A suspended secondary school principal has alleged before the High Court that he is a victim of a vendetta by a small number of staff members.
Eric Gaughran, Quinsboro, Monasterevin, Co Kildare, was suspended as principal of Mountmellick Community School, Co Laois, on June 21st, after the school’s board of management received a report into an allegation he bullied a member of staff. He was suspended on full pay after a board meeting on June 21st and a disciplinary meeting requiring his attendance was due to take place on September 20th.
Mr Gaughran claims his suspension is disproportionate and unlawful. His counsel Roddy Horan SC this week secured leave from Mr Justice Michael Peart to take judicial review proceedings against the board aimed at preventing the September 20th meeting. A stay was placed on that meeting.