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.