20,000 Students Rally in Dublin Against Fees

Students Marxch down D'Olier St. during yesterday's protest.
 (Photo by Ian Colgan)

DUBLIN city centre was taken over by students yesterday afternoon in a demonstration against Government plans to increase third-level fees and eradicate the grant for postgraduates in the impending budget. 

It is estimated that 20,000 students, representing colleges nationwide, as well as parents and other supporters of their cause, turned out for the rally. The demonstration lasted approximately two-and-a-half hours. Students assembled in Parnell Square beside the Garden of Remmemberence from midday, before commencing a march after 2pm to Government Buildings.
The students, uniformed in red anti-fees t-shirts, made their way down O'Connell St, onto D'Olier st, and then around College Green onto Nassau St. before turning right onto Merrion Square West.

Here, under a light rain, they heard various speeches, climaxing in a passionate address by USI (Union of Students in Ireland) President Gary Redmond, urging Minister of Education Ruaraí Quinn to keep his word.
"Politicians understand one thing, and that's getting re-elected", he told the crowd.  
"And here's a pledge for you, Labour Party", he addressed at the Government Buildings to his left. "If you cut grants and if you increase fees, we pledge never to vote for you again."
Students further back in the crowd availed of  jumbo screens, which before the speeches displayed the now incriminating footage of Ruairi Quinn signing the USI pledge, promising not to increase satudents' fees.

Ruaraí Quinn was on of the main targets of students' rage 
(photo by Ian Colgan)

Despite a palpable anger and frustration felt by students, contrary to last November's protest there were no arrests or violence this time around.
Stewards and members of the Gardai lined the streets, leading the protest on horseback, but were regulated to the role of casual bystanders with little to do. Some posed for photos with protesters as the march passed without incident.
This was partly due to a crackdown on travelling students bringing alcohol to the protest, and only a miniscule drunken contingent remained.
It is unclear what impact the proest, or subsequent action can achieve. If nothing else, it has reminded the Government of the promises they have made and are now on the cusp of breaking.