Bradley Bytes – A sort of political column by Dara Bradley

The University of Galway’s Israel problem is not going away. It’s getting worse. Fast.

The university’s reputation – something it always tried to robustly protect – has taken a battering over its links with Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology.

In the early days when the Technion ties became public, the university must have felt it had contained the situation.

But it has now escalated to a crisis after two high-profile honorary degree recipients refused to accept the award.

Galway actress, writer and director, Olwen Fouéré, and Derry filmmaker, Margo Harkin, both withdrew from yesterday, Thursday’s conferring ceremony on grounds of conscience.

Both women recognised what a fantastic honour it was to be awarded an honorary degree at University of Galway. Both felt compelled to reject it.

It would have been easier to stay quiet. But both well-known and respected........

© Connacht Tribune