ÓSF highlight Death of Education if Student Fees Introduced

In protest at the imminent introduction of fees by Batt O’Keeffe, Ógra Shinn Féin activists carried a coffin through the streets of Dublin today highlighting that student fees will signify the death of education.

The coffin which had education and economy RIP emblazoned across it was carried through the busy O’Connell and Grafton Street, finishing up at the gates of Leinster house, with many people commenting on the eye catching sight, and many applauding the activists.

Ógra Shinn Féin activists leafleted along the route explaining the action and our opposition to student fees.

On arrival at Leinster House, Martin Ferris TD spoke of the importance of Education, before some street theatre enacted the death of education, with Oisin Dolan reading a eulogy, and Batt O’Keeffe with shovel in hand, intent on burying the coffin.



Barry McColgan, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin said,

“At a time when this state needs new ideas and fresh thinking in order to get us effectively out of this economic crisis, they are targeting its biggest asset, an educated workforce and a knowledge economy. The introduction of student fees will be a death knell to academic excellence and education, and will be a further blow to an already weakened economy. ”

“Our protest today should strike a chord with anyone who understands the true long term value of a good education. Through our ‘Educate to be Free’ campaign and national student marches, we will continue to organise imaginatively in opposition to this onslaught on education and fight this attack on our collective futures. Education is a right, not a privilege.”