Metro Herald, February 6, 2014 by Metro Herald

Thursday, February 6, 2014

It begins

Anglo trial is expected to last up to four months by ed carTy Clients were chased to the south of France and Portugal by Anglo irish Bank in an €800million deal to unwind secret shares built up by former billionaire sean Quinn, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told yesterday. At the opening of the trial of three former executives of the now defunct bank, a jury in Court 19 was told investors were sought in the Us, the Middle east and resorts of nice and Faro. Former chairman and one-time chief executive, sean FitzPatrick, 65, former chief risk officer Willie McAteer, 63, and former managing director of lending Pat Whelan, 51, deny 16 charges each in relation to the lending. Whelan also denies a further seven charges in relation to the alteration of loan facility letters. the court was told Anglo created a plan to lend money to the Quinns and a so-called ‘Maple 10’ of mega-rich clients, mostly developers and including Belfast-born businessman Paddy McKillen, to buy up the secret shareholding. Prosecutor Paul O’Higgins revealed the original plan was thought to cost €800m, but as the share price fell it involved €450m being loaned for the Maple 10 and €175m for the Quinn family. ‘this was lending in very extraordinary circumstances which had nothing whatsoever to do with the ordinary course of the bank’s business,’ he said. One borrower was in the south of France when he was chased down by former CeO David Drumm – now living

In the dock: Sean Fitzpatrick, Anglo’s former chairman leaves Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday, main; top, Pat Whelan and above Willie McAteer Pictures: PA

in the Us and who is not on trial – and Whelan, the court heard. Unsuccessful attempts to get investors were made in the Us and at a Middle east roadshow. the plan was to get investors to buy the Quinn holding, 25 per cent of the bank’s share value, which the former

tycoon built up in stock market deals known as contracts for difference. Mr O’Higgins told the jury ‘financial geniuses’ offered an ‘extraordinary form of gambling to members of the public,’ involving large sums being bet on shares that may go up or may go

down. ‘the bookie pays out or you pay the bookie,’ he said. the extent of Mr Quinn’s holding became apparent when he met Mr Drumm and FitzPatrick in september 2007, it was alleged. After a high of about €17

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METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

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Today is...

Lame Duck Day A ‘support’ day for people on the move in their jobs

From the archives (2012):

Facebook told breast picture policy sucks Dozens of mothers will

descend on Facebook’s Dublin offices today to oppose the social network’s block on pictures of women breastfeeding. It is one of some 30 global protests at ‘daily image deletions and account suspensions’.

Today’s birthdays

Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress, 97; Jimmy Tarbuck, comedian, 74; Natalie Cole, singer, 64; Axl Rose, rock singer, Guns N’ Roses, (pictured) 52, and Rick Astley, singer, 48.

Weather Weather Today

Max: 8°c

Dry in many areas, with sunny spells, but some scattered showers will occur, mainly in Atlantic coastal areas. Southern and southeastern coastal regions will be cloudier, with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Temperatures between 6°C to 8°C in light variable winds.

6�C

Donegal

8�C

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www.kilkennyshop.com *Terms & Conditions: Voucher given with any purchase over ¤75. T&C’s with voucher. Ask in store for details or check online.

Dublin

7�C

8�C

Tipperary Waterford

Tralee

Cork

Tonight

Belfast

8�C

Athlone

8�C

8�C Sunrise: 8.01am Sunset: 5.18pm

Min: -2°c

Tonight will be cold, clear and frosty across the country. Temperatures between -2°C to 0°C with icy patches.

EUROPE today

Tomorrow

Nassau Street, Dublin · Stillorgan · Swords

6�C

Cavan

Galway

V p o Sh

5 2 € e e Fr

Derry

A frosty and sunny start to the morning with light westerly breezes. Cloud will increase during the afternoon and winds will strengthen. Heavy rain will develop by evening. Temperatures between 5°C to 8°C.

Barcelona

13 °c 16 °c

Berlin

9 °c

Brussels

10 °c 9 °c

Athens

6�C 6�C 6�C 8�C

7�C

5�C 7�C 7�C Max: 8°c

London

Paris

7 °c 15 °c 10 °c

Rome

14 °c

Geneva Madrid

Angry: A sternfaced Liz Hurley goes out in London yesterday PICTURE: sPlash

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

Liz: Me and Clinton? It’s ri ridiculous! by SEAMUS DUFF

MODEL Liz Hurley says she will sue after dismissing bombshell claims that she had a secret White House affair with Bill Clinton as ‘ludicrous’. The 48-year-old was angered by ex-boyfriend, Tom Sizemore, who alleged she enjoyed a year-long fling with the former US president. Referring to the claims posted on Radar Online, Hurley tweeted yesterday: ‘Ludicrously silly stories about me & Bill Clinton. Totally untrue. In the hands of my lawyers. Yawn.’ The website has posted a tape of a rambling Sizemore, 52, giving friends

details of Hurley’s alleged liaisons with Mr Clinton when he was president. The Hollywood actor boasts he helped set up the alleged tryst, saying it began in ‘Affair’: Clinton 1998 at a White House screening of Saving Private Ryan, in which Sizemore appeared. The actor – who said he dated Hurley for three years while she was with Hugh Grant – claimed Mr Clinton, 67, pulled him to one side and asked if he was still in touch with her before

badgering him for her number. When he refused, the president growled at him: ‘Give it to me. You dumb m***********r, I’m the Commanderin-Chief of the United States of America. The buck stops here.’ Clinton and Hurley allegedly had a four-day fling but Sizemore said it did not concern first lady Hillary, as he was told ‘they sleep in different bedrooms’. The romance supposedly rumbled on for a year with Mr Clinton said to have called things off after he felt he was falling ‘in love’ with Hurley. Mr Clinton was famously impeached after his liaison with intern Monica Lewinski. Last year, Hurley split from Australian cricketer Shane Warne.

Wendi: I adore Tony’s butt and his pierce blue eyes...

