If you can believe the ads, UL students and staff can look forward to a new president who is a good listener, boasts a sense of humour and who is committed to educating the whole person.

So says the appointment analysis prepared by London-based recruitment company Saxton Bampfylde International, which is assisting the UL board to find a successor to Dr Ed Walsh. The name of UL's new president should be known by the end of April. The job was advertised two weeks ago and the closing date for applications is Friday, February 6th. UL's interview and appointment committee plans to interview a final selection of candidates in early April.

Obviously the successful candidate will need a good academic track record and management skills. UL's next president must also be a good listener, be committed to a consensual style of management and have the ability to represent the university and act and argue for it at the highest levels. Fund-raising skills are vital. The university is looking for a president who is committed to educating the whole person and who can empathise with all UL's branches of scholarship. Importantly, the new president must possess "not only great stamina but a sense of humour", according to the job spec.