Campaigners for the Cork School of Music are to run candidates in the local elections in June because of a delay in a Government decision on the future of the school, writes Liam Reid
The campaign will also see a series of musical concerts in major European cities as part of a "Tour of Shame".
Three years ago the Government approved a public private partnership (PPP) scheme for a new school, but concerns regarding costs and the EU accounting rules for PPP projects have led to an ongoing delay in its approval.
In the meantime the 3,500 students and more than 65 staff moved out of the original building to 16 different sites around the city pending a new school.
It was originally planned that the new 13,000 sq metre school would be completed in time for Cork becoming the European Capital of Culture next year.
Staff at the school called off industrial action last autumn following what they say were commitments from officials that a decision on the future of the school would be made by the end of November.
The Government has still to make a decision on the future of the school.
Last month the Minister for Education said a Eurostat review of EU accounting rules for PPPs and an evaluation of the initial PPP schemes in the Department of Education were still awaited before a final decision on the school would be made.
Yesterday Mr Gerry Kelly, a music teacher and trade union activist at the school, accused the Government of "playing games".
"The fact is that they're not saying yes or no for political reasons."
Mr Kelly has now declared himself as a candidate in the forthcoming local elections, running under a Cultural Candidate ticket.
The cultural campaign, whose sole issue is the school of music, will run two more candidates in Cork city centre wards, Mr Kelly said. The campaign has changed its strategy from industrial action to "causing the Government as much embarrassment as possible".
Mr Kelly believes that there are over 50,000 voters with links as graduates or through family with the school in Cork. "And these are people who will vote.
"There is no cap on how much you can spend at local elections, so we are also launching a massive fundraising campaign. We've got offers of help to hold fundraising events from all types of musicians. Everybody's up for this."
The campaign is also embarking on what Mr Kelly describes as "an international tour of shame", holding concerts in various European cities during Ireland's EU Presidency to highlight the situation at the school.
"It will kick off in February in London with a concert, most likely in the Church of St Martin in the Fields," Mr Kelly said. One of the musicians who will play, Mr Kelly's daughter Jean, was a harpist on the latest Lord of the Rings film.