Health forces university president to step down

THE president of the University of Limerick Professor Roger Downer has decided to step down from his post on health grounds. He made the announcement at a meeting of the UL governing authority yesterday.

Belfast-born, Dr Downer succeeded Dr Ed Walsh eight years ago.

The Mayor of Limerick Diarmuid Scully last night led tributes to Prof Downer. Mr Scully said: “He managed to continue the huge dynamic progress at UL initiated by Dr Ed Walsh and brought a wealth of experience and knowledge which will be a lasting tribute to his work at UL.”