What are the necessary
qualifications for the job of chief
archaeologist?
Madam, - It was very kind of the Minister for the
Environment to explain that academic awards should not be
the only or main criterion on which appointments such as
that of Chief Archaeologist are made (December 8th.).
For those of us working outside the rarefied atmosphere
of Government Buildings, however, his remarks are
somewhat confusing. He represents a Government which
recently removed its chief scientific adviser on the
basis that his postgraduate qualifications were
inadequate, even though everybody agreed he had extensive
and admired experience in the field.
As a lecturer himself, perhaps the Minister could take
yet more time out of his busy schedule and explain to the
ignorant among us: what are the necessary qualifications
for the job of chief archaeologist?
- Yours, etc.,
DR. CATHERINE SWIFT,
Save Viking Waterford Action Group,
Ballinaguilkey,
Co. Carlow.
© The Irish Times, 13th. December 2005.
