TRINITY College Dublin is to appoint former President of Ireland Mary McAleese as its chancellor.
Prof McAleese, who has a long-standing connection with Trinity, having held the position of Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology and Penology from 1975 to 1987, is expected to take up the role soon.
Up until recently, the title was held by Mary Robinson, who is also a former President and Reid Professor of Criminal Law at Trinity
The chancellor is the head of the university and presides at meetings of the university senate, overseeing important ceremonial occasions such as commencement ceremonies when degrees of the University of Dublin are awarded, including honorary degrees.
The chancellor also plays a key role in selecting those to whom honorary degrees are awarded.
Professor McAleese will come into office as soon as she makes a statutory declaration to Provost of Trinity, Dr Patrick Prendergast.
Dr Prendergast said: "Trinity College Dublin is honoured to have an academic of such great distinction as Professor Mary McAleese as Chancellor of the University of Dublin.
"We now look forward to her participation in the life of the college," he said.
