Paul Maskey MP welcomes Executive backing for St Mary’s College

Sinn Fein

MaskeySinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has welcomed the decision to restore funding from St Mary’s and Stranmillis teaching training colleges.
The West Belfast MP said;
“This the right decision. There has been a tremendous campaign mounted since the removal of ‘premia’ funding from St Mary’s College and Stranmillis was first proposed by the DEL Minister.
I would like to acknowledge the support of Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson who brought this issue into the Executive.
I would also thank all those people who campaigned so vigorously to save St Mary’s, those who signed petitions and those who took part in protests in support of the college.
There was widespread support in the community of West Belfast for St Mary’s, from students, local businesses, the Mairead Farrell Republican Youth and the trade unions.
St Mary’s College is a first-class facility with 1,000 students and 160 staff.
My hope is that it can now continue to offer a first-class education for years to come and be an economic driver for West Belfast.”