SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, has endorsed the ‘Education IS’ initiative by the Union of Students in Ireland. The ‘Education IS’ campaign, which held a march and rally at Leinster House at 12.45 p.m. today is calling for the defence of quality third level public education against the increased trend towards commercialisation in the sector. Speaking in support of the campaign and the protest, Jack O’Connor, said: “SIPTU supports the Union of Students in Ireland’s ‘Education Is’ initiative because defending quality public education is a trade union issue.  “As the largest trade union in the third level education sector, we have an interest in protecting the future of education on behalf of our members.  Furthermore, defending quality public education is in the interest of our broader membership whose relatives and co-workers are students or who themselves study at institutions of tertiary education. “Fostering dynamic universities, colleges and institutes that provide a positive environment for students and workers alike is an issue of utmost importance for SIPTU.” Speaking at the protest today SIPTU Head of Campaigning and Equality said: “Some things in life are worth fighting for. Public third level education accessible to all is one of those things. SIPTU is proud to be part of a new coalition of third level staff and students fighting for the education as a public good.”