Rowdy Students
Last month this blog reported on a briefing by the Employment and Learning Minister Danny Kennedy at which he paid tribute to the peaceful way local students have conducted their campaign on the fees issue. As I pointed out at the time this was maybe a bit premature given that a decision on fees at Northern Ireland universities has yet to be taken.
Yesterday's disruption in the city centre shows there's potential for further trouble if the Executive decides it has no option but to follow the English example. The Institute of Directors' Joanne Stuart has yet to update her review on the topic. But as Sammy Wilson pointed out in the Commons yesterday's vote on English fees has already had a budgetary impact on Stormont. Moreover the fact that its counterparts across the water will in the future be able to charge £9000 will no doubt bolster Queen's University's argument that it must be allowed to compete.
Today's Good Morning Ulster interview with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster starkly exposed the difference between our two universities. He strongly criticised the Russell Group for "elitism" in pushing for a fees increase - and Queen's is
There has been widespread condemnation for the violent scenes in central London. But many in my generation (I got my fees paid and received a full grant back in the 1980s) will feel more than a twinge of guilt about society denying young people the chances afforded to us. My profession, the media, has questions to answer as well - would the student protests have made the same impact if they had remained as peaceful as, say, the mass demonstration in Dublin against the cuts?
I am off this afternoon to talk to a bunch of sixth formers about politics. The arrangement was that they would be asking the questions and I would be providing the answers. But in the light of yesterday's events here and in London I think a bit of role reversal might be in order.
I'm 
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