Speaking after news that plans to build the multi-million pound college were put on hold, the Mid Ulster assemblyman said the delay was the last thing needed.

Mr McGlone, the Chair of the Assembly’s Enterprise committee, said: “The news is certainly disappointing and creates a further delay; a delay which we can do without.

“This setback raises serious questions; in particular regarding how we arrived at a preferred bidder that is now not the preferred bidder.

“The programme team must now abide by its commitment to deliver the project and it is incumbent on the team to do what it can, without any further delay, to get the Desertcreat project off the ground and get people back to work.”