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National march turnout largest in a generation Pic: Eibhlin Seoighthe
Galway to hold first regional march By Grainne Coyne Over 40,000 students protested against a possible doubling of registration fee and cuts to the grant by marching on November 3rd. The march ended in violent clashes between students and Gardaí outside the Department of Finance. The march, which is the largest in a generation, began in Parnell
Square and students marched down O’Connell Street, to O’Connell Bridge, past Trinity College and finally reaching Merrion Square where the rally took place outside the Government buildings held by the USI. Some students didn’t attend the rally and went to a sit-in protest at the Department of Finance at
Merrion Row. When Gardaí attempted to remove these students, violent clashes ensued. Eggs, beer cans and protest signs were thrown at Gardaí. When the rally was completed, many students ran to the riot outside the Department of Finance. The Gardaí riot squad intervened and dispersed the
crowd. Many videos highlight the use of excessive force by Gardaí against students. This includes charging against students on horses and using batons and dogs. Students have called on the Garda Ombudsman to carry out an investigation into the matter. A Facebook group “Demand Public hearing on Garda brutality against students in
Dublin” was started and currently has over 3,000 members. USI President, Gary Redmond was quick to condemn the actions of students, releasing a statement later that day. Redmond said: “The organisation is deeply disappointed... continued on page 3