Doherty slams Eamonn Ryan for betraying students

Eamon Ryan

RESPONDING to comments this week by Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan that he would back the return of third level fees in the 26 Counties, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Pearse Doherty has described his comments as yet another reversal of Green Party policy and a betrayal of third level students across the state.
“How much longer will Green Party Ministers continue to pander to their Fianna Fáil masters? Minister Ryan’s comments on last night’s Week in Politics programme represent yet another reversal of Green Party policy and a betrayal of students across the state”, Doherty said.
“The Minister has said that he would support such a scheme as no fee is paid up front – what he neglects to mention however is the €21,000 minimum debt hanging over the student’s head when he/she graduates.
“In their 2007 General Election manifesto the Green Party pledged to ‘maintain free fees which are an important part of making the right to third level education accessible to all’. Isn’t it far that this party has come since then, however nothing these opportunists do now would surprise anybody.
“Eamon Ryan as a patron of the UCD branch of the Young Greens should be ashamed of this latest Green Party U-turn”, the Donegal Senator said.

BETRAYED: Students protests over return of third level fees