News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Opposition asks for details on Ireland trip

Butler holds Premier to promise to be "open and accountable"

July 7th, 2004

Roland Butler, Liberal Opposition MHA for Port de Grave District, is calling on government to release a detailed itinerary for a visit to Ireland by Premier Williams and Minister Dunderdale along with a list of government officials traveling with them.

"These are trips paid for by the taxpayers of this province and they have a right to know what these people are doing while they are in Ireland rather than just highlights being put out in the form of a news release," said Butler.

The Opposition critic says a pattern is being established with travel by this government. "The Premier did not release details of his trip to Europe earlier this year despite repeated requests from the opposition to do so. This Premier promised a new approach during the recent provincial election. They promised open and accountable government and this information should be released as an established practice rather than released under pressure from the opposition."

Butler says he supports initiatives to build stronger ties with Ireland and hopes the visit to Ireland will be productive.

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427