If the ASTI - already standing alone in the education world - was hoping to find a few strategic allies in other teaching unions in the coming weeks, it could be searching for a long time, at least if it wants allies at leadership level.
The INTO's general secretary designate, Mr John Carr, is a vocal supporter of the bench marking process and was heavily involved in the union's submission to that body. Mr Carr spoke this week about his initial reservations about the process, but along with the man he is due to replace, Senator Joe O'Toole, he has become persuaded of its benefits.
With the wider INTO membership, he shares the frustration over pay, but he firmly agrees with Senator O'Toole's colourful description of benchmarking as an ATM. No doubt Senator O'Toole and Mr Carr will meet ASTI leaders in coming months, but there is virtually no chance of the secondary teachers' union changing their minds on benchmarking.
Many in the INTO believe the ASTI will eventually be brought into benchmarking, albeit kicking and screaming. But many INTO members also believe a lot of damage will be done to the union's image and status.
While there is a lot of sympathy with ASTI in its struggle, INTO members this week in Tralee were relieved their union was not caught up in the allegations facing their secondary counterparts in Galway. "My heart goes out to them as fellow teachers, but thank God we are not in such a mess," one senior INTO official said.
In the meantime the INTO is gearing up for getting its members big concessions through benchmarking. Because Mr Carr and Senator O'Toole have played by the rules, they are already being rewarded. It was notable that Minister for Education Dr Woods chose virtually to hand over a tranche of money when he addressed the INTO conference on Tuesday.
He said Senator O'Toole's aim of getting a £40,000-plus salary for unpromoted teachers and a greatly reduced teachers' pay scale was a "realistic target". As one primary teacher said, "he seems to be virtually giving the money away".
While many INTO members remain suspicious of the bench marking process and wary of getting too cosy with the Department, Dr Woods's performance at the conference will have strengthened the positions of Mr Carr and Senator O'Toole.
If he handles the pay issue well over the next few years, Mr Carr could become almost as famous in the education sector as Senator O'Toole, though it will be hard. Senator O'Toole's gift for snappy soundbites and clever descriptions will not be easily matched. But Mr Carr is not a dull figure and is well able to glad-handle members and make pithy observations.
Life for the INTO in the post O'Toole era (he does not officially step down until next year) will be difficult. He is probably the best known teacher in Ireland and his access to politicians and policy-makers meant the INTO was taken seriously in the corridors of power.
The ASTI, dealing with allegations of thuggish behaviour in Galway, appears like a rabble beside the efficient and highly organised INTO. But a lot of this is down to Mr O'Toole's ability in recent years to dominate the organisation and sideline his enemies. Mr Carr will have to be similarly adept if the INTO is to continue as the golden child of the teaching unions.