Sir, - We, the undersigned, recently organised a public meeting in Ballina, Co Mayo, which was attended by about 300 parents deeply concerned about the impact on their children of the dispute between the ASTI and the Government. The meeting was attended by five local TDs, including a Minister of State, and a local senator. Alas, no one from the ASTI attended, despite an invitation to do so.
While many suggestions were put forward, the overriding message to emerge was that both sides should get down to talks now without further posturing or standing on principles.
It is simply appalling that secondary school pupils are being used as pawns in what has become an elaborate, but extremely serious, war game between the teachers and the Government. While there has, no doubt, been right and wrong on both sides up to now, what is done is done and they must now put the past behind them and look forward in a constructive manner.
On behalf of parents, we implore the ASTI and the Government to get into direct talks now without preconditions on either side. Differences can be resolved only by talking. - Yours, etc.,
Noreen Quinn, Gerry O'Mahoney, Vincent Roche, Camilla Walshe, David Mullarkey, John O'Malley, Maureen Reynolds, Moy Heights, Ballina, Co Mayo.