DEAR MADAM, - I was intrigued to read a reply to my letter in your paper from DUP Councillor David Mahon. By the tone of the letter, it seems I have touched a raw nerve with the DUP Press Office.

I think it is important that we challenge and critique our local politicians and parties, as we, the electorate, are those you put them in their jobs. However, the reply from Councillor Mahon, brings forward the old notion of the DUP attacking other Unionist parties because of the DUP’s own shortfalls.

The DUP like to trumpet their position as the largest Unionist party, and the only Unionist party who can deliver for Unionists. So, it strikes me as unusual, that a party with such strength in the Assembly, where decisions are made, to attack other Unionist parties for their ‘inaction’. In a DUP manifesto in 2005, the DUP stated, ‘a vote for the DUP in this election is a vote to oppose the destruction of our Grammar Schools.’ It seems that the DUP have failed to live up to this, as well as many other pledges.

I support the Collegiate in its action to remain in its current position, but it strikes me as hypocritical of the DUP trying to shift the blame onto others. As someone looking in from the outside, it seems the DUP have the influence to challenge and overturn the decision taken by the Education Minister. However, to me, shifting the blame, to other parties is a ploy to transfer attention away from the DUP’s inability to utilise their influence.

Yours faithfully, A Supporter of all Schools (including Lisnaskea High School)