WIT board refuses to extend term of president [IrishTimes]
- Published: 13 May 2011
THE BOARD of Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has refused to extend the term of its president Prof Kieran Byrne, amid growing controversy about expenses claimed by his office.
The move came after interventions from Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn and chief executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Tom Boland. While neither can intervene directly in the appointments process, both signalled that Prof Byrne’s position had become untenable.
Yesterday’s unanimous decision by the board could be legally challenged by Prof Byrne whose 10- year term as president expires today. Earlier this year, he was nominated by a selection committee for a further term of office but the board refused to confirm the appointment at its meeting yesterday.
The €156,000-per-year post as president will be re-advertised and an interim president appointed.
In recent days, pressure has been exerted on Prof Byrne to withdraw his application for an extension after the revelations about the expenses incurred by his office. Sources say senior education figures asked him to reflect on his position at personal meetings and in phone conversations this week, but he refused to step down.
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