Caitriona Ruane - "an abuse of power"

[Trout]

How has this clown lasted as long?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-12861336

A decision by the Education Minister not to fund a £15m new school for Loreto Grammar in Omagh was "an abuse of power", the High Court has ruled.
Mr Justice McCloskey held that an unjustifiable breach of trust had occurred in the case involving the school's bid for a new building on its existing site.
A new premises was promised by a previous education minister in 2004.
However, this decision was reversed by Catriona Ruane.
The minister said the school would instead be re-built as part of a multi-school complex at Omagh's former Lisanelly Army camp.
Justice McCloskey delivered his assessment on Friday as Loreto Grammar won its judicial review over the alleged reneging by Ms Ruane and her department officials on a commitment for funding.
He said: "In my view, the unfairness to the governors and those whom they represent is profound and palpable."
The case centred on £14.6m of investment the school believed it was promised in 2004 through a public private partnership (PPP) for a new build.
It was announced by the then direct-rule minister Barry Gardiner as part of a major expansion plan for schools across Northern Ireland.
Since then, however, proposals have been advanced for a shared education campus on the site of the old Lisanelly military barracks.
'Frustrated'
Last summer, Loreto was included in eight schools rejected for new building plans for non-compliance with policy.
Lawyers for the department argued in court that no final decision had been taken on the proposed construction.
But Justice McCloskey concluded that the conduct, delay and inactivity of the minister and department officials frustrated the legitimate expectation of the governors that a new Loreto Grammar School, financed by public funding, would be built on the existing site by 2010 at the latest.
"An unjustifiable breach of trust has occurred," the judge said.
He further found that no proper consideration was given to the governors' expectations when the relevant ministerial decisions were made.
The judge said: "I consider that the careful, thoughtful and conscientious consideration which was required of the minister and departmental officials concerned was manifestly absent and has not been demonstrated."
He also indicated his intention to quash a decision that Loreto's proposed building project was non-compliant with the Sustainable Schools Policy criteria.
Outside the court Grainne O'Hanlon, principal of Loreto Grammar, said the school's trustees and board of governors were relieved that the case was over.
"This has been carried out in an exhaustive, comprehensive and fair manner to their satisfaction," she added.
A Department of Education spokesperson said: "The minister is aware of the judgement delivered on this matter. She will be studying it closely with her officials."
A further hearing to decide costs and how to finalise the terms of his ruling will take place next month.

 

[Gaffer]

I wonder what this Justice boyo's politics are.

Anti Sinn Fein I would guess

[Trout]

I wonder what this Justice boyo's politics are.

Anti Sinn Fein I would guess

That will be one angle that the Shinner fanboys on here will go with. Even the stanchest Shinner would have to admit she has been a total disaster. Why do ministers not get sacked here?

[Tony Baloney]

I wonder what this Justice boyo's politics are.

Anti Sinn Fein I would guess

Yes because he ruled in the favour of Loreto College he must be anti-SF. Good man.

[Gaffer]

I wonder what this Justice boyo's politics are.

Anti Sinn Fein I would guess

Yes because he ruled in the favour of Loreto College he must be anti-SF. Good man.

Anything that annoys Sinn Fein is enough for some people. Good Man yerself!

[hsthompson]

Do you think she was changing policy in return for sexual favours too?

[Main Street]

The dwindling subvention blues. The brits don't love you anymore.

Judging by much of the content here from Nordies, the state education process does need some serious revision.

[armaghniac]

Anti Sinn Fein I would guess

Presumably if Ruane ruled against Loreto then she is anti- Catholic?

[Ulick]

The case centred on £14.6m of investment the school believed it was promised in 2004 through a public private partnership (PPP) for a new build.
It was announced by the then direct-rule minister Barry Gardiner as part of a major expansion plan for schools across Northern Ireland.
Since then, however, proposals have been advanced for a shared education campus on the site of the old Lisanelly military barracks.

Can't please some people.

[pintsofguinness]

So the building of a new catholic grammar was stopped to fund a mixed school?
I think that would be a good thing.

[ziggysego]

So the building of a new catholic grammar was stopped to fund a mixed school?
I think that would be a good thing.

Not exactly a mixed school. Separate schools on the same site, sharing certain amenities, such has a top of the range Gym or Science Lab.

[mayogodhelpus@gmail.com]

Bit of a hard one to figure out here. Well on on the anti-side of the argument she is a Shinner but on the other she is a Mayo woman. Both make good cases. 

[Ulick]

Hmmm... let's see now.

1. A new school built through PPP with millions of £s being paid to a private developer over and above the original investment for 15 or 20 years

or

2. A new school build on some free land vacated by the Brits incorporating top class facilities which can be shared with other schools.

The judge thinks it's "not fair" that we don't build the gammar the fancy new school on the site they want! f**king p***k, who's money does he think he is spending here? If Loreto think it's "not fair" then let them ask the parents to stump up £15m plus the developers annual fee.

[Aaron Boone]

Who'd be a headmaster in Omagh with all of this going on?

[sammymaguire]

Teachers get it wild handy anyway