Jamie Bryson says Liz Kimmins must ‘accept her illegality’ over Irish language signs at Grand Central Station or court challenge will proceed

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has said that the infrastructure minister must “accept her illegality” in implementing dual language signage at Belfast Grand Central Station or his legal challenge will proceed to a full hearing.

It comes after Liz Kimmins said that the decision to provide signage in Irish and English at the station is “entirely consistent” with her position as infrastructure minister.

During a hearing on Mr Bryson’s request for a judicial review of the decision on Thursday, Mr Justice McAlinden said the Executive should try and resolve the row or risk being regarded as a “laughing stock”.

He called on ministers to enter discussions instead of spending vital public money being on opposing sides in a legal battle.

On Friday, Ms Kimmins noted the comments and agreed “it could be worked out through dialogue - something I have attempted to do on more than one occasion”.

“I remain willing to do so and believe this is the best way to avoid legal action and the unnecessary use of public funds,” she said.

“Grand Central Station is an all-island transport hub and visibility of the Irish language is important in delivering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our people.”

However, Jamie Bryson has since responded to the minister and said Ms Kimmins “wants a discussion in which everyone will agree with her”.

“There is no discussion to be had, save for to discuss her unconditional surrender in this case,” he said.

Let’s be very clear: she will bring this to the Executive and accept her illegality, or the case is proceeding to hearing.

“She may hope to cook up some deal with the DUP to save face. There will be no deals with me, I am the applicant, so no resolution of this case is possible without my consent.”

He added that there is “no middle road” and that he will not accept “anything less than a complete acceptance of her illegality, and a halt to Irish language signage at Grand Central station”.

“The Court cannot impose political resolutions; it must enforce the law. That is what I will it ensure it does,” he said.

Mr Bryson claims the decision to allocate £150,000 for the train station project was controversial, cut across other Stormont departments and that the issue should have been brought to the Executive Committee for discussion and agreement