Deng: Butt

RUPERT MURDOCH’S ex-wife cooed over Tony Blair’s body, eyes and ‘butt’ in a gushing note, it was claimed yesterday. Wendi Deng was also said to have praised Britain’s ex-prime minister for his fashion sense and ‘good skin’. Toe-curling details of the missive she allegedly wrote in broken English were yesterday published in Vanity Fair, which described it as

‘steamy’ and ‘lovelorn’. According to the magazine, Ms Deng, 45, wrote: ‘Oh, s***, oh, s***. Whatever why I’m so so missing Tony. ‘Because he is so so charming and his clothes are so good. He has such good body and he has really really good legs, butt... and he is slim tall and good skin. Pierce blue eyes which I love. Love his eyes. Also I

love his power on the stage... and what else and what else…’ Reports about the note, apparently written to herself, first emerged last year. Vanity Fair quoted a source said to have worked in one of Mr Murdoch’s homes saying: ‘They were all mutual friends; there was no reason Mr Murdoch wouldn’t have welcomed Blair into his home.

‘But one day Mr Blair arrived and Mrs Murdoch was sort of being very flirtatious. She was charming him.’ Ms Deng split from her 82-yearold husband last year, after 14 years of marriage. In a joint statement, the former couple said they would not ‘engage in public allegations or respond to negative claims’. ‘Charming’: Blair

METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

RTÉ TV chief defends ‘Pantigate’ libel payout RTÉ’s managing director of television Glen Killane sent a memo to television staff at the national broadcaster about the ‘Pantigate’ affair, defending the decision to pay damages as ‘the most prudent course of action’. It came after criticism of the national broadcaster for paying a reported €85,000 to members of Catholic think-tank The Iona Institute. This was to settle a defamation case after comments about homophobia made on The Saturday Night Show by Rory O’Neill, also known as the drag performer Panti. ‘I want to reassure you that RTÉ explored every option available to it, including right of reply,’ Mr Killane wrote. ‘Legal advice was sought and all avenues were explored, including an offer to make a donation to a neutral charity. ‘As a dual-funded public body, RTÉ should not knowingly progress to defend an action when it is advised, in-

Making a rail point Killed: Prison officer David Black

court for officer’s murder accused

By ALAn cAuLfiELD ternally and externally, that such a defence is unlikely to succeed before a jury. RTÉ has not engaged in censorship, but has rather fallen foul of Ireland’s defamation laws.’ Mr Killane pointed to ongoing coverage of the controversy on RTÉ. Yesterday in the Dáil, Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer asked the Taoiseach whether there were any plans to make RTÉ accountable to the Dáil, to which Mr Kenny replied: ‘No.’ And in the Seanad, Fianna Fáil senator Jim Walsh raised threats made against Iona director David Quinn, saying: ‘Can we deal with these dangerous, vicious elements within the gay ideological movement?’ Panti’s ‘noble call’ to an Abbey Theatre audience this weekend in which he discussed homophobia has gone viral, reaching 260,000 YouTube views just three days after he uploaded it.

Model Holly Carpenter puts train station staff through their paces at the launch of this year’s Iarnród Éireann Best Station Awards. Voting is now underway online at www.irishrail.ie/beststations Picture: Paul sharP

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AN UNCLE and nephew who robbed a bookmakers shop were arrested shortly afterwards as they sat in a nearby pub drinking pints, a court has heard. Owen Comerford, 26, of Sean O’Casey Avenue, Summerhill and Richard Comerford, 53, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the robbery of Boyle Sports, Capel Street, on January 23, 2009. Owen Comerford, who has 125 previous convictions, was sentenced to two years with the final 15 months suspended in January 2012 by Judge Martin Nolan. Yesterday, Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced Richard Comerford to five years with the final two suspended, after she accepted that although he had 66 previous convictions, he had not come to garda attention in the last

three years, apart from a minor begging offence. She accepted he seems to have turned a corner in his life and told him, ‘at 53 years old, it is time for a rest’. The judge had previously adjourned the case having heard evidence last June and allowed him out on bail to facilitate an engagement with the Probation Service. She said it was clear from photographs of the imitation gun that it had been ‘a convincing looking firearm’ and the staff and customers in BoyleSports would have been threatened by it. Garda Michael Galligan told the court that Richard was carrying an imitation firearm and both men were wearing balaclavas and latex gloves when they carried out the robbery.

crowds packed into courtroom

Mention get ‘Metro’ to tle t a free bo o cc e s o r P f o ook u o y when abrty p your

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Continued from Page 1 in 2007, Anglo’s shares were worth €6.50 by the following St Patrick’s Day. FitzPatrick, of Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow, McAteer, of Auburn Villas, Rathgar, and Whelan, of Coast Road, Malahide, Co Dublin, are currently on bail. The trial, one of the most complex in Irish legal history, will comprise 24million documents and 800 statements from witnesses, including

the Quinns, former financial regulator Mr Neary and former Central Bank governor John Hurley. As crowds packed into Court 19, the trial was shown simultaneously on a big screen in another courtroom. A jury of 15 is hearing the case with 12 asked to return a verdict. Anglo, bailed out by the State to the tune of €29billion in January 2009, was subsequently rebranded the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation and liquidated last year.

A MAN has appeared in court charged with murdering a prison officer in Northern Ireland. David Black, 52, was shot dead as he drove to work along a motorway in Co Armagh. He was the first prison warder to be killed in almost 20 years and the car used in the attack was found burned out nearby. Sean McVeigh, 33, from Lurgan, was also charged with possession of an assault rifle with the intent to endanger life. He was surrounded by prison officers at the court in Craigavon, where his supporters in the packed courtroom clapped as he was led from the dock. Mr Black, a father of two from Cookstown in Co Tyrone, was on the M1 motorway en route to Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim when he was shot on November 1, 2012. A detective inspector told the court he could connect the accused to the charges but it was still very early in the case. He said the investigation was continuing and it could take three months until the file is submitted to prosecutors. Mr McVeigh was remanded in custody to reappear via video-link at the same court on February 28.

Charity event calls for geeks CALLING all civic-minded computer geeks. The Geeklist Hack4Good is looking for developers, project managers and designers to take part in its weekend-long charity event. Irish organiser Aaron Craig from last-minute dining-out app Temptster said participants will need to be available this weekend from 7pm this Friday to 10pm on Sunday. He added: ‘Participants will be writing code for apps and web services that benefit the charities and NGOs who are involved.’ Dublin is one of 50 cities around the world to take part in the event. For further details visit https:// geekli.st/hackathon/ or email aaron@temptster.com.

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

Cork city ‘open for business’ as traders take stock after second day of floods ‘CORK is open for business’ was the message yesterday from the southern capital as traders came to terms with the second flood to hit the city in 36 hours. It is estimated that around 150 businesses were affected by Tuesday night’s event, which mainly affected the city centre. Cork City Council’s director of service, Jim O’Donovan, said yesterday that long-term flood protection measures are being investigated, but it will be ‘several years’ before they’re in place.

Breakfast role: Mandy Duggan and Gemma Dowling clean up at O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausages after the flood on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork picture: provision

More misery as rain and storms to last another week

THE current weather pattern is expected to continue for at least the next seven days, with river flooding the new threat. The National Coordination Group yesterday warned that nearly every river in the country is already near capacity following the Atlantic storms which started on December 13. Of particular concern is the River Shannon, which runs from Cavan to Limerick. Meteorologist Gerald Fleming said that Met Éireann sees ‘very little change’ in the weather over the next six to nine days, with Friday night expected to be very wet. He added: ‘We’re going to have one weather system after another bringing more and more rain and we do foresee that river levels will continue to rise and that river flooding will become more of a problem.’ However, despite this, coordination group spokesman Sean Hogan said the current weather events are not being categorised as a national emergency. The situation will only be upgraded if

by jOAnnE AHERn

locally-led responses become overwhelmed. He said he believes the current situation is being managed ‘reasonably well’. He advised people living near rivers to keep an eye on them over the coming days because while general weather predictions may be made, ‘you can get rain happening in areas that will cause local flooding which won’t be picked up by any warning system’. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Enda Kenny was castigated in the Dáil for the lack of flood defence work. He admitted the €250million set aside for such programmes ‘is not going to be adequate’. Cork TD and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said such safeguards would not be in place for a number of years. Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams added: ‘There’s always money for consultants, for bankers, for politicians, but not enough for citizens in need’.

Meanwhile, in Limerick, residents affected by weekend flooding were warned about the dangers of contamination. The HSE is distributing leaflets warning that surfaces which came into contact with flood waters should be properly disinfected before being used again and that any items that were submerged in the water, including toys, should be destroyed. ESB and Eircom repair crews also had a busy day, with thousands of faults reported around

the country. These were mainly along the south and west coasts. Meanwhile, as Cork residents came to terms with flood damage, some Dublin motorists found themselves sitting in 19km-long tailbacks on the M50 – the result of flooding on some off-ramps. A man had to be cut from his car in Lusk on Tuesday night after a tree fell on it. In an attempt to lighten the mood, one bookie has started to take bets on when Ireland will next see a day without rain.

MeTro HeraLD Thursday, February 6, 2014

wholly

thursday

Ommm… ken rogan thinks, therefore he is, unless he isn’t, in which case who wrote this column about meditation anyway?

‘Fear factor’ in city

ANTI-social behaviour on Dublin’s O’Connell Street is ‘out of control’ while a ‘fear factor’ is damaging business and putting people off going there, a court has heard. As gardaí yesterday succeeded in getting a judge to impose an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) on 19year-old Andrew Foley of Sarsfield Road, Inchicore, Richard Guiney of Dublin City Business Improvement

by ToM TuiTe District gave evidence on the impact of anti-social behaviour at the capital’s main thoroughfare. His organisation, which represents 2,500 businesses, works with its partners to enhance the district’s appeal. He told Dublin District Court ‘anti-social behaviour is a very sig-

