Finian McGrath Withdrawal 20/10/08

Statement by John Carr on Finian McGrath’s withdrawing of support for the government

20th October 2008

INTO General Secretary John Carr has congratulated Dublin North Central TD Finian McGrath who has withdrawn his support for the government in protest at the Budget.

Mr McGrath tonight said that as a primary principal teacher he could not support the decision in the budget to increase class sizes in schools. Mr McGrath said he supported the call for more patriotism but went on to say his patriotism did not include “hammering the elderly, the sick, the disabled and young children in large class sizes”.

“This is a brave and principled decision by an INTO member who clearly knows the direct effect of proposed budget cuts on primary schools,” said Mr Carr.  “Finian McGrath will be seen by teachers and parents as a defender of primary education.”

Mr McGrath said he wanted more from government in relation to disadvantage and class size. “If I am not going to stand up for pupils in disadvantaged areas, if I am not going to stand up for the pupils and my friends in the INTO what’s the point of me being in politics. I am sending out a strong message to pupils and teachers that I am there for them.”

Mr McGrath said there was a rump within the cabinet that was trying to push an agenda of cuts in public expenditure. He said there was nothing wrong with someone putting up their hands and saying “I made a mistake” and he called on government to reverse their decision on medical cards for the elderly and on the education cuts.

The north Dublin TD said he had a sense of regret and didn’t like being where he was. He said he was doing the right thing at the right time. He said it was time to be fighting for teachers, the elderly and the sick. According to Mr McGrath the government was out of touch but that the Taoiseach understood his position in relation to the INTO.

Mr Carr called on other public representatives who are equally aware of the impact of the budget to oppose the cuts in primary education.

Ends.