Sinn Féin activists from across Galway attended a protest held at the constituency office of Minister Eamon O Cuív on Sunday to highlight what they called “the devastating cuts” to healthcare and education contained in the recent Budget.

Despite the wet weather, members protested outside Minister O Cuív’s Galway office and handed out information leaflets to those who passed by.

Speaking after the protest, party spokesperson for Galway City East Martin Concannon said: “It is evident from meeting the local Galway people that there is little or no support for the savage cuts that the current Government are trying to force through.”

Mr Concannon said the cuts were not necessary and there were other choices for the Government.

“They could have raised €334 million by getting rid of the PRSI ceiling, something supported by government departments. They could have ended tax breaks for private hospitals. We are living in a time whereby serious investment is required in our health and education sectors. The lack of access to second level education in the East of Galway City is astounding and is something that must be conveyed loudly to all those sitting in Dáil Eireann.”

He pointed out that ‘people-power’ has “forced” the Government to back down in some respects, adding that keeping up the pressure would fight the other savage cuts put forward.

“It is both my belief and hope that the 30,000 people who protested outside of the Dáil last week represented only the tip of the iceberg,” he concluded.

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