This milk won’t be giving you the hump

editation eh? So the mope just lies on the board Ahem. Ahm. looking blank. Then Rudd says: Ohummmmmmm. ‘Well I mean… you gotta do I mean they’re not something.’ even using words That something, meditatively – and when they do, they use speaking, is ‘focus’, and now we’re detestable ones like ‘wellness’, back into the esoteric/ethereal ‘bliss’, and ‘joy’ – happy, clappy language of ‘allowing your garbage that’s straight out of awareness to rest’ on this or that, Oprah’s Book Club and a hair’s which is a world away from breadth away from the sincere use effortful ‘concentrating’, allegedly, of ‘yippee!’ for Christ’s sake. because that’s the whole damn But we’re getting ahead of point. You’re trying to do ourselves. Why meditate in the first something that pointedly requires place? Personally, I find it helps me you not to try. get a handle on incessant thinking. This is a big two fingers to your Descartes famously said, ‘I think already addled mind, which isn’t therefore I am’, but Eastern exactly into idling – in fact that’s philosophy would respond with, why you sat down to meditate in ‘yes, but thinking is something you the first place. And now you just do, it’s not who you are’. want to smash Paul Rudd in the What’s cool about this perspective face and tell him: ‘Don’t do is that it identifies a vital distinction anything.’ between our ‘mind’ and our But then a breakthrough! No, I ‘selves’. Thinking can be didn’t master any Mr Miyagi distracting, compulsive and ‘trying without trying’ hokum, or downright destructive – but stumble across some astral that’s okay, it’s just meadow of your mind. And transcendental sure, your mind is Xanax, I a part of you, like downloaded an No, I didn’t your finger is – app for guided master any Mr but then you meditation. It’s never cut your awesome, and Miyagi ‘trying finger and say ‘I way, way easier without trying’ cut me!’ do you? than sitting in a hokum That’s not the room going, ‘Now? case for worry and NOW-now? NOW?’ stress. The verb says it (although you should all: you ‘are’ stressed. I read the Power Of Now, ‘am’ worried. Unlike the finger, cracking book). Guided meditation you do identify your ‘self’ with works like the regular stuff except a whatever state your mind created, voice ‘guides’ you. And you feel legitimate or not. good. At peace with yourself. So is all this ‘far out’ enough for Blissful even. you? Terrific. Next question: If Except here’s the thing: I reached you’re not your mind, how do you the end of my ten-day teaser, and get your mind to STFU? now they want me to pay a Meditation – which, be warned, is subscription – and the real scandal not ‘not thinking’. Not only should is I’m seriously considering it. you not ‘try’ to ‘think of nothing’ For some reason I resent the hell (a known impossibility, unless out of this. How can you put a price sitting in front of Google with on contentment? Is inner peace instructions to look up anything only for people of means? you want), you have to let your True, they charge for yoga, but thoughts happen and then ‘give that’s fair enough, if you’re going your attention’ to something else. to burp, and fart and stick your bum I know. That wouldn’t stand up in in the air, eight to ten euro is the court, but that’s the deal with all least you can do. this Eastern mush, you have to do Anyway the search for inner the opposite of what you think you peace (like so many modern should do, which is anything. And searches) was ended in 0.017 it’s frustrating. This was nicely seconds by Google. Turns out you captured by Paul Rudd’s stoned can download guided meditation surf-instructor character in for free, and that, as my friend Forgetting Sarah Marshall. ‘Pop pointed out, is Karma. up!’ he tells the mope on the board, And don’t ask if there was who gives it a shot. ‘You’re doing supposed to be a point to all this – too much,’ says Rudd, that’s exactly what they want you disappointed. ‘Don’t do anything.’ to do. @kenrogan

nificant issue for businesses in the O’Connell Street area’. He said one study found 36 per cent of people said they would not go to the city-centre ‘for fear of antisocial behaviour’ because of ‘intimidation and a fear factor’. One garda also told the court people loiter in the O’Connell Street area for no other reason than to buy or sell drugs.

IF YOU’RE feeling particularly parched after your journey to work this morning, this could be the answer. Try a soothing ‘camelatte’ made with Arabian camel milk. The Camelicious brand has a ‘clean and palatable’ taste and is rich in fatty acids, with half the fat of cow’s milk but three times the level of vitamin C. It is already used in coffee sold across the United Arab Emirates. Richard Ford, from The Grocer magazine, said: ‘Cow, goat and even buffalo milk are all widely available and there is no reason why camel milk can’t make it into the mainstream too.’ Camelicious is produced by Emirates Industry for Camel Milk & Products. Deputy general manager Mutasher al Badry said: ‘Camel milk has always been known in the Middle East and eastern Africa. But accessibility for the wider public has always been a little limited.’

“

Hoffman pal: Gay claims are rubbish A WRITER has denied reports he was the gay lover of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. David Bar Katz, the man who found the Oscar-winning star’s body on Sunday, was quoted yesterday in celebrity magazine the National Enquirer saying the pair were in a relationship. But the 44-year-old father of four, who last night visited the home of Hoffman’s ex-girlfriend Mimi O’Donnell, said: ‘I never said that, no.’ A friend was also quoted by the New Heroin: Hoffman York Daily News describing the National

Enquirer story as ‘a categorical, 100 per cent vulgar and disgusting lie’. The source added: ‘The National Enquirer should be ashamed. It’s just disgusting. ‘We’re calling lawyers now to threaten them appropriately.’ The magazine insisted it stood by the story. Meanwhile, four people have been arrested on drug charges over Hoffman’s death amid claims they may have supplied drugs to the actor. They were held after police raided several homes in New York.

I feel it in my fingers, with LON 19 my electrodes AN AMPUTEE whose lower arm was blown off by a firework has been fitted with a bionic hand that has restored his sense of touch, in the first operation of its kind. Dennis Sorensen found he could feel the shape and texture of objects and gauge the strength of his grip, even though his severed nerves had been unused for nine years since his accident. It is the first time touch has been restored using a device attached to the upper arm but in a cruel twist the 36-year-old has had to give his new hand back. The father of young children, who lives in Rome, took part in trials that cannot be extended because of safety regulations. It

by DANIEL BINNS could be years before the technology is used in mainstream care – but he claimed he had no regrets about working with experts from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. ‘It was so amazing to feel something I have not been able to feel for so many years,’ he said. Mr Sorensen spent a month using the hand, which was hooked up with electrodes and held in place by a false forearm. Now he is back using his old prosthetic, which detects muscle movement in his stump. He can hold objects but, with no feeling, must take care not to crush them.

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

Fruitful experiment: Mr Sorensen holds an orange

Picture: NatioNal News

Funeral of teen who died after drinking stunt MOURNERS gathered at St Lazerian’s Church in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow yesterday to pay their final respects to Jonny Byrne. The 19-year-old (pictured) died after falling into the Barrow river while taking part in the Neknomination internet drinking game on Saturday. At his funeral, Fr Thomas Lalor appealed to young people to be brave and to say no. ‘There’s a greatness in saying no,’ he said. Meanwhile, a Northern Irish woman in Australia who swallowed a live goldfish as part of a neknomination task has been receiving death threats. Rachel Carey has since apologised for her actions and the video of the 23-year-old has been taken down. The ‘neck and nominate’ drinking craze sees revellers drink alcohol before daring friends to do the same in a more extreme way.

METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

★

★★ ★ ★

Minted Katy has cash for strippers Katy Perry touched down at a strip club after the Super Bowl – and blew thousands of dollars on lapdances. The Dark Horse singer, who watched from the stands in New Jersey, jetted off to California instead of heading to one of the post-game parties. But the 29-year-old’s night was far from over and she resurfaced only hours later at Spearmint Rhino in Santa Barbara – where she ‘made it rain’ by lavishing cash on performers. Boyfriend John Mayer, who was along for the ride, must have felt he’d also hit the jackpot. The 36-year-old’s missus shelled out for private dances and posed for pictures with the glamour girls.

