Fewer than 300 second-level students turned up to protest outside the Dail yesterday at the ongoing teachers' dispute.
Thousands were expected to travel from schools across the State for the rally, but rain and bitter winds meant the turnout was disappointing.
Those who braved the elements, however, got plenty of support with bus drivers, motor cyclists, taxi drivers and passing cars honking their horns to show solidarity.
The chanting began at 10 a.m. with "ASTI, you ain't got no alibi" and "Mr Ahern we want to learn, Mr Woods deliver the goods."
Banners made by the students showed their frustration with the ASTI - renamed "NASTI" - their teachers and the Minister for Education, Dr Woods.
There were mixed views on the strike. Cliodhna Browne, a Junior Cert student from Manor House secondary school, Raheny, Dublin, said she believed whatever support the teachers had from students at the beginning of the dispute had dissipated.
Lorna Carolan of Loreto College, Swords, supported the teachers and believed they deserved a pay increase. Ministers had given themselves a salary increase so why would they not give one to the teachers, she asked. "I'm only 17 but I will never vote for Fianna Fail in my lifetime," she said.
James Redmond, a sixth-year student at Knockbeg College, Carlow, said he was present to put the blame on the "only culprits in this scandal", namely the Government. "We will not sit idly by and watch this Government bully our teachers and leave them demoralised".
Catriona Logan, a Leaving Cert student from Malahide Community School, put some of the blame on the ASTI. She believed 90 per cent of teachers in her school did not want to be on strike, but ASTI general secretary Mr Charlie Lennon and Dr Woods were "acting like spoiled children" who would not talk.
Shortly after 1 p.m. the students marched to ASTI headquarters in Woodquay where they handed in a letter of protest. ASTI deputy general secretary Mr John White made a brief appearance and told students he understood their concerns. The students booed.
Three students from Athlone, Dublin, and Wexford, secured a meeting with Dr Woods. They said the Minister had given them assurances they would get a few weeks' notice of oral examinations and that the exams would go ahead. Sarah Barry, the Dublin representative, said the meeting was a major achievement.