Sir, - Is there ever a chance we could be spared the annual whinge meetings of the various teachers' unions? Only they can afford the luxury of a whole week discussing their problems, seeing that they work the least number of days and are among the best paid in Europe. Are their leaders so bereft of negotiating skills that their first tactic is to threaten to strike? They have reduced what was once a noble and respected profession to the level of a mere job. - Yours, etc., John O'Flynn,
Rockbarton Park, Salthill, Galway.