University governance system ‘needs change’

UNIVERSITIES are being hindered in making reforms because of internal rows between members of governing authorities, a former president of University of Limerick said yesterday.

In what appeared to be a lightly veiled reference to challenges to the policies of University College Cork president Professor Gerry Wrixon from some of his own academics, Dr Edward Walsh said many presidents of Irish universities have very difficult jobs.

He said they have to divert a great deal of time and effort attempting to secure the right outcome through the governance structure.