An insider's guide to education:It was all sweetness and light when new UCC boss Michael Murphy hosted the other university presidents at the regular meeting of the Irish University Association in Cork last week. Or so we are told.
But below the surface that bitter row about medical education is continuing to simmer. The University of Limerick has run off with the prize - a new graduate medical school - leaving those with existing medical schools - UCD, UCC, Trinity and NUI Galway - nursing open wounds.
The four aggrieved presidents who made the unsuccessful joint bid for postgraduate places held a robust meeting with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in Dublin last week. And their humour has not improved.
Even the most diplomatic of sources tell us there was a "robust" exchange of views as the college presidents outlined their grievance. They said they were being punished for collaborating - even though the Government had encouraged this spirit of cooperation among third-level colleges.
But the HEA gave no quarter, saying the decision in favour of UL was made by an international group of experts.
The issue now is whether the four colleges will have to abandon their joint submission - and make separate bids for the remaining graduate places.
•One of the most influential figures in Irish education is to leave her post shortly. Fionnuala Kilfeather, (right) chief executive of the National Parents Council - primary (NPC), is retiring after 15 years to work as a consultant on education matters.
Kilfeather has made a huge contribution during this time. She has been an articulate and often challenging voice on behalf of parents. She has also been to the fore in pushing through curriculum changes through her work with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. She was also a notable supporter of the INTO campaign on class size. She spoke out bravely in support of greater accountability in schools at a time when others stayed quiet. Her contribution will be greatly missed.
•Another departure. Colm Kenny, communications officer at NUI Maynooth - and the RTÉ broadcaster - is moving on. Kenny has helped transform the image of Maynooth. It is now seen as one of the most successful and dynamic third-level institutions in the State.
Got any education gossip? E-mail us, in confidence, at teacherspet@irish-times.ie
