Principals should be given greater support to handle difficult cases of bullying in primary and secondary schools, according to one opinion.

Brian Mooney, writing for the Irish Times, stated that they are not receiving enough backing from their peers or the Department of Education, leaving them vulnerable to making mistakes.

The guidance counsellor at Oatlands College, Dublin, was referring to the incident last month, which saw principal Dr Austin Corcoran found guilty of "deliberate and conscious" bullying of teacher Bridget Sweeney.

Dr Corcoran had hired a private investigator to follow his employee, which was vilified by the judge.

Ms Sweeney was awarded 88,000 euros in damages as a result, which Mr Mooney supported, but he said the case raised awareness of the management problems in the education system.

"The majority of school principals do a great job but this is because of their skill and commitment - and not any real professional training," he stated.

Mr Mooney noted that many principals feel they are isolated and overwhelmed by their responsibilities, leading him to write how easy it was to see how principals could make a bad mistake that will "end up defining your entire career".

Written by Donal Walsh

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