Arlene Foster
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster had stood by comments made regarding what she perceived as the ‘shambolic’ handling of the transfer of pupils from Lisnaskea High School to Devenish College by the Western Education and Library Board.
“I am disappointed but not surprised that the WELB meeting on 12th September spent time discussing me rather than the woefully inadequate way in which they dealt with young people in Lisnaskea High School.
“I stand by my statement as it is supported by the numerous young people and their parents who contacted me or my office in Enniskillen.”
She continued: “As for not consulting the Board before I wrote the letter, I have been in constant contact with the Board since the announcement was made in January of the intention to close the school. Councillor Irvine would do well to check his facts on that score. Also councillor Irvine represents a part of Fermanagh which has been deeply affected by this closure and I am surprised at his attempts to minimise the impact it has had. It seems Councillor Irvine’s first loyalty lies with the WELB rather than his constituents.
“As for Sinn Fein’s Ann Brolly who seconded the motion to write to me I’ll not be taking any lectures from a Sinn Fein councillor from Limavady about children in my constituency, and I certainly won’t take lessons from Sinn Fein about half truths.
“Finally I wonder how long the Board spent discussing the new school for Devenish college in Enniskillen at their meeting on 12th September? For me that should have been their focus and their priority rather than attacking on an elected representative who is doing her job by representing her electorate.”
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