Teacher representative can’t have it both ways

It is Easter and members of the teaching profession have gathered together in various towns throughout Ireland to highlight and discuss the many issues facing the profession.

It was with interest that I read INTO general secretary Sheila Nunan’s editorial in the March issue of the Intouch magazine. She bemoans the fact that proposals are on their way “to extend the free market to schools in Ireland” and that there is “an attempt to impose neo-liberal philosophy onto Ireland’s education system” and that this is “dressed in the rhetoric of improving student outcomes”.

Ms Nunan states: “It is clear that market forces and public education do not sit well together. We must ensure that political ideology never trumps educational good.” Stern stuff from the leader of a public service trade union standing up for the rights of her members. Well done.