The race for the job of provost of TCD is getting under way, with the current incumbent, Dr Tom Mitchell, due to step down in August. Even before last week's announcement of the election date, March 10th, lobbying by prospective candidates and their supporters had already begun, college sources say. Candidates have yet to declare themselves officially. However, the most hotly tipped names for the post include the dean of research, Dr John Hegarty; professor of genetics, Dr David McConnell; professor of gerontology, Dr Davis Coakley; and professor of economics, Dr Frances Ruane.
As yet, no one with a background in arts has been mentioned in connection with the job, which offers a 10-years term of office and occupancy of a stunning 18thcentury house at the bottom of Grafton Street. Unlike the situation in the other universities, the provost of TCD is an elected position. In order to stand for election, candidates must be nominated by 12 members of the college's electoral role. These include all fellows, professors, associate professors and senior lecturers of the college - and full-time lecturers who have been in post for at least a year. Up to 12 student representatives on the board of the college and the university council, along with staff representatives, elected to the board, also have a vote.
The closing date for nominations is four weeks before the date of the election. Choosing a new provost is a lengthy enough process - a bit like electing a Pope. Staff gather in the Exam Hall at the appointed hour. Ballot papers are handed around and electors place a tick against the name of their preferred candidate. The papers are collected and the votes counted. The person with the fewest votes is eliminated and the process starts over again, with candidates being eliminated until a single candidate emerges. Last time round, Tom Mitchell's name was forwarded to the Government for ratification. (In the past, the British sovereign formally appointed the provost). If TCD's private legislation is signed by President McAleese before the election, which is likely, it will no longer be necessary to refer the appointment to the Government.
The election is open to outsiders provided they can drum up sufficient nomination support. Last time, two outsiders stood for election, according to sources. However, since it is an election rather than a selection process, it is believed that it would be difficult for a non-staff member to secure enough votes to win. TCD has enjoyed enormous expansion over the last 10 years. It has moved beyond its "island" site in the centre of Dublin, down Pearse Street and across to Foster Place. The student population has grown from 9,000 to 11,500 and staff increases have been significant.
The new provost faces the task of completing the college's current £150 million capital development programme. He or she will also have to make decisions about future growth: should the college continue its expansion or should it opt to remain static?
