Talks over board's reinstatement

Caitríona Ruane is to be asked to reconvene the board

Politicians are to meet Education Minister Caitríona Ruane next week to see if a suspended education board can be reconvened.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board was suspended in July 2006 after failing to work within its budget.

Four government-appointed commissioners have run its affairs since then.

A rebellion against cutbacks was led by DUP members but now they are trying to convince the current minister to let the board get back to business.

However, ex-DUP politician Charlie Tosh said he would not return to a board governed by the Sinn Féin minister.

"I don't consider her to be a fit person to be in the government of Northern Ireland, apart from the fact that she is a resident of the Irish Republic," he said.

The meeting will take place next Tuesday.

All five of Northern Ireland's education boards are scheduled to be scrapped next April.