Menu
17/10/2002
McGuinness meets NIO minister to discuss scrapping 11-plus
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has met the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) minister in charge of education following the suspension of the local executive on Monday.
As the former Minister for Education, Mr McGuinness met Jane Kennedy today to appeal for his decision to scrap the 11-plus transfer test be upheld.
Mr McGuinness announced his decision to scrap the test just three days before the suspension of devolution. However, the proposed move has been criticised by grammar schools and the two main unionist parties.
Ulster Unionist education committee member Ken Robinson said the former Education Minister's move was an act of "political opportunism and educational folly," while DUP assembly member Sammy Wilson, a former teacher himself, also accused the minister of ignoring the results of the survey which had indicated that the public wanted the transfer test kept.
But this claim was refuted by Mr McGuinness who said there was overwhelming support from the public for the abolition of the test.
Mr McGuinness' decision to meet Ms Kennedy follows the suspension of institutions on Monday.
(MB)
As the former Minister for Education, Mr McGuinness met Jane Kennedy today to appeal for his decision to scrap the 11-plus transfer test be upheld.
Mr McGuinness announced his decision to scrap the test just three days before the suspension of devolution. However, the proposed move has been criticised by grammar schools and the two main unionist parties.
Ulster Unionist education committee member Ken Robinson said the former Education Minister's move was an act of "political opportunism and educational folly," while DUP assembly member Sammy Wilson, a former teacher himself, also accused the minister of ignoring the results of the survey which had indicated that the public wanted the transfer test kept.
But this claim was refuted by Mr McGuinness who said there was overwhelming support from the public for the abolition of the test.
Mr McGuinness' decision to meet Ms Kennedy follows the suspension of institutions on Monday.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2002
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
24 January 2020
P7 Pupils To Receive Entrance Test Results
The Education Minister has sent his best wishes to primary school pupils awaiting entrance test results this weekend. Official marks for CEA's AQE and the GL PPTC Assessment will be published on Saturday morning, 25 January, arriving at children's homes that morning.
P7 Pupils To Receive Entrance Test Results
The Education Minister has sent his best wishes to primary school pupils awaiting entrance test results this weekend. Official marks for CEA's AQE and the GL PPTC Assessment will be published on Saturday morning, 25 January, arriving at children's homes that morning.
13 May 2016
Foster And McGuinness Reappointed As First Minister And Deputy First Minister
Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness have officially been reappointed as Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister. Arlene Foster said: "I am deeply humbled to have affirmed the pledge of office and to return to Stormont as Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
Foster And McGuinness Reappointed As First Minister And Deputy First Minister
Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness have officially been reappointed as Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister. Arlene Foster said: "I am deeply humbled to have affirmed the pledge of office and to return to Stormont as Northern Ireland’s First Minister.
22 March 2017
Book of Condolence In Memory Of Martin McGuinness Opens At Guildhall
A Book of Condolence has opened at the Guildhall in L'Derry in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness died following a short illness on Tuesday, 21 March.
Book of Condolence In Memory Of Martin McGuinness Opens At Guildhall
A Book of Condolence has opened at the Guildhall in L'Derry in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness died following a short illness on Tuesday, 21 March.
18 October 2010
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
Politicians Help 'Kick Hate Into Touch'
An innovative campaign, the 'Unite Against Hate' sporting weekend has been launched. Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and his Junior Minister Gerry Kelly (pictured) joined forces to support the campaign which highlights all forms of hate crime and challenges people here to unite to stop it.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
