Dr Ruth Curtis: vice-president for development and external affairs; a chartered psychologist; described as an extremely effective networker and bridge builder.
Prof Jim Ward: vice-president for human and physical resources; also professor of marketing - marketing skills could be of use.
Prof Iognaid O Muircheartaigh: registrar and professor of mathematics; very popular with students - approachable and has the "common touch".
Prof James Browne: dean of engineering; described as an interesting candidate with excellent links with industry.
Prof Frank Gannon: "a brilliant biochemist"; formerly head of the National Diagnostic Centre at NUI Galway, now executive secretary of the German-based European Molecular Biology Organisation; speaks fluent French, Irish and (probably by now) German.