Ulster Unionist Omagh Town Councillor Ross Hussey has said that it is an “unfortunate start to 2010 that we are still at square one when it comes to education”.

“For over two years the Minister for Education has forced her ideology on our education system, steamrolling over anyone who dares to get in her way.

“Ms Ruane’s victims are every parent, teacher and child who has had to go through at least three entrance exams this autumn and winter.

“Heaped on top of this is the debacle of the proposed Education and Skills Authority. We now face further chaos as the Minister will reduce the size of the existing Education and Library Boards by half and, without any legal standing, will appoint the chairperson-designate of the ESA to performance manage the Boards and facilitate them towards convergence.

“It is all too clear that the DUP has been largely powerless when it has come to the Minister, who herself pays no attention to public opinion, media or indeed educationalists.

“Having witnessed the first sign of dissent within Sinn Fein ranks late last year, we can only hope that Gerry Adams’ New Year’s resolution for 2010 will be to do something about Caitriona.”