Sinn Fein & SWSS Disciplined Over Protest

dublin | anti-capitalism | news report Tuesday February 10, 2004 17:31 by Jon Swift

The SF and Socialist Worker Student Societies have been disciplined over their protest against Bertie Ahern.

The SF and Socialist Worker Student Societies have been disciplined over their protest against Bertie Ahern. This protest took place when Bertie addressed the Historical Society on 28 January. Rory Hearne of SWSS and Ciaran Doherty of SF were called before the dreaded Junior Dean Brendan Tangey. Tangey stated to Trinity News " the relevant parties did not aplly for permission to hold a protest or use a loudhailer".

College regulations rquire two weeks advance notice before holding any event including protests! While TCD Labour fully supported and participated in the protest they so far have not been dragged before his Lordship Tangey. This may be because Labour were not on the leaflet calling the event. Ciaran Doherty told TN: "SF & SWSS produced a leaflet before Labour became involved".

The purpose of the protest was to highlight cutbacks in the third level education sector. However the SWSS came under criticism for turning what was agreed as an anti cutbacks protest into an anti war demo.

Rory Hearn of SWSS caleed the SUs failure to miunt a demonstration : "a disgrace". According to Trinity News Rory Hearn was seen to lunge at the Taoiseach before being restrained by Gardai. In a joint letter TCD SF, LP and SWSS have condemned the Gardai for assaulting peaceful protesters. According to the letter: "The Iron Gate used to close off the Nassau Street entrance to College at night was used as a battering ram to drive protesters back".

There are no reports of any of the other political groups in the College supporting this protest.