Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has called on Tourism NI to reflect on its language, after the body was found to be referring to Northern Ireland as "the North" in official communications despite carrying Northern Ireland's name in its own title. 

Diana Armstrong MLA commented:

“The Ulster Unionist Party makes absolutely no apology for celebrating Northern Ireland, its stunning landscapes, its rich culture, and its world-class tourism offering. This is a place we are immensely proud of, and we will always say so by its proper name.

“Tourism Northern Ireland does vital work in promoting what is a truly exceptional destination, and that work deserves to be matched by language that reflects the pride we have in this place.

“What is deeply troubling, however, is the pattern we are now seeing from the Economy Minister, a persistent and deliberate use of 'the North' in official strategy documents, speeches, and press releases. It is frankly shameful that the minister responsible for growing Northern Ireland's economy cannot bring herself to say the words 'Northern Ireland'. This is not an oversight. It is a choice, and it shows a profound disrespect for the hundreds of thousands of people who are proud to call Northern Ireland their home.

“We hear constant calls from the First Minister for respect and equality. The Economy Minister should take heed. Revise the language. Say the name. Northern Ireland is a place worth investing in, worth visiting, and worth celebrating and it deserves a minister who believes the same.”