LIT head resigns in protest over FF chairman

THE director of Limerick Institute of Technology has resigned in protest over the appointment of a Fianna Fáil councillor as chairman of the college’s governing body.

Pat MacDonagh took leave last week after John Gallahue was installed in the position by Education Minister Noel Dempsey. Mr Gallahue, a member of Limerick County Council, is also a staff member at the Limerick IT.

The practice up to now in the IT sector has been for a non-staff member to be appointed to the governing body’s chair. However, legislation governing these colleges does not prevent the minister from placing somebody working at the college in the position.