Ke$ha cancels gigs to focus on her health

Selena pals blame her rehab stint on Bieber S

ELENA GOMEZ may have spent two weeks in rehab but her pals are pointing the finger at ‘crazy boy’ Justin Bieber for leading her astray, it has been reported. The former Disney star, 21, revealed she had been secretly holed up at the Dawn at The Meadows recovery centre in Arizona, with website TMZ claiming she was being treated for issues with booze, weed and sleeping pills. Insiders told TMZ that Gomez and the Canadian tearaway ‘regularly’ smoked pot together while they were dating a n d that the blame for all her woes lay with him. However, the Come & Get It singer’s team were quick to deny such rumours, releasing a statement saying: ‘Selena voluntarily spent time at Meadows but not for substance abuse.’ The rehab facility is famous for treating 18-

Ke$ha has opted to stay in rehab after cancelling a string of gigs in March and April. The 26year-old singer checked into rehab in January and had hoped to be out in time to perform the last dates of her Warrior tour. But she said: ‘I was so looking forward to performing at these dates but I need to follow my doctor’s advice and get my health back on track. All of your support during this time has been so amazing. I couldn’t have done this without you all. I look forward to coming back stronger than ever on the next tour.’ She has sought help for eating issues.

Here comes girl power again… Girl power is gripping the pop world once more – as X Factor stars Little Mix look set to break the US. Following on from the Spice Girls’ transatlantic success in the 90s, the DNA singers look set to grab the No.1 spot in the US iTunes

chart with new album Salute. But Simon Cowell’s pop pretties aren’t the only girl band making waves across the pond. Rivals Neon Jungle have inked a deal with top catwalk agency Storm Model

Management, which helped launch Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss to stardom. Announcing the deal, the group said: ‘We are huge fans of Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn and we can’t wait to join the Storm family.’

Go girls: Little tle Mix are set to o top the US iTunes chart and, below, Neon Jungle have signed a modelling deal Picture: rex ex

by ANDREI HARMSWORTH to 26-year-olds who are ‘struggling with emotional trauma, addiction or dual diagnosis concerns’. Some sources say Gomez’s parents, Ricardo and Amanda, bundled her off to get cleaned up on January 5 amid fears that a spate of partying was about to sink their daughter. ‘Her friends and family became increasingly worried that there might be a serious problem with Selena – particularly her parents,’ said one insider. ‘The partying was, at times, wild. They wanted to help her – and they very much encouraged her to go to rehab. ‘Others very close to her also urged her to seek professional help.’ The source told RadarOnline: ‘It’s important to remember Selena had worked in Hollywood non-stop for six years. She was exhausted and smart enough to understand she needed to take control of her life. It just got to a point where she needed to get away from those who had, admittedly, become a bad influence on her.’

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

★★ ★ ★

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The day boy of ten tried to kill Clooney George Clooney has told of the terrifying moment a child soldier held a gun to his head. The actor was making a documentary on genocide in Sudan when a boy of ten aimed a Kalashnikov assault rifle at him. ‘We got stopped in the middle of nowhere, where we shouldn’t have been,’ Clooney, 52, told Variety magazine. ‘A little kid held

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a rifle to my head, to get us out of a truck,’ the movie hunk said of the encounter in Darfur in 2007. But the Gravity star has refused to let the incident stop his humanitarian work. Speaking about his role for the Not On Our Watch charity, which he set up with Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and Don Cheadle, he said: ‘I like to shine light and make it loud.’

We mimed, says Chili’s Flea The Red Hot Chili Peppers have finally admitted what everyone suspected – they mimed during their Super Bowl half-time show. The US rockers were left with little choice but to come clean after fans noticed their instruments weren’t plugged in as they rocked out to Give It Away in front of 112.2million viewers at home. Bassist Flea blamed NFL organisers for making them go unplugged. The 51-

year-old wrote on the band’s website: ‘Given they only have a few minutes to set up the stage, there are a zillion things that could go wrong and ruin the sound for the folks watching in the stadium and the TV viewers. There was not any room for argument on this, the NFL does not want to risk their show being botched by bad sound, period. Josh, Chad, and I were playing along with the pre-recorded track so there was no need to plug in our guitars.’

Ryan and Eva split H

ot property Ryan Gosling is back on the market after his two-year romance with Eva Mendes collapsed. the shy Canadian failed to make a go of it with his the Place Beyond the Pines co-star because she loves to party while he’d rather curl up with a book at home, according to sources. ‘Eva loves Hollywood – the parties, the glamour,’ one insider said. ‘She loves going out but Ryan is introverted – very serious and a total homebody.’ Another friend added: ‘they knew it was time to take the next step and get married. But neither was sure they wanted that to happen.’ the split was revealed yesterday after the couple secretly called off

by ANDREI HARMSWORTH their romance at Christmas, having failed to sort out differences that arose in September. Gosling, 33, has returned to Canada, telling friends he needs ‘time out of the limelight to refocus’. the break-up bombshell comes days after Ghost Rider actress Mendes dismissed reports that she had avoided going through an airport body scanner because she was pregnant. the 39-year-old has said in the past she is ‘too selfish’ to be a mother – while Gosling has been open about wanting his own brood. ‘I’d like to be making babies but I’m not so I’m making movies,’ he said. the pair, who were previously

said to be ‘taking a break’, did not comment on the reports of their permanent separation. they were frequently seen walking hand in hand after romance blossomed on the set of the Place Beyond the Pines in 2011 but had not been spotted together this year. the separation will delight Gosling’s legion of female fans – many of whom would be only too happy to give him the babies he craves. But a source told Intouch: ‘Neither of them are rushing out to date other people right now.’

