The Irish News (Belfast)
December 13, 1995
by Phellm McAleer
Secret tapes which allegedly show that a
Catholic man's promotion in the Ford motor plant was
blocked by a senior executive were played at the
fair employment tribunal yesterday.
The tape was made by Tom Irvine, who claims he was
the victim of religious and political discrimination
when he applied for the post of training officer
within the company in May 1992.
In a meeting with personnel officer, Brendan
Callaghan, Mr. Irvine repeatedly asked if he was the
best candidate for the job and the choice of the
interview panel.
Earlier he told the tribunal that in a private
conversation with the senior personnel officer, John
Cooley, he was told his appointment was being
blocked by a senior executive.
Although initially denying the allegation. Ford has
recently admitted Mr. Irvine's promotion was vetoed
by a senior manager based in England, Stuart Hamer.
In the recording played to the tribunal, Mr.
Callaghan is heard to tell Mr. Irvine:
"Now I'm aware. You are aware. There is more to
that f***ing training officer thing than somebody
will say to them."
According to the recording Mr. Callaghan said he
was: "Conscious of not being left holding the baby.
Where I am responsible for decisions being made by
guys...that I have not even met."
Mr. Irvine told the tribunal his interpretation of
the conversation: "I knew exactly what he was
talking about. He meant people higher above him
have interfered with the interview process."
Mr. Irvine described the interference as "totally
unheard of and unprecedented."
"I was astounded because there was no reason for
Hamer's involvement. This was a job in the Belfast
plant reporting to a Belfast manager who in turn
reported to the Belfast plant manager."
He told the tribunal Mr. Hamer's intervention could
only have come about because of Mr. Irvine's
"Catholic beliefs and perceived political opinions."
Earlier Mr. Irvine criticized the Interviewing
panel for failing to use a scoring system for the
applicants.
"It is crystal clear Ford Motor Company drove
a coach and horses through the Fair Employment
Commission code of practice."
Mr. Irvine said he had been working in the
personnel department for two years before he applied
for the post in the same office.
He said the plant manager had specifically
requested his help because of problems with
training.
The case continues.
