UL governing authority member resigns in bid to break impasse over election of new chancellor

University of Limerick’s governing authority is to consider a new contender for chancellor of the institution shortly to replace former tánaiste Mary Harney whose term expired last month.

Earlier this month, the governing authority failed to reach a two-thirds majority needed among members to ratify the candidacy of the university’s current deputy chancellor, Rose Hynes.

Ms Hynes, who chairs the Irish Aviation Authority and has extensive corporate governance experience, has resigned from the governing authority to make way for a new candidate, according to informed sources.

Under the new Higher Education Act (2022), a new governing authority must elect an external member of the 19-person authority as chancellor by a majority vote of not less than two-thirds of the authority’s membership.

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It is likely Ms Hynes’ replacement on the board will be the next candidate as chancellor.

A spokesman for UL declined to comment except to say that the process of appointing a new chancellor was ongoing and an interim chairperson was in place.

It is understood that tensions arose among internal members of the governing authority over leadership of the university and questions about whether staff concerns were being adequately addressed.

“Hynes is a fine candidate with plenty of experience. Some regarded her as too close to the president, so she got caught in the crossfire,” said one informed source.

Another said progress was being made this week and there was likely to be a new candidate soon.

“There has been tension, but there is positive progress and I think everyone is keen to resolve it at this stage,” said another.

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The chancellor’s role is unpaid, although expenses are payable. There is some concern that controversy over the appointment may dissuade high-calibre candidates from taking on the role.

The circumstances surrounding the appointment were debated in the Seanad last week when Senator Timmy Dooley said he was worried at the prospect that “behind-the-scenes lobbying, cajoling and jostling will be deployed” in the election process.

There is one vacancy on the 19-member board for a ministerial nominee. This position must be filled via the Public Appointments Service process, which is likely to take some time, however.

Sources close to Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said the Minister had no role in this process and was legally prohibited from intervening.