Asti conference: As a former teacher, the Minister knew exactly the right buttons to press, outlining the role of teachers and dismissing 'crude ' league tables, writes John Downes.
It is difficult to imagine many ministers for education being described as "a credit to the Asti" by its president, Susie Hall. However, in an indication of the warm reception which awaited former teacher Mary Hanafin at yesterday's conference in Cork, this is exactly what happened.
In truth, however, much of the bitterness and infighting which has dominated teachers' conferences in previous years was absent from yesterday's proceedings in the Silver Springs Hotel.
Instead, Mary Hanafin, in a yellow suit, was afforded a warm reception by what was an attentive audience sometimes prone to spontaneous applause.
She also knew exactly the right buttons to press.
In outlining her belief in the importance of the role played by teaching, and also dismissing the concept of "crude league tables", she will have been aware that she was pushing an open door.
This is not to say that issues of concern to the Asti's members, such as the resourcing of schools and class sizes, were glossed over.
Several speakers spoke in passionate - and sometimes even biblical - terms of the need to deal with problems such as poor staffing levels in schools.
One delegate, anxious to illustrate his feelings about the Sustaining Progress national pay deal, even produced a pair of handcuffs during one of the day's earlier debates.
One hand represented Phase 1 of Sustaining Progress, he told delegates.
The other, he said, represent-
ed Phase 2.
As so eloquently pointed out by outgoing Asti president, Susie Hall, many of the old frustrations remain in an education system which, despite progress in some key areas, is still significantly under-
resourced.
But if yesterday's opening day is anything to go by, Asti's members are more aware than ever that they have more in common than not.
As one delegate standing outside the conference centre - in the so-called "Micheál Martin" smoker's area - was overheard saying: "We have an argument and fight our corner when we're in the conference room, but when we get outside we put our differences to one side."