Power in a union - the key players

Charlie Lennon

Veteran general secretary who has led the union for more than a decade. Hugely admired for his negotiating skills and sound judgment. Focus of much anger from hardliners. Clearly uncomfortable with militancy in ASTI. Once compared his role to that of a barrister given a brief. Ex prop forward and brother of Government press guru Joe Lennon. Wears the air of man totally exasperated with the hardliners. Smooth and unruffled.

Catherine Fitzpatrick

French and English teacher from Mallow, Co Cork, and current president. Was regarded as hardliner, but has moved closer to the centre ground. Annoyed the hardliners by voting last week for talks on supervision with Michael Woods. Has taken to trade union politics like a duck to water. Gives very little away in interviews. Takes no prisoners when chairing important ASTI meetings. Focus of much dissent from hardliners.

Bernadine O'Sullivan

No longer a member of ASTI standing committee but still a huge influence. Running for NUI Seanad seat against Joe O'Toole. Controversial figure who has little truck with the cosy partnership approach. Passionate about the future of Irish education. Accused by Bertie Ahern last year of running a crusade against the Government. Blamed by some for disastrous pay campaign. Praised by others as the authentic voice of teachers.

Pat Cahill

Key figure on ASTI executive and uncompromising ofigure on pay and supervision. Trained barrister and former Roscommon inter-county footballer. Clubby and popular. Has enjoyed strained relations with ASTI leadership of Lennon and Fitzpatrick. A passionate defender of Irish education. Once said "We are fighting to give the next generation the same opportunities we enjoyed."