Madam, - In 1985 I spent a summer as an intern in the biotechnology unit of the National Board of Science and Technology (NBST) and in 1998 I worked as a research associate in the Galway unit of the newly formed BioResearch Ireland. In both experiences I saw at first hand the innovative and dynamic contribution that Barry McSweeney made to Irish industrial science.
He is a uniquely talented individual who successfully cut through the bureaucratic treacle of industrial scientific policy to conceive and implement a modern, progressive, market-driven organisation that made a real contribution to scientific excellence and job creation.
I ask his political - and particularly his academic - critics to reflect on the contribution they have made and are currently making to industrial scientific advancement in Ireland. I am sure to a person that they would fall short of the McSweeney benchmark.
This shameful debacle is driven by two fundamental character flaws: politicians' willingness to score at any cost and academics' belief that their qualifications in themselves are of value to society. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL PHELAN, MSc, MBA, Carysfort Grove, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Madam, - May I offer my congratulations to Dr Barry McSweeney in his new post as research co-ordinator for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources? I am sure he will be an unqualified success. - Yours, etc,
JAMES FITZGERALD, Ballinruane, Kilmeedy, Co Limerick.