Radical change in structure urged on league by its members

Motions calling for radical change to how the Irish League of Credit Unions is organised have been put down for the forthcoming a.g.m.

The meeting may also vote on calls for the resignation of members of the league board.

Sources in the movement, which has more than 2.5 million members and an estimated £4.5 billion on deposit, have said relations between the affiliates and the board remain strained despite February's special meeting in Limerick. That meeting considered the disastrous £27 million Isis technology project, which has been abandoned.

"Terrible damage has been sustained but it's not visible to the general public yet," said one senior source within the movement. "My big fear is that, to quote Gerry Collins, the whole thing is going to bust up."

Difficulties in the movement are focused on the issue of how to deal with its technology needs. "We're interested in getting a new system but we are worried about the league driving it," said a source in one of the larger credit unions.

Another source, asked if he believed a split in the movement was possible, said: "The next few months are critical. If the right steps are not taken, then I think yes, it could be quite serious."

The league's a.g.m. is due to take place at the end of the month in Cork and will be a key step in the development of the movement.

Waterford Credit Union has put down two significant motions for the meeting, one calling for changes in how voting is organised and another for changes to the channelling of insurance through the league headquarters.

The league has a role in placing insurance taken out by credit union members. The commissions involved generate a significant amount of the league's income. Waterford is proposing that affiliated credit unions be allowed provide insurance without involving the league.

A second motion could be more significant. The union is calling for changes in the way voting is conducted within the league. The new system, which would apply only in relation to certain issues, would see affiliated credit unions being given votes which reflect the size of their membership. The current system is that each credit union has one vote, irrespective of membership size.

Some members of the movement believe the voting system which exists does not reflect the way the movement has developed.