hopeful it would lead to the repeal of the controversial Legacy Act and also hasten the beginning of work on the redevelopment of Casement Park.
“I was on a Fianna Fail delegation that met Mr Benn when he visited Leinster House earlier this year. He was shadow Northern Ireland secretary at the time, and when he was questioned on the Legacy Act, he said he was opposed to it,” the senator said.
“I hope that now he is in power, he will work to have it repealed. It has been opposed by both sides of the public divide in the North, and should be removed.”
The act gives immunity for crimes committed in the North in the past. One of Labour’s manifesto policies was to repeal and replace the act.
An MP for South Leeds since 1999, the son of former prominent left wing Labour politician, Tony Benn, has also spoken in favour of the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast. The project, which has been stalled for a number of years. Residents opposed the original plans for the site, but in more recent times, its projected cost has been the stumbling block.
It has been earmarked as a venue for the Euro28, but unless work begins soon, an alternative venue may have to be found. The Irish Government, the Stormont administration and the GAA have pledged financial support, but until the British Government lends its backing, completing the small portion of work already carried out remains problematic.
“As a strong GAA supporter, I realise how important is to the game in Antrim to get Casement back in operation. Staging the Euros there would be of huge benefit to the Belfast economy,” said Sen McGreehan.
“We have the same situation here in Louth, but thankfully things are on the move. Hopefully there’ll be a venue to be proud of in a few years. I’ve been in regular contact with the County Board regarding the Infrastructural Sports Fund.” Sen McGreehan added she has had several meeting with Secretaries of State in recent years, and none had struck her as having the positivity as the new incumbent.
