LOCAL campaigners who took part in the recent anti-water charges protest at Coláiste Eoin in Finglas have said there was no intention to impinge on the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
President Higgins, who was visiting the school to mark the anniversary, was subjected to a tirade of abuse from protesters who were angry that he signed the bill into law for the controversial charges.
On his way into the school, protesters stood on the road shouting and chanting while gardaà observed the situation. However, some protesters became agitated when gardaà began to push back some demonstrators who had moved towards the school gates.
Later, when President Higgins was leaving the school, some protestors rushed his car, standing in front of it in an apparent effort to stop the vehicle.
A heated altercation then took place after gardaà forced some protesters from the middle of the road.
The protest hit the headlines last week when footage of the incident was posted on Facebook and YouTube, sparking criticism from several political figures.
However, speaking to Northside People, local activist Bernie Hughes defended the protest and described the school as
“one of the best in the area
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“There was no intention to impinge on what was happening in the school or discredit it in any way,
? she said.
“We did not want to bring bad press to the school. Two of us went to the school after and asked could we speak to the principal to convey that it wasn’t our intention by any manner or means to impinge but she wasn’t there.
“I left my details but I can understand if they can’t get back to me, and I appreciate that, but I’ll email her myself.
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Protestors believe the President is a legitimate political target for demonstrations, pointing to his public comments on austerity, and feel he could have made a stand against the water charges bill.
“The whole purpose of the protest was to let the President know how dissatisfied the people are,
? stated Hughes.
“I don’t condone bad language or anything like that but I do understand how it happened. All people wanted to do was to vent their anger.
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Hughes also believes critics have made too much of the bad language and insults hurled at the President.
“People shouted
‘traitor’, which I think they’re entitled to do if they feel betrayed,
? she added.
“I don’t approve of the personal comments. It’s not right but it’s a storm in a teacup. Some people have a very colourful vocabulary. It’s just a bad habit.
“Not one local person has come to me and said we were wrong. They’ve commented on the choice of language but the underlying message is that we weren’t wrong.
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Despite the unwelcome media attention over the protest outside its gates, Coláiste Eoin was delighted with what happened inside the school that day.
“The students in Coláiste Eoin had a wonderful day celebrating our 50th Anniversary,
? a spokesperson said.
“The celebration was honoured by the presence of President Higgins and Mrs Higgins spending over an hour visiting the school.
“The students wowed the President with poetry, a rap on inclusion, a Samba drumming performance and champion Irish dancing.
“Two first year boys surprised the President and Mrs Higgins with a gift of hand-turned pens made from Irish oak and walnut. It was a fantastic celebration and was thoroughly enjoyed by all our students, parents and guests.
“Our sister college, Coláiste Ide, supported the event by hosting a canapé reception that was both impressive and intricate in presentation.
“It was great success for all our students and a testimony to the wonderful school that Coláiste Eoin continues to be.
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