Protesting pensioners say no more cuts

Tucked in beside the imposing gates of Leinster House, Rita Long, Peggy McBride, and Ursula O Reilly calmly explained the reasons behind the scene unfolding in front of them.

As a result of the medical card cut to the over-70s imposed in Budget 2014, thousands of elderly people — including the north county Dublin trio — had decided to bring a major artery of Ireland’s capital to a standstill. Again.

Five years after the last attempt by a government to cut the vital State support, the streets beside Leinster House were awash with an imposing army carrying placards in one hand and walking sticks in the other.