Threat to walk out at University of Limerick meeting to elect a chancellor
THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick has been plunged into a “governance crisis” after failing to elect a chancellor.
A number of those at the vote threatened to walk out if the matter was put to a second vote, the Limerick Leader has learned.
A meeting of the new UL Governing Authority met on Sunday evening to elect a new chancellor after the outgoing chancellor, Mary Harney’s tenure concluded on September 30.
According to the Universities Act, 1997, a chancellor must be elected at the first meeting of a new governing authority.
The role of chancellor is a pivotal one. He or she serves as the chairperson of UL’s Governing Authority and presides over meetings of the authority. They play a crucial role in setting the ethical tone and in establishing and maintaining strong corporate governance.
“This is nothing short of a governance crisis,” said a source with knowledge of the voting process.
The person proposed to be the next chancellor of UL by a selection committee of the previous governing authority was Rose Hynes, former chair of the Shannon Group.
The Universities Act requires that any candidate for the role of chancellor must secure a two thirds majority in order to be elected. The governing authority may have as many as 19 members, but one seat is presently vacant and awaiting an appointment by Minister Simon Harris, meaning it has 18 members.
In the case of Ms Hynes' appointment, she would have required 12 or more votes from the 18 member governing authority. It is understood that Ms Hynes received 11 votes, with 7 against.
It is understood the vote is not a reflection on Ms Hynes but is a "protest vote".
"The reason this has happened is simple. Governance in UL has been poor for years now. Some people on the governing authority are frustrated with scandal after scandal bringing the name of UL into disrepute," said a source.
As the first meeting of the new governing authority cannot conclude until a chancellor has been appointed, the meeting is understood to have been "adjourned".
"We simply do not know what will happen next," said the source.
When contacted by the Leader in relation to the meeting, a UL spokesperson confirmed the first meeting of the new UL Governing Authority has been adjourned.
“The role of the governing authority is to ensure that the university executive functions in a way that is in keeping with the mission, direction and priorities set for the university.
“UL’s new governing authority is made up of 19 members, as per the new legislation. A number of new internal and external members have been appointed to the new governing authority.
“It is a matter for the governing authority to appoint a new chancellor for the university. That process is continuing, and the first meeting has been adjourned. An interim chair is in place until the appointment process has concluded,” said the UL spokesperson.