The battle to succeed Charlie Lennon as the general secretary of the ASTI begins in earnest this week, writes Sean Flynn, Education Editor.

After the trials and tribulations of Charlie Lennon, who would want to be general secretary of the ASTI?

One trade union figure described the job last week as "the poison chalice" of industrial relations. Who in their right mind, he asked, "would work for such a dysfunctional organisation?"

His views are fairly representative of opinion not just across the trade union spectrum but also among the other teaching unions. The ASTI is the enfant terrible of the trade union movement, which left the ICTU and seems intent on burning every bridge as it crosses it.

In the past three years the union has locked horns with the ICTU, the other teaching unions, the Labour Relations Commission, the Teachers' Arbitration Board and the Labour Court.

But all of this is in the past. The €200,000 settlement with Charlie Lennon provides a breathing space to pause and look around. With strong leadership and support from its 17,000 members, ASTI could re-emerge as a enormously powerful trade union. All it needs is the right kind of leadership.

So who is in the frame for the post? And who are the kingmakers?

John White

The deputy general secretary, John White, is the clear favourite to succeed Lennon.

The urbane White has somehow managed to straddle the bitter divide between the pro- and anti-Lennon camps that has torn the union apart. Liked and respected in equal measure by both sides.

White is passionate about all aspects of education. He has a soothing, paternal manner. An outstanding public speaker and broadcaster, he made a strong impression during a recent appearance on RTÉ radio.

Widely acknowledged as a gifted trade unionist who can resolve the most intractable problem. Helped by his 20- year experience as an English teacher in De La Salle, Dundalk, Co Louth. No other candidate has his mix of trade union and teaching experience.

Bernadine O'Sullivan

Not interested in the general secretary post, according to reports, but the former president could be influential behind the scenes.

O'Sullivan is a controversial figure who is admired and criticised in equal measure by factions within the ASTI. She contested the last Senate elections and polled very well, just losing out on a seat.

None of the front-line candidates is a "Bernadista". Current ASTI president, the genial Pat Cahill, is regarded as her protégé - but has no interest in job of general secretary.

Patricia Wroe

Probably has no interest in the post of general secretary, but will be an influential figure behind the scenes.

As honorary treasurer, she launched an investigation into expenses claims in the union, including those of Charlie Lennon. He denied making bogus expense claims.

Made a voluntary payment on behalf of ASTI of more than €130,000 to the Revenue after she examined head office accounts.

A career guidance counsellor in Foxrock, Dublin, she is a formidable, independent-minded figure. Her views are taken very seriously by executive. Known to have radical ideas for regeneration of ASTI including new structures for the association.

Will be a key figure in deciding whether ASTI goes for a full-time professional trade unionist or a teacher who "will go back into the classroom" when his/her term expires.

Noel Buckley

Former National Organiser of the union and member of central executive.

Buckley resigned from his post as National Organiser earlier this year. Says the ASTI needs to take a stark look at itself and rebuild.

Powerful speaker and one of the few ASTI rank and file who made a strong impression in the media when the schools were closed two years ago.

From Clonmel, Co Tipperary, he is a clubby figure. Liked by the grass roots who see him as "one of us". Regarded as a very good organiser.

The question is: has he the breadth of experience one needs for the job?

Whoever secures the post of general secretary, it is likely he or she will be offered a relatively short-term three or five-year contract.

The teacher unions have produced some powerful figures in the past two decades. People such as Joe O'Toole and his successor John Carr in the primary teachers' union, the INTO, Kieran Mulvey and Charlie Lennon in the ASTI and Jim Dorney of the TUI are all figures of great substance. All have exerted a huge influence on education policy.

The challenge facing the ASTI now is to find someone with vast experience of the trade union and teaching worlds. His or her first task will be to lift the morale of a badly bruised organisation.