In a rare intervention in the increasingly rancorous education debate, Mr Paisley joined critics of the beleaguered minister in questioning her much-vaunted proposals.

He said what was described as the most deadlocked meeting since devolution was restored a year ago was a sad day for Northern Ireland.

This morning Ms Ruane will face a stern examination from members of the education committee, many of whom have also been critical of her role in the long-running saga.

Yesterday, even notable supporters of Ms Ruane’s plan to abolish academic selection – including the SDLP and Alliance – claimed her proposals would disadvantage children from poor families.

Last night the minister remained defiant, blaming unspecified “colleagues” for the Executive debacle. She said the plans had not been discussed fully and vowed to press ahead, even if the Assembly rejects the submission.

Speaking on the BBC, she warned: “I will be continuing with my proposals. I am the minister of education that will bring about the change.

“I have always said I want to bring my proposals to the Executive and get the Assembly and Executive to agree them. I have also said that I am going to bring about the change that is badly needed.”

However, describing education as a matter of “vital importance”, Mr Paisley said: “The minister for education’s proposals, as currently framed, are totally unacceptable and do not form a basis for moving forward.

“As a result of the St Andrew’s negotiations we secured a legislative guarantee that academic selection can and will remain.

“The default position is clear — schools will be able to select on the basis of ability.”

He insisted: “We will not accept less.

“The education minister can make any suggestion she wants to, however it will not come into force unless she has the support of the DUP and the endorsement of the Executive.”

Revealing details of the showdown in Cabinet, Mr Paisley said: “We supported a proposal for a sub-committee of the Executive to deal with this – that was rejected by Sinn Fein.

“We supported a proposal by Margaret Ritchie that the Executive as a whole should discuss the issue of post-primary education, but that also was rejected by Sinn Fein.

“This is an entirely unacceptable position by Sinn Fein.”

Ulster Unionist education committee member Basil McCrea said he and colleagues were keen to hear answers today about how Ms Ruane intends to proceed without the Assembly’s backing.

“However, what usually happens is that she answers everything in Irish and English, meaning we run out of time.