Student protest - Fee increase unavoidable

WHATEVER public support students had for their campaign of opposition to increases in registration fees, it has been jeopardised by a small minority who went out of their way to clash with gardaí in the course of yesterday’s march through Dublin.

In contrast with France or Greece, where aggressive protests are the norm, this country has a tradition of peaceful protest. Violence is unacceptable, counter-productive and beyond justification.

If, as alleged, militants are to blame, then it is crucial the students’ union ensure their impact is minimised in future demonstrations.

While most people are against fee increases, they are unavoidable in the current financial catastrophe. What the public want is a more equitable system designed to give those at the bottom of the economic ladder greater access to third level while the better-off should be willing to pay for their children’s education.