'There will be no forced merger' — campaign wins university pledge from First Minister
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 30.09.11
- Published online : 30.09.11 @ 11.01am
(Page 2 of 2)
He also signalled unease at the way Abertay University has been managed in recent months. He specifically referenced concerns about the suspension and subsequent retirement of former principal Professor Bernard King.
There have been concerns about the legal bill racked up by the university during the dispute and the retirement package given to Prof King, which included the library being named after him.
''It is entirely reasonable given the circumstances of the last year or so affecting Abertay and its governance for the university funding council to have concerns,'' the First Minister said.
''That would be a reasonable concern to have given the amount of money devoted to these things can have severe implications on the amount of money available for staff and students.
''I hope and believe that the response of both universities will be to demonstrate that they have a plan that will achieve efficiencies and value for money for the public purse in a way that they find compatible with their future.''
The Abertay spokesman said the university believes it can make a ''compelling academic and financial case'' for continuing as a ''dynamic and vibrant autonomous institution''.
Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesman Liam McArthur warned there is still a danger of a merger being forced on the two universities by the back door.
''Through the funding council and control of budgets, ministers can still leave institutions with no option but to bend to their will,'' Mr McArthur said.
Tory education spokeswoman Liz Smith pointed out: ''It is absolutely crucial that mergers are not forced on to universities. It is not for central government to dictate whether there is a merger or not.''
A Dundee University spokesman said they would not be commenting further on the matter until the court had considered its response to the SFC's letter.
01.49pm - 30.09.2011 RJ - Dundee, Scotland Report This
This is fantastic news! In the face of such a powerful campaign it's only right Salmond has come to his senses over the rediculous idea of a merger. Well done Abertay Union, well done Jenny Marra. It's just a shame Dundee City's SNP Council wouldn't defend Dundee in the same way!
02.24pm - 30.09.2011 Courage_against_fearmongering - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I would have thought that given the fact that no closure and no forced mergers were ever proposed or seriously considered, that this campaign, backed by Labour at their fearmongering worst, should not be branding this a "victory" at all.
03.56pm - 30.09.2011 Thomas D. - Dundee, Scotland Report This
The LD's Liam McArthur hits the nail on the head when he says this can still be done through the back door. I fear Salmond has relented temporarily, with one eye on next year's elections which says much for the open and transparent policy he promised for the People of Scotland.
03.59pm - 30.09.2011 Kev - Dundee, UK Report This
What was discussed when Robison and FitzPatrick met Mike Russell? Why wasn't Dundee's 3rd MSP, Marra, there?
04.08pm - 30.09.2011 A. Collins - DUNDER, Scotland, U.K. Report This
Speaking as a parent with a potential Abertay student in the future, I welcome this withdrawal by Alex Salmond. The report highlights a meeting education secretary Michael Russell had with Joe Fitzpatrick and Shona Robison. Lecturers, students and parents look forward to feedback.
04.29pm - 30.09.2011 Still Wary - NE Fife, UK Report This
I am curious that Alex Salmond should raise the subject of governance at Abertay - nothing more than an pathetic attempt to excuse his govt.s behaviour. If Alex Salmond had a problem with recent events to Abertay then why didn't he voice them before?
04.32pm - 30.09.2011 R. Smith - Dundee, UK Report This
Jenny Marra wouldn't be there because SNP strategy to find a way around this would have been discussed, and her Scottish Labour background would be an obvious fly in the ointment. But I agree that she should have been there.
06.07pm - 30.09.2011 Hersel - Dundee, Scotland Report This
This is just more of the same old scaremongering we keep getting fed which is so typical from the usual quarters. A campaign whipped up by Labour was totally uncalled for as Mike Russel made it clear in parliament there would be no forced mergers or closures . Jenny Marra was well aware of this as she was there and heard it first hand so why all the scare stories? She wouldn’t have been trying to make political capital out of it would she? Surely not?
06.23pm - 30.09.2011 Gerald H. - Fife, Scotland Report This
@ A. Collins Excuse my pedantry, but other staff group jobs are at risk too! I say at risk because I honestly believe this decision will be overturned some time in the future.
10.10pm - 30.09.2011 A Anderson - Fife, Scotland Report This
@ Kev, I agree whoeheartedly. The SNP government "will find a way" to bring this back to the table despite the fm apparently vowing not to.
Add a comment