Fancy bagging yourself a Valentine’s Day treat from Penneys? To be entered into the draw We have TEN €100 gift vouchers to give to win one of these fantastic €100 Penneys gift vouchers, away this week for tell us, which is your you to splurge on preferred bra style? yourself or lavish on A. Plunge B. Balcony C. Brazilian D. T-shirt your other half.

Email your answer followed by your name and address to comps@metroherald.ie

Terms and Conditions: The competition closes at Midnight Friday 7th February 2014. The winner will be chosen from the entries received and notiﬁed by telephone or email. Entrants must be over 18 years old. The promoter of this competition is Metro Herald Usual Metro Herald rules apply. The Editor's decision is ﬁnal.

10 Metro HerAlD Thursday, February 6, 2014

60 seconds Un demands Pope Dublin Bus’s ‘superfan’ network noel talks about the city’s biggest ride and what he does with his change tickets

You know an amazing amount about the buses. Do you think and talk about buses 7 days a week? Loughlinstown to Mount-

joy Square.

Sorry? Oh, I see – you were talking about the No.7 route?

Indeed and I was. It’s a route very close to my heart. To answer your question, I do spend a lot of time studying the bus timetables and what have you. I try to get out and about, but. To relax, I go on the buses. I find it soothing.

Is Network Noel your real name? No. I was born Network

Nikolai. My parents moved here from Ukraine to escape an ancient family vendetta concerning a stolen bag of logs.

Is that true? No. I’m from Kim-

mage. Real name’s Noel Kinsella.

What is your favourite superroute? Tough one. There’s some-

is. Is it someone who had a hip replacement? As I only have the one leg, and no waist, I think I’d have to answer: ‘Not applicable.’

investigates abuse of girls at laundries by briAn HUtton

Have you ever written to or been written about in Metro Herald’s Yeh Big Ride section?

No, but my candidate for that would probably be the 15. I’d say it’s the biggest ride of the whole network as it runs all the way from Ballycullen in the southside to Clongriffin on the northside.

What do you spend the money on when you cash in your Dublin Bus change tickets?

Personally I use a Leap Card so the question doesn’t apply. If it did, I would probably use the extra money to go to the pictures or that.

What’s your favourite TV programme? I don’t watch much

telly, though I do have a Rockford Files box set and I always tape the snooker… The likes of Tallafornia now, I’d have to say I find that very sad. Somebody should tell those young people they’re being filmed.

thing special about all of them. The 16 is a masterpiece of routing, stretching from Ballinteer to the Airport. The 4 now joins Monkstown I find Tallafornia very Without wishing to be rude, to Harristown – sad. Somebody who’d have seen in appearance, that coming? And should tell those your head is then there’s the 1, young people they’re not dissimilar linking Sandyto a football mount to Santry. being filmed that’s been Fierce handy for the painted yellow. Omniplex.

“

If you had to pick just one, what would be your all-time favourite bus stop? Ah, they’re

like children to me – I couldn’t pick just one. Though I do have my HotStops – they’re stops I find unique for different reasons. I make videos about them. You can watch them on my website.

You’re sporting some pretty funky facial hair – are you a hipster? Thank you for the com-

pliment. Your perm is very pretty (if you have one, like). Regarding your question: I’m not sure what a hipster

What team do you support? That’s okay, I don’t

mind. Most people’s heads are shaped like footballs. As for the yellow, well, we’re all unique in some way. I support Saint Pat’s. Go on, The Saints!!!

Do you ‘do’ social media? In-

deed and I do do them. I’m on the Facebook and the Instagram. If anybody wants to follow me or become my friend or even just learn a bit more about the buses, they can visit my website – or, as I call it, my depot: www.dublinbus.ie/networknoel

A hair-raising event Minister for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock and Kotryna Kozlovskyte from Tullamore College are calling on students to enter SciFest 2014. The deadline is Friday, March 7 Picture: Peter HouliHan

POPE Francis must launch an investigation into decades of abuse of girls and young women at Catholic-run workhouses in Ireland, the United Nations has demanded. It has also called for religious orders involved or the Vatican itself to pay compensation to survivors and families of victims of the notorious Magdalene laundries. In an attack on the Catholic Church’s attitude to widespread sex abuse and torture meted out by its own priests and nuns, the UN human rights committee has also urged the Holy See to open its files on paedophiles and bishops who concealed their crimes. Referring to the Magdalene laundries scandal, the Vatican is accused of taking no action and not compelling nuns who ran the workhouses to cooperate with police inquiries into those who organised and profited from unpaid work by girls incarcerated in the laundries, it said. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) said it was particularly concerned that girls placed in the institutions were forced to work in slavery-like conditions, were often subject to physical and sexual abuse, and were deprived of their identity. The laundries – institutions for single mothers detained through the courts or moved in by their family or clergy for being sexually active – were run by the Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, Sisters of Charity, and Good Shepherd Sisters. The UN also blasted what it branded a ‘code of silence’ used to keep victims quiet.

Synthetic stem cell ‘scaffolding’ offers hope Synthetic stem cell ‘scaffolding’ has been developed which scientists claim could lead to cheaper transplant treatments and the production of whole human organs. the breakthrough sees stem cell research, which has the potential to rebuild human organs and treat diseases, developed for the

first time without reliance on human or animal cells. traditionally, stem cells are cultivated with the help of proteins from animals, which rules out use in the treatment of humans. While growing stem cells on other human cells risks contamination with pathogens that could

transmit diseases to patients. the synthetic stem cell scaffolding – a new method for growing human embryonic stem cells – could potentially change the lives of people suffering from diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and heart disease, according to the study scientists at the University of Surrey.

