Students warn fees campaign just beginning
ANGRY students yesterday warned that their campaign against the reintroduction of college fees is just beginning.
Around 150 students protested outside the Dail yesterday to mark the deadline for cabinet members to submit their views on Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe's fees proposals.
Many students had also slept overnight in tents outside Leinster House to highlight their objection to fees, which they have branded a stealth tax.
"This is the first of many actions we intend to have over the next few weeks, we hope to heat up our campaign," Dan O'Neill, Union of Students of Ireland vice-president, said.
The USI plans to lobby representatives as part of a postcard campaign and to consider a 'name and shame' campaign against those TDs supportive of bringing back third-level fees.
Mr O'Neill said they would consider resorting to direct action such as occupying offices, if their objections are not listened to.
The union has claimed a return to fees will cripple students with debt for many years, and may discourage some from taking up third-level education.
- Louise Hogan
