Quinn plays on despite red card reception

Ruairi Quinn and primary teacher’s leader Sheila Nunan each spoke for 31 minutes, but the reception they received from delegates could not have been more contrasting.

Barely finished his birthday breakfast on Leeside, instead of presents wrapped in red bows, the minister was shown a volley of red cards from at least half the 800 angry teachers and principals in the room.

While none exited the congress hall during his half-hour address, it was easily the least courteous reception accorded to the Labour minister in his three Easter vigils to date with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation.