Griffiths runs out of patience with Northern Ireland team

Northern Ireland has been barred from entering a team of chefs for next week's La Parade des Chefs competition at Hotelympia because the organiser got so fed up with internal wrangling.

Salon director Peter Griffiths, who is organising the week's chefs events, found himself with two group entries after a row over allocation of funds caused six members to quit the Northern Ireland Association of Chefs and Cooks and form their own team.

"I was on to a loser whatever decision I made so I decided not to take either of them."

"There are enough problems in Northern Ireland without divisions in the Chefs' Association," Griffiths said.

Dermot Hughes, chairman of the Northern Ireland Association of Chefs and Cooks, said: "You can't let six individuals run your organisation, but we would welcome any ex-members back. It's always up for discussion."

Leading the split, Gary Gamble, who was leader of the Northern Ireland Culinary Team for four years, said he was "very disappointed" that Northern Ireland would not be represented.

"I felt we had a medal-winning opportunity and owing to internal problems formed our own team. I hold no ill-feelings towards Peter, I understand his position."

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 3 - 9 February 2000