Myopic government failing to make the grade on third-level education

TRADITIONALLY, politicians aspire to enter cabinet so they can introduce reforms and policies that they passionately believe in. Regrettably, in Ireland, it seems to be more a case of getting bums on seats and crudely balancing books.

Speaking just four days before the general election, Ruairi Quinn gave a solemn undertaking that he would “oppose and campaign against any new form of third-level fees including student loans, graduate taxes and any further increase in the student contribution” if he was returned to government. Well, he was returned to government, as education minister no less, but still finds that he is unable to keep his promise. Worse, he doesn’t seem too concerned about it.

Giving a masterclass in double-speak during a toe-curlingly awful interview on Prime Time last Thursday, Quinn said he’s still vehemently opposed to the introduction of third-level fees but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t be reintroduced. I mean, who do people think he is, the minister? Furthermore, he doesn’t regret the auction politics he engaged in before the election, in a desperate effort to buy students’ votes, because he doesn’t believe that he was being duplicitous.