Mr Allister said: “I have been in correspondence with Sir Reg Empey as DEL Minister on the future of Stranmillis College because I am not convinced this proposed merger is in the best interests of Stranmillis and because though it is supposed to only be a proposal in principle to merge, the college authorities are pushing ahead as if it is a done deal.

“While both St Mary’s College and Stranmillis have suffered falling enrolment, the fact that only Stranmillis has been targeted for merger with Queen’s University causes me to wonder why?

“If it is possible to contemplate alternative plans to secure the independent future of St Mary’s, why is Stranmillis being treated differently?

“In looking at the future of Stranmillis, what consideration was given to cooperation or linkage with Ulster University?

“Moreover, surely greater collaboration, short of merger, with either university would have been options.”

A DEL spokesman said the merger had only been agreed in principle.

“It is not for this department to pre-empt any such consideration and it is not the policy of the department to ‘target’ Stranmillis University College or any other such institution for merger.

“Before any merger can proceed, a fully costed economic appraisal, prepared in accordance with Treasury Green Book standards, must be developed by the college.”