"There is little doubt that Jimmy being willing to take on the role for the rest of the season is a positive one as it will allow the board time to make a valued assessment of the situation and not be forced into making a quick and hastydecision on a new manager, " it stated.
Mr Mallon said Ulster Secretary Peter Mandelson had made a "faulty judgement" and a"hasty decision" when he suspended the 10-week old power-sharing Executive last month.
David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations, said the decision to get rid of the targets was "a hasty and damaging move, which has already seen plans for over 180, 000 homes scrapped".