Onwards and upwards for Dublin ÓSF

national | education | press release Saturday October 17, 2009 20:27 by Daithi Byrne - Ogra Shinn Fein Dublin dublinogra at gmail dot com

Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin are set to become the most active society in Dublin's universities. Hundreds of new applications to join were made over the last month at freshers events. Ógra Shinn Féin socities were represented in the following unversities;

* Trinity College
* University College Dublin
* Dublin City University
* Griffith College
* Dublin Institute of Technology

Sinn Féin flags were hoisted and freshers packs handed out to applicants who signed up in their droves. A high quality newsletter, DVD on the history of the republican struggle, stationery and a copy of the proclamation were included in the packs. Application figures have surged since last year, signalling a rise in political awareness among students opposed to fees and other policies introduced by the shambolic government. Asked about the attraction to Ógra Shinn Féin, one student stated that she wanted to be active in the campaign against fees and the general ineptitude of the Fianna Fáil/Greens. Another student stated that Ógra Fianna Fáil were "ran like dogs" from a freshers event in DCU. Ógra activist Daithí Byrne commented on the surge in applicants;

"Students are saying they attracted to our radical politics and activism displayed over the years in Dublin, most recently the anti-fees campaign. They aren't satisfied with the 'all talk no action' policy of other opposition groups like Young Fine Gael."

Paddy Daly, Dublin college co-ordinator commented on the successful freshers campaign; "This has been a huge success for us with people genuinely interested in getting involved in republican politics and activism. The priority for me will be to build a new college structure for Dublin ÓSF and organise events such as protests that will put us on the map."

After a spectacular freshers recruitment drive, Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin are putting education/introduction to Sinn Féin high on the agenda, which will include one to one meetings with each applicant. Anti-fees will also be high on the agenda for the coming weeks.