Government Chief Archeologist is not an Archeologist

A few weeks ago we found out that the government's chief scientific advisor - the man who is meant to raise Ireland's game in terms of research, development and technology transfer to industry - was claiming to have a PhD that he does not have.

Now we find out from the Irish Times that the nation's chief archeologist - the guy who is responsible for making important recommendations affecting our national heritage - is not, in fact, an archeologist. The Irish Times is a subscription site, so he's an edited version of the article.

Chief archaeologist only has basic degree Frank McDonald, Environment Editor 12.05.05 Brian Duffy, chief archaeologist of the Department of the Environment, was appointed to his post even though he has only a general BA degree in archaeology and no track record of archaeological excavations or publications, The Irish Times has established. Mr Duffy got the job in July 2003, ahead of candidates with superior qualifications and professional experience - notably Dr Ann Lynch, who holds a PhD in archaeology and has led excavations at sensitive sites such as Poulnabrone in Co Clare and Tintern Abbey, Co Wexford. The job specification for chief archaeologist requires, among other things, a person with "strong leadership qualities, management skills and sound judgment" who would motivate and manage a staff of 40 and provide "expert professional advice on archaeology as required". Competition for the post was confined to senior archaeologists in the department's heritage section. None of the three eligible applicants was interviewed; they were merely invited to submit a form describing their work, previous experience and other relevant information. Prof John Waddell, head of the department of archaeology at NUI Galway, from where Mr Duffy graduated in 1971, said his appointment caused surprise because people were aware of his lack of qualifications and experience of excavation work. Prof Waddell said Mr Duffy's "incomprehensible lack of knowledge of what constitutes an archaeological landscape" was evident in the advice he gave Minister for the Environment Dick Roche on the plan to route the M3 motorway through the Tara-Skryne valley in Co Meath. "In failing to address the question that the Tara landscape constitutes an archaeological area . . . the chief archaeologist, the department and the Minister failed in their duty of care in respect of the country's heritage," he said in an affidavit for the High Court case on the M3.

Curiouser and curiouser

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