You accuse others of imposing their tastes on a session but won't stand to be accused of wanting to do the same.

The issue is less about the singing of songs at this session. It is a question of who sings the occasional song and about imposing this individual's need to repeatedly sing in this session - before the needs of those of the rest of the session.

For yes, perhaps in truth similar critism could be levelled at someone who insisted on starting every set and did not leave any space for anyone else. But even if that criticism could be levelled with any justification at me or indeed you - at least the rest of the session would have the choice to join in and play with us.

When it is the same singer who decides they will be the one to sing more than the occassional song - not only are they depriving other singers of the chance to sing the occasional song - the rest of the session members must put down their instruments and wait until the song ends.

The lack of more direct control - customary at other sessions - (the increase in this being a course that has been suggested here) is one of the main attractions of playing in Irish sessions. It is this easy - going and tolerant approach that I feel is in danger of being taken advantage of here - rather than there being any real need or wish to change this tolerant approach.