Sinn Féin is urging the Employment and Learning Minister to change his mind over his decision not to process with the Magee college expansion.

Minister Stephen Farry has been accused of "announcing unilateral decisions on the airwaves and is playing politics with vital issues".

Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin said: "The expansion of Magee college is crucial for the regeneration of Derry. All voices in the city are united in calling for the expansion of the university.

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"It is a key component of the One Plan and, as such, a Programme for Government commitment agreed by the Executive. It is totally wrong to use the proposed Tory-led welfare cuts as an excuse to block the expansion of Magee.

"The cap on student numbers at Magee must be lifted and the minister must withdraw these comments and work with the University of Ulster and all stakeholders in Derry to deliver the expansion of Magee."

(CD/JP)