Dempsey in divide and conquer bid on teachers

EDUCATION Minister Noel Dempsey is adopting risky divide and conquer tactics against the ASTI in an effort to finally end the four-year secondary teachers dispute.

Going over the heads of the union’s hardline leadership, the minister is embarking on an unprecedented nationwide tour next month to personally sell his supervision and substitution deal to grassroots teachers.

But ASTI chiefs warned last night Mr Dempsey’s plan could backfire by antagonising union members ahead of a vote on the 38-an-hour scheme next month.