Minister is accused of nepotism

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August 11, 2005


From Roger Maynard in Sydney



ALEXANDER DOWNER, the Australian Foreign Minister, rejected suggestions of nepotism yesterday after it was revealed that his daughter had been awarded a scholarship by the British Government.

Georgina Downer, 25, was among a handful of Australian graduates selected from about 350 applicants to win a Chevening scholarship, worth £20,000, to undertake post- graduate study in London.

Ms Downer, who is travelling in Europe, is due to begin her studies at the London School of Economics next month.

After the scholarship’s award was reported in Australia, Mr Downer’s office denied that he had tried to influence the selection process. A spokesman said: “His daughter has applied for and won a scholarship and for her success to be under- mined in this way, for her to be attacked, is just reprehensible.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,173-1730012,00.html

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