After 10 challenging years, the president of Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Dr Brendan Goldsmith is also preparing to bow out. Goldsmith, a mathematician, spent many of those years fire fighting, as the college became engulfed in several industrial relations rows.

DIT, the largest college in the State in terms of numbers, attempted to become a university during the Goldsmith era, but this was rejected by a Government committee.

Its critics like to snidely describe DIT as a "jumped-up tech", but the college has developed an impressive niche in several areas, particularly business, the media, tourism, architecture, engineering and art and design.

However, DIT faces several challenges going forward. The fight to become a university goes on and the new president needs to be someone who can convince the politicians of the college's case. A political operator with the ability to glad-hand people might fit the bill.

It also needs to be someone who can make sure the college's finances are kept on an even keel. Finally, the candidate needs to be someone with serious academic credentials. DIT can hardly have a lightweight (in academic terms) president at a time when it is trying to become a university.

Among those spoken of as successors to Goldsmith are Dr Ellen Hazelcorn, the dean of applied arts. Michael Mulvey, of the tourism and food department, is also regarded as a serious contender. Paul O'Sullivan of the business department would also be expected to mount a strong challenge.

However, an outsider could also manage to steal the prize. "A heavy hitter from one of the universities would help to boost DIT's status, so that option may be tempting," said one source.

The salary of over €160,000 looks appealing, but is relatively modest for a top job in the third-level sector.