Student protests against university fees required police to bring in riot police when the crowds turned violent in Dublin’s city center on Wednesday.
The clash occurred when police had to use force to remove students from the lobby of the Department of Finance, resulting in physical violence on Merrion Row.
As the attacks continued between the riot police and the protesting students, some students ended up with bloody noses and one had to be carried away, thought to have been unconscious.
As the violence continued mounted police and bulletproof vehicles were brought in.
The more peaceful student protesters expressed disappointment at how the protest had turned violent.
A group of protesters also occupied the Department of Finance where hundreds of students were also involved in a sit-down protest outside the premises.
The initial protest against the introduction of increased registration fees for third level education involved thousands of students marching to Merrion Square where student leaders, including the Union of Students in Ireland President, Gary Redmond, spoke out against the planned fees.
The USI, who expected up to 25,000 students to march, were responsible for the protest, aiming to make it known that there is strong opposition to the third level cuts.
It is thought that the fees will go up from €1,500 to €2,500, and the union claim that this rise in registration fees will force many to leave college.
A previous student protest in 2008 drew 15,000 protesters to march on the streets of Dublin.
4 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.homefarm | Nov 07, 2010, 06:19 AM EST
I think that the student population of Ireland should share the pain of the New Ireland. I respect their right to protest, but like all well-intended peaceful protests in Ireland, they got hijacked by the professionals of the sinn-fein and socialist party workers movement who are very adept at this game. That being said I cannot imagine that any political party extreme left or right could be more clueless or corrupt than the present government.
Cuthulan | Nov 06, 2010, 07:19 AM EDT
The model of government is the problem.Its an elected dictatorship, therefore if the people disagree with the government dictators they can only protest in the street, and the government will send its representatives with clubs and gas and other weapons. IF we where a TRUE DEMOCRACY,a direct democracy like Switzerland or Icelend, we would just sign a petion against the bill. If we get enough names its goes to a referendum, and these bills and bailouts would be rejected without civil disturbance. Its the governments actions that led to this response , its called "cause and effect"! For governments and business the profits are found in the effects NOT THE CAUSES!!!
bogsidebunny | Nov 05, 2010, 03:14 AM EDT
The kids are brats throwing their usual temper tantrum when they have to sacrifice for the common good. Ask any Irishman/woman: "It's all about me! The "Celtic Tiger" did more harm than good in Ireland.
GeorgeDillon | Nov 04, 2010, 07:16 AM EDT
Reading the Irish papers on line this morning, I'm struck at how the very writers who moan most about the current government are the ones who get all sanctimonious and prim when anyone actually does protest. These Sinn Fein types are just empty hypocrites.