ASTI

Sean Flynn's guide to the teacher conferences

Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland

(17,000 members)

Where? Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry.

When? Today until Friday.

ASTI: A brief history

The union is in recovery mode after the most turbulent period in its history. Its pay dispute closed schools and unleashed a bitter internal feud.

Late last year, it paid out €200,000 to Charlie Lennon, its former boss, in a High Court settlement. Lennon had been accused of making bogus expense claims by some in the union, a charge he vigorously denied.

John White, another moderate, has been installed as acting general secretary. White, a soothing, paternal figure has helped to lower the temperature in the union.

Who are the delegates?

About 500 delegates will attend the conference. The vast majority are 40 or even 50 plus. The lack of younger delegates is striking.

Craic factor

Likely to be much higher than in recent years when one faction scowled at the other - and at visiting journalists. Recent ASTI conferences have been hard work for everyone who attended them; this year the mood could be more relaxed.

What's the story?

ASTI conferences have received blanket media coverage in recent years because of the pay campaign. This year's conference could be low-profile by comparison. Much energy was invested by one faction in moves to unsettle Charlie Lennon. Now that he is gone, there is no clear battle ground for this group. But this group sees a possible new frontier opening up as discussions begin on a new pay deal.

The union's colourful president, Pat Cahill, should receive plenty of coverage for his comments on binge drinking. The conference motions are dominated by pay issues. Some are demanding payment for all extra-curricular activities such as sport and drama. But the cumulative 21 per cent benchmarking pay increase for teachers means there is little hint of revolution in the grassroots. The record number of applications for the H Dip underlines the continued huge popularity of teaching.

Noel Dempsey watch

The Minister, who will attend the conference after an eleventh-hour deal, can expect to be severely criticised for what delegates regard as his arrogant approach to the profession. He will also be excoriated for his the pre-Christmas swoop on schools to check on "truant" teachers. Even mild-mannered, moderate teachers are furious about what they see as a slight on their professional standards.

What will the delegates be talking about?

Probably about who will succeed Lennon. White is the odds-on favourite, but the intentions of influential former president Bernadine O'Sullivan remain unclear.