Protesters imarching n Dublin today accused the Government of using a perceived public-private sector rift to "divide and conquer" in the run-up to the December Budget.
The regional secretary of the Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) , Arthur Hall, said the divide was "fabricated by higher society to divide and conquer". He said he believed driving a wedge between the two sectors was a Government ploy to push through cutbacks.
"There is no divide as far as we're concerned," said one civil servant. "We're all worker bees making the money and they're living off it."
Shopkeeper Peter Fitzpatrick said he found the solidarity among protesters refreshing. "This issue will keep us together and make us stronger, not weaker," he said.
Workers, students, pensioners and unemployed people from both sectors were present. Unions, political groups and individuals marched from Parnell Square to Merrion Square chanting slogans such as "They say cutback, we say fightback!" and "No way, we want pay!"
Union representatives claimed 70,000 people attended while Gardaí estimated the number was closer to 30,000.
Today's protest, which was organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu), opposed Government policies which are perceived to target "the needy, not the greedy". Retired postman Martin Wilson (68) said he attended because he did not want to see future generations suffer in what he believed to be an unfair society. "They will not tax people on very handsome salaries," he said. "It's always been like that in my lifetime."
Martin Ward from the Chief State Solicitor's Office said: "I don't think it's fair that lower paid people should be footing the bill for the Government's mistakes."
A number of students attended on behalf of political parties and campaign groups. They said they believed Government spending did not target their needs. However, they felt the public did not welcome their presence on the march. "I get the impression that we're seen as a bit of a nuisance," said Philip Donnery (19) who marched with Free Education for Everyone. "But the reason we're here is to help people enjoy a better life."
There were calls today for a national strike on November 24th that could last up to 48 hours.
Opinion was divided over the outcome of today's protest. Many believed there would be no change, but felt it was their duty to participate. "Just lying down and doing nothing is worse," said Brenda Lynch, who marched with the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).
Some remained hopeful to influence Government policy. "The size of the marches will show how angry people are," said Justin Moran, who was marching with Sinn Féin. "Hopefully the Government will respond by rolling back cutbacks." Others warned that voters' discontent would be felt in the next election.