Sir, I wish to disagree wit Dr Sean Barrett in his letter January 2nd concerning the proposed reform of university government.
The issue for me is a simple one. Trinity College spends a large amount of taxpayers money and should be openly accountable for this expenditure. As a public educational establishment, it should also have a governing body which reflects Irish society.
The current proposals suggest that there should be only one ministerial nominee on the board, who should be appointed after consultation with the college. This is under representation of the Department of Education on a board of 23 members. Although two additional external members are proposed these will be chosen by the Provost.
Trinity College remains a highly conservative and liberal institution, as exemplified by recent correspondence from some members of the college. Recent changes have been largely cosmetic and designed to placate public opinion. I hope that politicians will not succumb to the pressure which is currently being applied by the college on this issue. Yours, etc., (Professor) FTCD, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin 2.