15,000 vent anger at over-70 cutbacks

PROTEST OUTSIDE DÁIL:An estimated 15,000 maily older people filled the streets around Dáil Éireann yesterday in protest at changes to the over-70s medical card scheme.

There were boos and heckles during the speech of the only Government representative and Fianna Fáil member to address the gathering, Máire Hoctor, Minister of State for Older People.

"I ask you to give me an opportunity to address you," she said. "I fully appreciate the anger and fear you have felt over the last week and I want to assure you that the Government has heard you loud and clear," the Minister shouted over the noise. The organisers appealed to allow "free speech" for the Minister who finished her statement as people shouted loudly "Out. . . out".

The rally was organised by the Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament ahead of last night's vote on a Fine Gael motion calling on the Government to retain medical cards for all over-70s.

The only other Coalition party TD to address the rally was Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party. He apologised to the crowd and told them he was there to listen.

"Do it tonight," people shouted in response.

"The Green Party has learned from this and it will never take you for granted. We are listening to you here today. We are listening," he repeated.

Mr Cuffe told the crowd that there were "tough times ahead" but that his party would "work to protect the weak".

Continued dissatisfaction at the amendments made by the Government on Tuesday was reflected by Sylvia Meehan, president of the Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament.

Her organisation wanted the cards continued for all over-70s as they were important for "our citizenship, our self-respect and our dignity," she said. Older people have contributed to the society all their lives and "are valuable members of society", she said.

The theme of respect was picked up by others who addressed the rally including Opposition politicians.

"The Government said this was a breakdown in communication. It was a breakdown in respect for the older people," said Ross Connolly, an over-70 and grandson of labour leader James Connolly.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny told the gathering older people had been reduced to "statistics" by the Government.

"When you are given something from the State you accept it with gratitude and trust. This Government decided to take away a right from you . . . which you never asked for in the first place," Mr Kenny said.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore accused the Government of showing disrespect to people "who worked hard all their lives, often paid high taxes and only want the peace of mind of having the medical card if feeling unwell".

Mr Gilmore also raised doubts as to whether the Government would stick to promises made in its amendment on Tuesday. "I am not impressed as all it means is at a time in the future a Minister could change it."

He also warned: "If they get away with this then you will find next target will be bus passes. When they are finished with pensioners they will move on to children."

Independent TD Finian McGrath was welcomed with cheers and described the over-70s as "the people that built up this country in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s", and "the people who didn't run away when times get difficult."

Speaking also for Independent TD Tony Gregory, Mr McGrath said they would be calling for a rejection of the Government's proposal and were "standing by the elderly".

People travelled from all over the country to attend the lunchtime march, including from Listowel in Co Kerry, Kinsale in west Cork, Limerick city, Cork city and Co Mayo, Mullingar, Co Westmeath and Gorey, Co Wexford.

Many of the older people used their free-travel passes to make their way to yesterday's gathering. Iarnród Éireann reported an increase in almost one third in passenger numbers and put on an extra morning train from Cork.

One woman at the protest from Donneycarney in Dublin said she was told that the rally had been cancelled before she got on the train by two men at the station. "It was a disgraceful trick and reminded me of 1916," she said.

Gardaí had to ask people to stand back from the stage a number of times due to the large crowd. At least one person needed medical assistance during the rally but it was understood not to be serious.