University Principal ‘SHAME’ O’Neill QUITS as He is BLAMED for Financial Crisis

Connor Bertie

Interim Principal of Dundee University, Shane O’Neill has resigned from his leading role after just six months following reveal of Gillies report.

Image: Connor Bertie

This comes after the report, led by Dr. Pamela Gillies, highlighted that

the University Executive Group (UEG) should have been aware of the declining university funds as early as December 2023.

O’Neill took on the position after his predecessor, Iain Gillespie deserted the university without notice, leaving a power vacuum for the former to fill.

Despite the £30m deficit, O’Neill stated he believed he was the leader the university needed at this time.

Furthermore, in an interview with the Courier’s Political Editor, Alasdair Clark earlier this year, Shame proclaimed he was “in it for the long run.” That seems to have now run its very short course.

Beginning his tiny tenure back in 2021 as Vice-Principal, Shame would have overseen first-hand the financial “blackhole” that was accumulating within the university’s bank. However, he and the other members of the senior management, in particular the dearly missed Gillespie, were “not in control of cash in any meaningful way,” stated Dr. Gillies.

O’Neill headed the proposed ‘recovery plan’ that sought to eradicate 632 FTE jobs, later revealed as up to 700, back in March of this year. A month later, this was reversed due to severe backlash from staff, students and the wider Dundee community, as well as pressure from MSPs.

The result was a drop to 300 FTE ‘voluntary’ redundancies; a decision that was deemed more acceptable by campus unions, as well as students. Co-President of DUCU, Melissa D’Ascenzio, stated it was:

“a relief that University management has backed away from the brutal plans to cut up to 700 jobs.”

However, this clearly was not enough to save Shane from his shame.

There was a resounding applause and cheer from all present to witness the conclusion of Dr. Pamela Gillies report this afternoon, when the DUCU called for the resignation of all UEG members who had a hand in the crisis.

Image: Tom Christison

Their call was answered, and his resignation came within 20 minutes of the report’s conclusion.

Following him is Tricia Bey: Acting Chair of Court, and Carla Rossini: Convenor of the Finance & Policy Committee. Both were “due to step down from Court this summer, are now bringing this forward and leaving with immediate effect.”

The now former-principal’s resignation letter can be read here.