UCC governors vote to retain Wrixon

UNIVERSITY College Cork’s governing body has approved changes to internal statutes to allow Professor Gerry Wrixon continue his presidency for another four years after he reaches normal retirement age in May.

The decision was taken despite two-thirds support from the academic council less than a fortnight ago for a motion urging the governing body not to take the step.

The normal term of office for the UCC presidency is 10 years but Prof Wrixon was 58 when he assumed the role in 1999 and would otherwise have to retire on his 65th birthday in two months’ time.