Government science adviser resists calls to step down

EMBATTLED Government chief science adviser Dr Barry McSweeney is continuing to resist calls for his resignation in advance of another meeting with Enterprise Minister Micheal Martin this week.

As the controversy over a dubious PhD received by Dr McSweeney from a notorious US degree mill continues, the Government is increasingly anxious to limit any damage the affair is having on Ireland’s reputation among the worldwide scientific community.

Concern over this has already been expressed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Mary Harney and Minister Martin who has met with Dr McSweeney twice in recent weeks.

Leading academics including Science Council chairman Professor Ed Walsh have said the controversy is in danger of becoming “an embarrassing setback” to Ireland.

However, despite more than a month of criticism from senior academics at home and abroad, Dr McSweeney continues to defend his credentials.

Although he has declined to respond to repeated Irish Examiner questions, Dr McSweeney told RTÉ at the weekend that he was proud of his PhD and he had “no inkling” there were any problems with the institution that awarded it, Pacific Western University.

He also disputed views expressed by Professor Walsh that the holder of the office of chief science adviser was an “iconic figure” whose credentials had to remain above reproach.

“I am not an icon of science. I am not the chief scientist. I am the chief science adviser who was appointed because I can get things managed. I am a manager and a strategist and yes I have an adequate science background,” he said.

But Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said it was paramount Ireland maintained a credible image in the scientific community.

Tánaiste Mary Harney has also said the matter is a “very serious issue” for the reputation of Ireland.

Dr McSweeney has already met with Minister Martin twice and provided several documents and publications which are currently being assessed.

Dr McSweeney described the meetings as a “constructive dialogue” while Minister Martin has described them as “due process”.

A further meeting is expected today or tomorrow as both sides anticipate a conclusion to the matter in the coming days.