Representing the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) he was elected a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in June 1998 and an MP for the East Londonderry constituency in 2001
Speaking about his new Ministerial role, Gregory Campbell said: "The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has such a diverse portfolio ranging from arts to sportand museums to languages. I welcome theopportunity to be involved in each and every aspect of it and to lead the Department through the challenges ahead.
"The Department has a challenging programme of work which has the potential to make a real impact on the economic and cultural life of Northern Ireland. There is an ambitious capital programme which will see the renewal of the Arts infrastructure in Belfast and Londonderry; I will be launching a new strategy for sport; Iwanttomaximise the benefitspresented bythe 2012 OlympicGames and I will be looking in particular how DCAL can support the creative industries and contribute to tourism."
The Minister continued: "Northern Ireland is a small country which has produced some of the best sporting talent in the United Kingdom. Sport has a positive influence on our society, in particular by providing a healthy outlet for our young people and giving them a sense of achievement and self worth."
The Minister also commented on the talent of Northern Ireland people who are helping to build a more dynamic and creative economy.
He concluded: "Arts and culture make a vital contribution to our quality of life as well as attracting inward investment and tourism. Investment in arts and culture also supports local jobs and stimulates consumer spending.
"This opportunity has been presented to me and I intend to fulfil my obligations as Minister in the provision of a sporting, cultural, artistic Northern Ireland which we can all be proud of."
Notes to Editors:
Gregory Campbell was born in Londonderry on 15 February 1953 and is married with one son and three daughters. Gregory was elected to Londonderry City Council in 1981 and was a member of the NI Assembly between 1982 and 1986. He was a member of NI forum for political dialogue between 1996 and 1998 and is currently a member of the new NI Assembly since 1998. In 2001 Gregory was appointed as Minister for Regional Development and he became a Member of Parliament in the same year. The Minister's interests include soccer, music and reading.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
