Commenting on the announcement by the Executive which will see both St Mary’s and Stranmillis preserved TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“Having long argued for the preservation of Stranmillis I welcome the announcement. However, there remains a question over the long-term future of the college. The lack of voices from within the board of governors of Stranmillis speaking out in defense of its future was telling. For a number of years now I have been aware of concerns within Stranmillis that the case for their survival was not being articulated clearly. That situation too must be addressed.
“As welcome as the news is I am sure there will be many, particularly in Fermangh, who will contrast the fate of our teacher training colleges with that of Enniskillen Collegiate. The campaign to save the Collegiate was as passionate as any to save St Mary’s and yet it has been earmarked for closure by the Minister. Attempts to save it were sunk by Sinn Fein/IRA Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin just days after he had been elevated to office by the votes of DUP MLAs.
“As good as the news is, it only serves to underscore how badly the Collegiate, one of the most prestigious schools in Northern Ireland, was failed by politicians. This is an issue which will have consequences for generations in Fermanagh with those who choose not to educate their children in the Catholic Maintained sector. The role of Unionist politicians will not be easily forgotten or forgiven.”