“The Minister for Education intends to introduce a scheme under which college students will make a contribution to the cost of their education by means of a State loan which they will pay back in instalments after they have graduated and are earning money. Batt O’Keeffe and his advisers are said to have put a great deal of thought into the proposals, which are soon to be presented to Cabinet. This is just as well. It is unthinkable that the Government might introduce a flawed plan, only to amend it piecemeal in face of public opposition. The coalition cannot contemplate a return to the humiliating policy reversals that followed the original Budget 2009. The support of the Green Party, so far so steadfast, could yet be shaken by some unforeseen GUBU moment …” (more)
[Independent, 20 March]