Always a job for Harney

AFTER six years in retirement on her ministerial pension, Mary Harney is returning to public life as chancellor of the University of Limerick. The university’s new president, Dr Des Fitzgerald, will be delighted to welcome Ms Harney, pictured, whom he knew while she was Enterprise Minister, into the UL fold.

Ms Harney was an able politician who improved the health service in some respects, but she has no background in academia or fundraising. Her appointment shows how the golden circle still flourishes in this country and that while membership is selective and secret, the benefits are lifelong and generous.