ASTI top post could be filled in weeks

A GENERAL secretary could be in place at the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) within weeks as the position is being advertised in newspapers this week.

The vacancy was created in December 2003, when Charlie Lennon resigned from the position following a dispute with a number of elected officers of the 16,500-member union.

A number of obstacles has led to delays in filling the post, but the union is now inviting applications from suitable candidates.

Despite some criticisms about these delays, ASTI president Susie Hall, who has been keen to leave the union’s embattled past behind it, made moves to begin the process before Christmas.

She heads an interview board created last summer, which comprises the elected officers and five nominees of the union’s central executive council.

ASTI acting general secretary John White is considered by significant groups within the union as the most appropriate person to assume the job.

However, the job description and criteria set out by the board do not specify a requirement for professional experience as a trade union official.

This would allow applications from a number of prominent members, including past presidents Pat Cahill and Bernadine O’Sullivan, whose names have been mentioned as likely candidates.

It is hoped by senior ASTI figures that the February 11 closing date and a speedy selection process could allow the union appoint somebody before its annual convention in Cork at the end of March.