Ógra Shinn Féin members arrested in Fine Gael occupation

BY MARK MOLONEY

ÓGRA SHINN FÉIN members were among nine students arrested after anti-college fee campaigners from National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) occupied the offices of Fine Gael Galway/West TD Brian Walsh just before the Budget.
The occupation saw members of the Free Education for Everyone (FEE) group rush into Walsh’s office and chain themselves to furniture while two other demonstrators climbed onto the roof and unfurled a banner reading “Free Education, Nothing Less!” Outside, a well-supported picket took place. After several hours, gardaí arrived and arrested all of those inside the constituency office along with one of the demonstrators taking part in the picket.
In a statement FEE said: “We are engaging in non-violent direct action in a bid to make our voices heard. Marches are not enough. The different movements resisting austerity need to unite and engage in tactics that are not ignored.”
Those arrested at the demonstration were later released without charge.
Ógra Shinn Féin members also supported the actions of Maynooth Students’ Union who occupied the office of Fine Gael TD Anthony Lawlor in Naas, County Kildare.
Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson and recent NUI Maynooth graduate Cathal Óg Donnelly said: “For too long the reputation of mainstream student politics has been trailed through the mud. Now is the time for Irish students to play an active role in resisting the failed austerity measures of Labour and Fine Gael.”