Vice-chancellor denies accusation

Professor Gerry McKenna has been on a sabbatical

The vice-chancellor of the University of Ulster has denied accusations made against him.

Professor Gerry McKenna's team of lawyers sent a series of rebuttals to the university's ruling body ahead of a crunch meeting last Friday.

He has been on sick and sabbatical leave following complaints against him.

It's understood that he has until Friday to decide on an offer to stand down as vice-chancellor, but remain as university president for a year.

A 50-page letter was sent to members of the university's council by the vice chancellor's legal team.

The BBC has seen a copy of the confidential document which details Professor McKenna's rejection of the complaints made about him under whistle-blowing legislation.

The paper reveals that, at the end of last year, he was ordered to stay out of university grounds, told not to use his job title and had his mobile phone withdrawn.

List of achievements

The document includes a list of Professor McKenna's achievements and says he was complimented in the recent past for his performance.

The document, issued by his lawyers, quotes him as saying that the complaints made about him are "unsustained and misconceived".

The vice-chancellor is said to believe the university's handling of the matter has damaged both his reputation and that of the University of Ulster.

The letter was sent to university council members before their meeting last Friday.

At that meeting, it was agreed to offer Professor McKenna a deal which would mean him continuing as president of the university for one year, but standing down from his job as vice-chancellor.