Representatives of Stranmillis University College have been advised to find an alternative to a merger with Queen's University "rather than flog a dead horse".

BBC: MLAs criticise Stranmillis merger plans

Mr Farry informed MLAs there was not sufficient support within the assembly to pass the legislation required to merge Stranmillis University College and Queen's University Belfast.

BBC: Northern Ireland Assembly

The SDLP's Pat Ramsey was concerned that the minister might be deploying "social engineering" to achieve his aims regarding both Stranmillis and St Mary's University College, the Belfast-based Catholic teacher training college.

BBC: Employment and learning committee