Keeping everyone on board will be a challenge

TWO separate protests greeted Fine Gael TDs, senators and MEPs as they arrived at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galway yesterday for the beginning of their “think-in” prior to the start of the new Dáil term.

The first, involving about 20 students arguing against third-level fees, resulted in minor scuffles with gardaí as the students attempted to block the road leading into the hotel.

A second, more dignified protest saw about 15 Roscommon campaigners protesting against the downgrading of hospital services in the county — an issue on which the Taoiseach broke a pre-election pledge.