IPPN

Published: 08 December 2008

Source : Irish Times

MARY MINIHAN

Mon, Dec 08, 2008

LOTS OF little protesters in pushchairs and prams dominated the big march against education cuts on Saturday.

"I've never seen so many babies in buggies," said Irish National Teachers' Organisation steward Gerri McGeady, as the demonstration wheeled past Trinity College.

It certainly was a family affair. Jackie Ferguson from Ratoath, Co Meath, was pushing two-year-old Conor, while big sister Tara (6) walked along with granny Marie.

"All the parents and teachers here demonstrating are totally disgusted with what the Government has done. They're just discriminating against children who are too young to understand, they're not discriminating against the banks," said Ms Ferguson. "I don't think the Minister knows what he's doing, it's as simple as that. He's already changed his mind on something he said he wouldn't change his mind on."

Back on O'Connell Street, a lively group of girls from Eureka Secondary School in Kells sang to the tune of When the Saints Go Marching In. "We will be stupid, really really stupid/ Oh when the teachers lose their jobs," they chorused.

Anne Feehan, a primary school teacher from Navan, wiped the noses of her pre-school age children, who were bundled up against the cold. "I worry for these guys," she said. "We feel this is the thin end of the wedge. They start here and where will it end?" A group of Romanian musicians with accordions and tambourines wandered into the the protest. "Play us a tune, lads," yelled a sporty-looking redhead, banging his hurling stick on the footpath. They obliged.

Some of those marching the middle of the demonstration, which began at Parnell Square and ended in Merrion Square South, had no concept of its size. Some Cabinteely teachers said: "We're hoping it's massive. Is it big?" It certainly was.

The teaching unions had distributed neat, laminated placards featuring the standard protest slogans. But it was the home-made, back-of-a-cereal box signs which stood out. Mums and dads carried signs saying: "Money for manicures but not for books"; "Don't let our small guys become their fall guys"; "Don't let these snakes stop your children climbing the ladder".

Youngsters too had been busy with their colouring pencils and glitter glue. There was the touching "All I want for Christmas is my teacher" and the humorous "E=mc2? I guess I'll never know".

And then there were many lampooning Minister for Education Batt O'Keefe: "Battman is Robin us"; "Batt out of hell"; "Batt O'Thief" and the vividly illustrated "Vampire Batt: sucking the life from our school".

Lunch boxes were opened on Merrion Square South. Some weary children sat on their placards to eat their sandwiches before being hoisted on to parents' shoulders to hear INTO president Declan Kelleher roar into the microphone as Gaeilge.

Speaker after speaker said the education cutbacks lacked care, humanity and compassion.

Whistles were blown and a bodhrán was beaten. Chants of "No more cuts" were taken-up. The crowd booed every time Mr O'Keefe's name was mentioned.

As the peaceful protest dispersed, placards were neatly propped against the railings of Merrion Square Gardens.

Later on Merrion Street on Saturday night, stilettos clicked over one discarded sign. It asked: "If we tolerate this, what will be next?"

© 2008 The Irish Times