BERNARD LYNCH,
Sir, - Not for the first time, your Education Editor Séan Flynn has concluded that the current unrest in our schools is the result of "ASTI militants. . .out of touch with members" (The Irish Times, March 4th).
The true situation may not be to Mr Flynn's liking, but the ASTI has conducted no fewer than five national ballots over the past 18 months. In each of those, ASTI members have voted democratically and resolutely to continue their campaign to achieve proper, professional pay rates for teachers.
Since last October, members have rejected the Minister's offer on substitution and supervision, have voted to withdraw from those activities and, separately, have voted not to co-operate with the introduction of new programmes to schools. I am baffled at Mr Flynn's reluctance to acknowledge this record-breaking exercise in democracy.
Instead of churlish name-calling and scapegoating, perhaps it's time to look again at the facts and conclude that the "militants" are carrying the legitimate message from teachers - our pay and conditions are appalling and must be addressed. - Yours, etc.,
BERNARD LYNCH,
(ASTI Standing Committee),
Glendale Meadows,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Sir, - I have always taken pride in my work as a teacher and I make no apologies for expecting to be fairly paid for this work. However, the leadership of the ASTI has, to my mind, totally lost the plot and has left teachers in a disastrous situation. What was a side issue has now become the focus of attention. I remain proud to be a teacher but I am deeply embarrassed to be a member of the ASTI! - Yours, etc.,
GERRY NOONAN,
Middle Third,
Killester,
Dublin 5.