Marching against austerity

A GROUP from Clare is set to join the Donegal Action Against Austerity group on a trek to protest against cuts being introduced by the Irish Government.
Miltown Malbay’s Bríd Talty saw a piece on the news on Tuesday evening and was subsequently bombarded with phone calls from friends about it.
“The Donegal Action Against Austerity group were on the news walking to Dublin protesting against austerity. It hit home with a lot of people here in Miltown. There are about 20 who have already said they are going to do it too,” Bríd told The Clare Champion on Wednesday.
“I am trying to organise a group from Clare to go to Dublin on March 31 to support the Donegal walkers against austerity in order to join with them from the Phoenix Park. Seen as how we are the Banner County, it might be nice to have a group going together from here in support of these people and against austerity,” she explained.
The Donegal walkers are already on their way to Dublin but expect their final stage to take them from Phoenix Park to Leinster House on March 31.
“After the news, I got a whole load of phone calls. I used to work in the public sector but was laid off in 2008. Then on Tuesday night I had different people ringing me, people were laid off at the same time. We are now living on one fifth of what we were living on before. We had to go to post graduate level to get these jobs in the first place then they were just cut and you would say well that is fair enough but these taxes and charges are rubbing salt in the wounds. This is something we have all been talking about.
“March 31 is the day the Government pays the €3.1 billion bank debt and the day that the household charge has to be paid by. The point the Donegal group made, which is very valid, is that these people gambled their money. If we gamble our money we don’t get a bailout and why should we have to pay for bondholders’ gambling, and without any consultation?” Bríd asked.
“After people got in touch with me I contacted Iarnród Eireann and they are offering a discounted rate on a day return if we have enough people going. My target is to get 300 people from around the county taking part. Maybe that is a bit unrealistic at this short notice but everyone who heard this group seems to be congratulating them. On the news they were saying what we are all thinking. I think it is time, the Government seems to be bringing in everything and we are just taking it, we need to show the Government that we are at least observing what is going on and that we are not happy,” she continued.
“Anyone who wants can contact me about it or to join up can do so on 065 7084620,” Bríd concluded.