Questions
by Ken Reid, Political Editor
Published Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Nelson McCausland is clearly not happy with a couple of the organisations he is dealing with.
During his question time, the Sports and Culture Minister first took a swipe at the Ulster-Scots Agency.
He said he shared concerns of others about the way it is being run.
This was strange coming from a man who would be seen as a champion for the Ulster-Scots cause.
In a carefully worded answer he suggested things must change and he would be taking a close personal interest in the strategy being employed.
Then it was the turn of the Irish Football Association.
While progress has been made, there was still much to be done developing the sport.
The IFA was punching below its weight and by implication suggested they should take a look at the way the GAA accesses funding for its projects.
The Minister mentioned the recent pay-out to former Chief Executive Howard Wells.
It was not the first time something like this had happened, he argued.
He talked of the need for improvement in general accountability.
Clearly Mr McCausland has decided change is needed both at the Ulster-Scots Agency and the IFA.
It would be foolish to dismiss the feelings of the man who holds the purse strings.