An insider's guide to education
Mary Hanafin is a smooth and accomplished media operator, but even the best make errors and her comments on class size fall into this category. Apparently, she was making a genuine attempt to answer a question honestly about the difficulty of meeting the Government's target. But she must have been quite shocked by the stunning counter-attack launched by the INTO. Welcome to Education, Minister. As Noel Dempsey might reflect, there are landmines everywhere.
Hanafin has now appointed Averil Power as her policy adviser. Power was a pupil of "Ms Hanafin" in Sion Hill, Blackrock, Co Dublin, not so long ago. From Ballybrack, she is a former president of TCD Students' Union - but is a long way from the typical well-heeled Trinity student. She is someone you will be hearing a great deal more of.
Geraldine Butler, meanwhile, has been appointed press officer in Education having worked in a similar role in the Taoiseach's department.
The Great and the Good were out in force at the recent UCD 150th anniversary dinner in Belfield. It was a splendid affair, helped in no small measure by a stimulating address by Peter Sutherland - and the kind of flawless organisation that has become a feature of the new UCD, under Hugh Brady.
Spotted among the dignitaries, RTÉ's Ryan Tubridy, Meath footballer Trevor Giles and The Genoa Great, Packie Bonner. Interestingly, Tom Bailey of Bovale Developments and Moriarty Tribunal fame was also on the guest list.
What has happened to Astir, the house magazine of the ASTI? The magazine, which could do with a decent revamp, has not appeared for almost a year. Apparently, the union is now concentrating on Nuacht, which appears on its website and goes to members. No complaints yet from disappointed Astir readers.
Fresh from a very impressive presentation to the Dáil Committee on Education, Ann Louise Gilligan, the chairperson of the Education Welfare Board, went to the High Court later in the week to launch the current gay rights case.
Dr Gilligan and her female partner want their Canadian marriage recognised and the Revenue to treat them as a married couple.
Meanwhile, all credit to the INTO which has launched a support group for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) teachers. Several teachers have already expressed an interest in participating after a notice in the INTO journal In Touch. One said: "Be assured that for every one person who contacts you, there are 50 more hiding behind the Maith Thú flip-chart. Lesbian and gay people survive by being invisible."
Good to see ex-ASTI supremo Noel Buckley back on the hustings. Buckley, the one-time national organiser for the union, is a brave and radical voice. He is running for the Teaching Council.
Got any education gossip? E-mail us, in confidence, at teacherspet@irish-times.ie
