Ruairi Quinn: Negative reaction part and parcel of democracy

The loud negative reaction of secondary teachers to his remarks on junior cycle reform was described last night by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn as part and parcel of democracy.

The heckling and, at times overbearing, shouting from the floor where around 500 Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland delegates sat, was akin to the type of classroom behaviour that will be mentioned in debates this week.

But as he seeks to win a public opinion battle on his Junior Cycle Student Award (JCSA) proposal, he will have been aware of the likely response, the media coverage it would receive, and likely consequent public comment on teachers.