THE SDLP has deplored what it described as the “flat earth” views of the North’s new DUP Environment Minister Sammy Wilson while the Greens said the new Minister should refrain from commenting on climate change until he had read his briefing notes.
The criticisms of Mr Wilson came on his first full day in office after he questioned the link between carbon dioxide emissions and climate change and complained about “Green fanatics”.
East Antrim MP and Assembly member Mr Wilson made clear yesterday that his concerns for the environment would be balanced by a concern for the economy and building new homes and roads.
He accepted that some of his views, such as promoting nuclear power, would arouse suspicions. “I am not expecting too many accolades from the kind of bearded, sandal-wearing, Guardian-reading, muesli-eating environmentalists,” he told BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme.
“I’ve got a duty to make sure there is a good balance between the need to develop our economy, to provide homes, factories, roads and at the same time to protect the environment,” he added.
“I want to preserve the quality and standard of the environment. At the same time we must ensure that we do not allow the agenda to be dominated by people who sometimes can be described as Green fanatics,” said Mr Wilson.