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

12 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

in focus D

news@metroherald.ie

We’ve caught up, now to beat HIV/Aids... T

he beginning of the end in the global fight against hIV and Aids is pencilled in for 2015. experts believe a ‘tipping point’ will be reached whereby the number of people receiving treatment in a year is greater than the number of new infections. Considering the first World Aids Day took place 25 years ago in 1988, it’s a remarkable achievement. Today, there are about 35million people with hIV and Aids in the world, with 9.7million receiving treatment that can enable a long and healthy life. Ten years ago, just 300,000 people received such treatment so it’s clear there have been major gains, and although experts, campaigners and health practitioners are buoyed the ‘tipping point’ is on the horizon, hard work lies ahead. erin hohlfelder, global health policy director of the One Foundation and author of its report The Beginning Of The end?, feels reaching the tipping point will be a landmark in the

The world is at a tipping point in the fight against HIV/Aids with the number of people getting treatment set to be greater than those being newly diagnosed. RAHUL VERMA asks if we really have reached the beginning of the end... fight against hIV and Aids. ‘The disease has been outpacing us for decades, with more new infections than people being added to treatment. ‘To use an analogy, if you had five cuts on your hand, we’ve only had one plaster to treat the cuts, so you’re still bleeding,’ she said. ‘The tipping point, where we have more people living healthy lives through treatment for hIV, than newly infected people, means we’ve caught up with the disease and begun to get ahead of it, so it’s a critical moment. It’s a marker that signals for the first time hIV and Aids is on a downward curve,’ said Ms hohlfelder. Reaching the tipping point in 2015 would be seven years earlier than expected so what’s driving this accelerated progress?

34m

people were living with HIV in 2012

‘Some 69 per cent of people with hIV are in sub-Saharan Africa... We found there are 16 African countries that are ahead of the curve and have surpassed this tipping point, so they’re leading the global trend, not following it,’ said Ms hohlfelder. ‘Leaders such as Ghana, Malawi and Zambia have a political will to fight hIV and Aids with heads of state and ministers sending out consistent messages and they smartly combine international donor assistance with domestic finance, so there’s local ownership of hIV programmes – that’s important.’ Government attitudes towards marginalised groups can also play a big part in the battle. ‘In Zambia, the first lady recently spoke out against homophobia. This is really important in accessing services and preventing the spread

UNAIDS estimates global financing is up to €3.6bn short of the €18bn needed a year to reach treatment and prevention goals for 2015, including the tipping point

of hIV. Marginal groups could be homosexual communities, drug users, sex workers, migrant workers and in some cases, women, and if they’re unable to access services, support and treatment they can drive the hIV epidemic,’ said Ms hohlfelder.

R Patricia Asamoah worked with hIV positive mothers in Tema hospital, in Accra the capital of Ghana and has seen first hand how treatment has changed dramatically in the last ten years. ‘When I started in 2002, we saw people who were very ill through hIV, they were dying and we would go to sleep in the knowledge that when we woke up, some would be dead – it was as simple as that. There was not much we could do, at all,’ she said. ‘There has been huge progress: being diagnosed with hIV used to be a death sentence, now we are able to manage a chronic disease through

Spending per head on financing the fight against Aids €22

Denmark €16

Norway €13

Sweden In 2015 an extra

1.9m

€12

US €10

Ireland

people will receive treatment for HIV and Aids

treatment. I had one patient Ruth, a young woman who’s husband left her because she had hIV, however she got married to another gentleman who has hIV and through treatment they have had a son who is hIV free – it’s beautiful to see there is life after hIV, you can have babies, a career and a normal life,’ said Dr Asamoah. Ms hohlfelder and Dr Asamoah urge world leaders and the international community to commit to fund the fight against hIV and Aids, and achieve the tipping point in 2015. ‘In some ways, the fight’s a victim of its own success as people are living healthy and productive lives, so there’s much less fear than in the 1980s and 1990s, and as a result it’s lost its political momentum. If we don’t reinvigorate that momentum, it could stall or slide backwards,’ said Ms hohlfelder. ‘I never want to go back to those depressing, helpless times, when I could only tell people who came to my clinic they had hIV and do nothing to help them, so we cannot forget.’

€10

Britain France

€4.4

Donations to International HIV/Aids assistance in 2012

...while there will be

1.7m

America was the top donor – pledging

new infections, thereby reaching the ‘tipping point’ for the beginning of the end of Aids

€3.6bn Britain pledged

Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for

69%

of people living with HIV worldwide

€674m

Low to middle income countries provide

53%

of all resources for the fight against HIV and Aids

– the second highest donor

Babies born each day with HIV 2010 2012

1,000 700

2015 Will be close to zero

To the end 2012 Ireland has had

6,629 new HIV diagnoses since the 1980s

Google concessions offer accepted by EU watchdog

GOOGLE’s offer of ‘far-reaching’ concessions to settle allegations it is abusing its dominant position in internet searches has been accepted by an Eu anti-trust watchdog. The web giant would significantly change the ways it displays some search results in Europe in favour of its competitors and meanwhile sparing itself possible fines of up to ten per cent of its annual revenue, or about €3.7billion. Eu anti-trust commissioner Joaquin Almunia

by METRO HERALD sTAff said he is ‘strongly convinced’ the us company’s proposals – its third attempt to settle the three-year-old case – are sufficient. The proposals will now be sent to the 18 original plaintiffs for evaluation before they can be approved by the commissioner. under its latest proposal, Google will display results from three competitors in a similar way

to its own whenever it promotes its specialised services such as shopping or hotel searches. it will also label more clearly search results to allow users to distinguish between natural results and those it promotes. However, competitor Fairsearch, a Microsoftled group of Google’s tech competitors that includes firms such as Oracle, Expedia and Tripadvisor, condemned the commission’s move, saying it was ‘worse than doing nothing’.

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

A week of ‘Ray Charles effect’ may help hearing A WEEK of temporary blindness may help to tune up your hearing – a phenomenon dubbed the ‘Ray Charles effect’, scientists believe. In tests, researchers found that keeping mice in the dark for several days rewired circuits in the brain and improved their hearing. They expect humans to respond the same way because the neural wiring involved in both species is similar. Legendary soul singer and pianist Ray Charles (pictured), who died in 2004, was completely blind from the age of seven.

