THE IRISH Government’s Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Minister Heather Humphreys has addressed the AGM of the Ulster Unionist Party’s Fermanagh-south Tyrone branch in Fivemiletown.

It is believed to have been the first time an Irish Minister has addressed UUP members.

“Relations are much more neighbourly in recent years, which is good for communities on both sides of the Border,” said Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott.

“Coming from the north Monaghan village of Drum, Minister Humphreys is what many would classify as a ‘local’.

“It was interesting to hear how a career in politics was far from her mind growing up on the farm or while employed in the banking and Credit Union sectors.

“I did suggest with that financial background and a strong Presbyterian ethos that the role of finance minister would suit her perfectly, but she said she is delighted to be arts and culture minister, particularly in this decade of Centenaries where her department plays a leading role,” he said.

Mr. Elliott said Minister Humphreys’ accounts of World War One commemorations across the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe were “very moving”, particularly as “families of many casualties and veterans are only now openly acknowledging their ancestors’ role fighting in the trenches for the British Army”.

“Several of the members present told similar stories of this and asked the Minister to pass on their appreciation to the Taioseach Enda Kenny for his positive attitude towards the World War One commemorations,” he said.

“The Minister also got a few other messages to pass on at the same time concerning more recent events,” added Mr. Elliott, “While the members welcomed much better co-operation than previous governments they still felt the approach was still too much one sided, while demanding accountability for the past from the UK government, the Irish government are unwilling to do likewise.” “On a lighter note the Minister thanked the local councillors involved in the Ulster Canal restoration project, which she believes would see the section as far as Clones operational in a few years time.

“One of the members suggested that if she could get it restored all the way to Lough Neagh the transport Ministers in the NI Executive and in the Irish government could maybe investigate the restoration of the railway to Monaghan, Clones and Enniskillen!” said Mr. Elliott.