The Green Party has criticised the decision of Belfast City Council not to enter Belfast in the UK City of Culture competition.

Belfast Green Party spokesperson Adam McGibbon said: “In the midst of the Belfast Festival and in the wake of the Tall Ships, this decision just doesn’t make sense. The City Council is simply not giving Belfast a chance. Belfast is a fun and exciting place to visit.  Cultural events take place every night; we are a modern and progressive city. The Council has done Belfast a disservice by not including us in this competition. By opting out of competitions like this, we are failing to sell our new image to potential tourists and investors.”

Mr. McGibbon also highlighted the annual continental market and the growing movement to establish an Edinburgh-style Fringe event for Belfast Festival as yet more examples of the city’s evolving culture: “The City Council ought to be seizing every opportunity to promote and advertise Belfast’s new image and cultural assets.”