STORMONT SPORTS Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed assurances from the Ulster president of the GAA that it welcomes everyone, regardless of political opinion or background.
Last week the DUP Minister called for a review of public funding criteria following a hunger-strike commemoration at a Co Tyrone GAA ground during the summer, which he branded “disgraceful”. The Minister is also highly critical of the naming of some clubs and tournaments after republican figures.
The GAA responded with assurances that it is “by rule a strictly non-party political, anti-racist and anti-sectarian organisation” and announced an investigation into the commemoration at Galbally.
A spokesman said the GAA “also has a long established, publicly stated anti-violence policy”. Ulster chairman Tom Daly reiterated the organisation’s stance yesterday on the eve of Mr McCausland’s first attendance at a senior Gaelic football game in Belfast.
“GAA places and spaces have been places where everybody, irrespective of political affiliation or none, has been welcome,” he said.
The Minister, who was on an official visit to Scotland, said he was encouraged by the remarks.
He told BBC Radio Ulster: “Some of the work we have been doing has helped to encourage change, and I think we’ll see more changes in the GAA in the future.”
Mr McCausland will attend today’s International Police Gaelic Football Tournament in Belfast, which marks the GAA’s 125th anniversary and is hosted by the PSNI.
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