Statement by Fermanagh TUV chairman Alex Elliott:
“Last week’s events in the Northern Ireland Assembly which scuppered attempts to save Enniskillen Collegiate will have long lasting consequences for the people of Co Fermanagh.
“The closure of any school is a sad event but the closure of the Collegiate would be particularly significance. It has a reputation for academic excellence which goes back many generations and holds a special place in the hearts of families across the country who, in many case, have seen numerous members of their family educated there.
“But what makes the situation all the more frustrating is the culpability of Unionists in the decision.
“The petition to refer the matter back to the executive was vetoed by Sinn Fein/IRA Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin last Tuesday. Those who voted to put McLaughlin in that role last Monday must carry some of the blame for his decision.
“The DUP – including local MLAs Mrs Foster and Lord Morrow – cannot vote for McLaughlin on Monday and then wash their hands of his decision to block attempts to save the Collegiate on Tuesday.
“But the matter doesn’t end there. It emerged on Wednesday that the UUP failed to say whether it was their opinion that the issue was a matter of public importance stating instead that it was an “open question” and legal advice should be sought!
“That the UUP bizarrely chose to give the Sinn Fein Speaker cover by, unlike the TUV, failing to state clearly and unambiguously that they believed that the future of the Collegiate is a matter of public importance.
“The sad truth is that the Collegiate, one of the best schools in Northern Ireland, has been scandalously 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.”