Coalition backs McSweeney as move sparks anger

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern and Tánaiste Mary Harney came to the defence of ousted Government chief science adviser Barry McSweeney yesterday amid mounting criticism of the decision to move him sideways to a new position.

Mr McSweeney, who obtained a PhD from a notorious degree mill in California, is to be moved sideways to a job as a research coordinator in the Department of Communications following five weeks of controversy over his qualifications.

However, Ms Harney conceded Mr McSweeney’s use of the title ‘Dr’ had brought his office into disrepute.