IPPN

Published: 07 December 2008

Source : Sunday Independent

Streets fill with anger at education cutbacks

By DANIEL McCONNELL CHIEF REPORTER
Sunday December 07 2008

They came by train, by car, and even some by plane, from all parts of Ireland to play their part in what was the largest organised protest since the anti-war marches in 2003.

Well over 40,000 people gathered at the top of O'Connell St yesterday for the march across the Liffey to Merrion Square.

Amassed behind a massive banner saying 'Schools United', union leaders, opposition politicians, teachers, school managers, parents and students came together to voice their opposition to the harsh Budget cuts announced in October.

Despite the heavy garda presence, they were not needed in stark contrast to the Love Ulster march back in 2006 which went so horribly wrong. This gang were not the sort to cause trouble.

As the muinteoiri na hEireann huddled together on a bright, but bitterly cold, December day, sightings of hip flasks were common, an aid to warmth as they made their way across the dirty river below.

Shouts of "Cut backs, fight back" could be heard as the thousands piled onto Merrion Square, before they stopped at the temporary stage and a huge round of applause erupted.

Before any of the speakers began, the crowds were entertained by The Fureys, who declared they were happy to lend their support to such a good cause. After a fine rendition of Leaving Nancy, during which the crowd danced, swayed and sang, the serious business of the day began.

Mike Jennings, of the Irish Federation of Universities Teachers, chaired the rally and opened his remarks by saying: "As we gather, they are still only leaving O'Connell St now" which drew a huge cheer.

He declared it a noble gathering, before saying that rather than penalising the children, why did the Government not cut the number of junior ministers, and why not cull the number of Dail committee chairmen.

Next up, Declan Kelleher, of the INTO, made it clear that as the people who have come from all over the country return to their parishes, their protest will continue and Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe were told that they will "pay for their mistakes" at the forthcoming local and European elections over their Budget cuts in education.

Like all great dramas, there is the battle between good and evil. There was no doubt that Messrs Cowen and O'Keeffe were the baddies, and there was no shortage of talking heads who were convinced they were on the side of good.

In total over 15 people took to the microphone, including David Begg, and Roisin Shorthall, of Labour.

As is the case with every march to take place, Richard Boyd Barrett and the 'people for profit' bunch were there, but the son of Sinead Cusack was told in no uncertain terms he wasn't being allowed to speak.

The lead up to this march has been dogged by a bitter war of words between Mr O'Keeffe and the unions.

Mr O'Keeffe has been on the warpath. He has deplored the "using of the Irish children" as pawns in this battle and said that teachers are only seeking to look after their "cozy positions".

He has condemned them for the abuse of the generous uncertified sick leave, saying there is a significant absenteeism problems on Mondays and Fridays.

He has had to roll back on that "smear and libel" on the nation's teachers, as Declan Kelleher called it, but remains adamant that no more roll-backs will take place.

The teachers have also had to defend the practice of using school facilities to organise their protest agenda, which has also been criticised by Mr O'Keeffe and his supporters.

Don Ryan, TUI president, defended this practice, saying teachers had a duty to inform parents as to what was being inflicted upon them and said they were perfectly entitled to so by using the school facilities.

However, as parents are facing additional charges of between €200 and €500 per child a year in terms of voluntary contributions, some schools have taken to naming and shaming those children whose parents haven't paid up. Mr Ryan said he deplored such a practice.

Brian Hayes, Fine Gael spokesman on education, called on Mr O'Keeffe to end his dirty war with the unions and said while he welcomed the temporary U-turn on substitute teachers last week, the time has come to meet the unions and find a resolution.

Responding to the comments made at the march, Mr O'Keeffe said: "We have to be realistic about what the country can afford. There is financial turmoil around the world. We are having to make courageous political decisions to deal with the current economic situation.

"The cost-saving measures the Government outlined in the Budget are necessary to safeguard the future of our country and of our children."

- DANIEL McCONNELL CHIEF REPORTER