section_path: Political career (1973–2011)/Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (1993 to 1997)
section_name: Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (1993 to 1997)
paragraph_text: Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (1993 to 1997)
  
  When the Fianna Fáil–Labour coalition came into office in 1993 under Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, Higgins, who had long challenged every Labour leader and opposed coalition arrangements, was appointed Ireland’s first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Although some accused him of compromising his principles, Higgins argued that Fianna Fáil, unlike Fine Gael, was a party rooted in "na gnáth-daoine" (the ordinary people). Higgins felt comfortable with Fianna Fáil’s self-declared left-of-centre stance and their republican ideals.
  
  During his period as minister re-established the Irish Film Board and set up the Irish language television station, Teilifís na Gaeilge (later renamed TG4). Higgins also repealled Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act, which had banned Sinn Féin from appearing on Irish media. This decision allowed Sinn Féin voices on air months before the Provisional IRA began a ceasefire in 1994, and it drew attention even in UK government circles. Tánaiste Dick Spring defended Higgins's decision, citing civil liberties concerns and pointing to Sinn Féin’s low public support in the Republic. He also suggested that media exposure would subject Sinn Féin policies to greater scrutiny.
  
  Higgins' stint as Minister also saw him initiate a network of local arts venues and community cultural centres across Ireland. In addition, his department spearheaded a major inland waterways restoration program. Under this policy, Ireland’s canal network was extensively rehabilitated: over 1,000 km of waterways were made navigable, creating jobs and tourism revenue in rural areas.