A huge crowd of some 40,000 people took part in the demonstration which marched from Parnell Square to Government Buildings.
Speaking at the protest, Ógra Shinn Féin national organiser, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said:
"Sinn Féin's position remains clear and unequivocal. Education is a right not a privilege. It is completely unacceptable that this government is planning on raising registration fees. Such an increase would put third level education beyond the reach of many low income families."
The protest was attended by republican students from UCC, CIT, NUIG, DCU, Athlone IT, NUI Maynooth, as well as elsewhere and supported by comrades from the communitty at large. The sizeable crowd and clear and unequivocal message that was sent by the demonstration meant that it was undeniable a success, and will make the government sit up and take notice.
Following the main protest a number of students occupied the ground floor of the Department of Finance, accompanied by a protest. They were then forcibly removed by the Garda riot squad. In subsequent scuffles members of the Gardaí used excessive force on protesters, resulting in numerous injuries. Ógra Shinn Féin condemns the use of such excessive force.
1 comment:
Should possibly not rely on RTE for the numbers we quote. Most other groups are saying there was 40,000. Plus this is a little scant on the absolute madness that broke out at the Dept of Finance.
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