UUP peer complains about funding for nationalist festivals

An Ulster Unionist Party peer has complained about the amount of money spent on festivals in nationalist areas in the North.

Lord Laird has claimed that nationalist festivals are getting nine times as much public money as loyalist events and is seeking an investigation into the funding process

He said the annual West Belfast Festival, which is held in nationalist areas, received more than £250,000 (€368,000) last year, while the Orange Order got just £33,500 (€49,400).