26 January 2000

ARTS MINISTER CONGRATULATES SEAMUS HEANEY

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, today welcomed the latest literary award to Northern Ireland's Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney.

He said: "This is the second time Seamus has lifted the coveted Whitbread prize and is further recognition that we have one of the world's outstanding talents in the field of literature.

"Over the years he has proved himself to be a wonderful poet and writer. His work on Beowulf will enable today's generation to gain a new insight into a work of art which until now has been enjoyed by relatively few and it is particularly fitting that a 1,000 year-old masterpiece should be given a new lease of life at the dawn of this new millennium.

"We are indeed very fortunate to have such talent in our midst and we can all take great pride in Seamus' achievements over the years. As Northern Ireland's Arts Minister, I am delighted to send him my congratulations on this latest recognition and wish him well for the future."