IPPN

Published: 03 November 2008

Mon, Nov 03, 2008

A Chara, - Ibec director general Turlough O'Sullivan should apologise for describing anti-Budget protests as "not edifying" (The Irish Times, October 31st).

Is Mr O'Sullivan seriously suggesting that it is not edifying to see pensioners demanding that their entitlements are protected, to see students marching on the Dáil in their thousands, or to see parents and teachers standing together for the sake of the children of the nation? Surely it is the uncaring and savage attack on the most vulnerable sections of the population that is far from edifying.

It is not edifying to be terrified by the potential withdrawal of your medical card. It is not edifying for educational grants to be withdrawn in such a cold and calculating manner from the most marginalised in our society, such as Travellers, the disadvantaged and newcomer children.

It is clear that Mr O'Sullivan is out of touch with society and everyday reality. He should apologise for his remark which, in my view, insults the old, the students, parents and children of the country. - Is mise,

Cllr AODHAN Ó RIORDÁIN,

Labour Party Councillor and Primary School Principal,

Clonliffe Avenue,

Dublin 3.

© 2008 The Irish Times