The Northern Ireland Education minister, Sinn Féin’s Caitríona Ruane, wasn’t in the studio on Stormont Live today, and after Sunday’s Politics Show that was probably a wise move, but she was, via an OB link, understandably keen to talk about the education budget announced today.. but the ongoing discussion on post-primary education hasn’t gone away. Her response to Jim Fitzpatrick’s question on whether there was budgetary provision for any reforms in that sector is notable for its focus on the transfer of pupils.. and the absence of any mention of costs associated with area based planning. Responding to the Finance minister’s comments in the Assembly yesterday, the Education minister, whilst declining to discuss “confidential Executive business”, accuses Peter Robinson of “playing politics with education” and declares that she “will not be bullied by Peter Robinson or any other minister”. Mark Devenport makes some sharp points at the end of the clip on consensus through an Executive sub-Committee.. and notes that, regardless of how the discussions Mick mentioned might develop, any proposals will have to go to the Assembly eventually. [Thanks, as always, to Typhoo]
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