FOR THE ONE YOU

Spend over €30 in Beauty and receive 30% off* all Lingerie. Bird on a wire

An artwork titled Inaniel 20134 Mixed Media by Manuel Frolik hangs in the Okotogon to mark the 250th anniversary of the Academy of Fine Arts in Dresden, Germany Picture: ePA

Come in-store for even more Valentine's Gift Ideas

Prince single may miss top 100 spot

Music star Prince may be causing a stir among fans keen to attend his intimate gigs but his comeback single is failing to do the same – and could fail to make the top 100. The musician released single Pretzelbodlogic on Monday with his new group 3RDEYEGiRL – which comprises Prince and three female musicians, Donna Grantis, Hannah Ford and ida Neilsen. Midweek predictions from the Official charts company suggest the track will not make it into the top 100 if current sales levels continue into the weekend. Prince (pictured) has not had a Top Ten hit with a new song for more than 20 years. His career fell into the doldrums in the late 1990s, but he enjoyed a new wave of popularity in 2007 when he performed a residency at London’s O2 Arena. His new group is releasing an album Plectrumelectrum due for release later this year.

#LoveClerys *off original price

14 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

World

digest

Joy of sea survivor’s mother gas explosion ‘disaster film’

EL SALVADOR: The mother of a fisherman who survived for 13 months while drifting 10,000km (6,500m) in an open boat was amazed to learn he’s alive. Maria Alvarenga had not seen José (pictured) for years and thought him dead.

Death-camp railway row AMERICA: French rail giant SNCF could miss out on a €4.4billion contract because of its transportation of 75,000 Jews to Nazi death camps. The company’s subsidiary, Keolis, faces a petition from Holocaust survivor Leon Bretholz, backed by two Maryland senators, calling for it to be denied the Purple Line deal.

Howz-about we talk chop? AuSTRALIA: A cricket fan found with a pig disguised as a baby at an Ashes match has agreed to mediation with the RSPCA. David Gunn (pictured), 33, was charged with animal cruelty after he was found holding the pig at the Brisbane Gabba in November.

Carla doc: I had sex with patients who wanted babies CARLA BRUNI’S former gynaecologist has admitted he regularly had sex with patients who were desperate to have babies but insisted: ‘It was always consensual.’ Andre Hazout, 70, told a French court there was ‘some inappropriate behaviour with patients, including having sex with some’ but added ‘at no time was there any reluctance’ from the women. Fertility guru Hazout is accused of the rape and sexual assault of women who visited his IVF clinic in Paris over more than 20 years. Yesterday, the capital’s criminal court heard that he even fathered children with patients who were desperate to have babies. More than 30 women have come forward to accuse Hazout of rape or sexual assault, but the trial involves six counts. Marie Jezequel, 51, said she was raped and assaulted by Hazout during consultations in the mid-1980s.

by AIDAn RADnEDgE She told the court: ‘He told me that if my husband couldn’t get me pregnant, he would. I was 20, I was awestruck. He raped me straight away.’ Ms Jezequel went back to see Hazout twice more and ‘each time he raped me’, she said, adding: ‘I was in his grip because I wanted a baby so much.’ Hazout was known as the ‘baby magician’ during an illustrious career dealing with older mothers, including France’s former first lady Ms Bruni. The third wife of ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy was 43 when she had a daughter at Hazout’s clinic in 2011. Hazout said that he was sometimes treating up to 40 women a day and had dealt with about 43,000 cases by the end of his career. He denies all charges. The trial continues.

Children were ‘beaten and abused’ by Syrian forces CHILDREN in Syria have been tortured and sexually abused by president Bashar al-Assad’s forces, according to a United Nations report. Some as young as 11 have been jailed for alleged links with armed groups and, while in custody, have been beaten with metal cables and burnt with cigarettes. UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said

and finally...

BRITAIn: Neighbours who helped rescue the victims of an explosion that razed two houses to the ground and damaged a third said they were astonished anyone survived. Onlookers leapt into action amid scenes likened to a ‘disaster movie’ after a suspected gas blast injured ten people. The explosion, in Clacton, Essex, shook properties more than 100m away.

children have been subjected to ‘unspeakable suffering’ during the three-year-old conflict. They have also been recruited for combat by rebel groups, the report added. Save the Children CEO Justin Forsyth said: ‘It confirms our worst fears that Syria is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a child right now.’

Lovestruck: Lucas Bane (left) and David Devora are to marry

InDIA: Renault is to build more cars in Asia after unveiling the Kwid at the Delhi Auto Show yesterday Picture: aP

gERMAny: A diner was taken to hospital with burns when a waiter hit him in the face with a steaming plate of sauerkraut with roast pork and dumplings. Martin Hardeck, 32, was attacked by Stefan Wurgl in Nuremberg after complaining that the meat was not cooked properly.

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

New hope for millions with chronic periods

STREET FIGHTER: A demonstrator in Kiev takes a breather as confrontations between protesters and the government of President Viktor Yanukovich continue Picture: reuters

MANY women who suffer chronic period pain could finally find relief after scientists made a major breakthrough in its treatment. With a high percentage of females being diagnosed late or misdiagnosed entirely, endometriosis has baffled doctors for years. However, experts have identified biological signals that may indicate the presence of the crippling condition. ‘Endometriosis patients report symptoms

by AiDAN RADNEDgE

of infertility and pain, and beyond that, it’s just kind of a guessing game. There are few molecular mechanisms known,’ said Prof Linda Griffith, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prof Griffith has identified a pattern of immune-system signalling molecules that correlates with certain symptoms of the condition, meaning treatments could be

individually tailored to the patients’ needs. Endometriosis comes in many forms but it is widely accepted that it is caused by the womb lining not leaving the body properly during a period. Part of the study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, involved the inflammation-driving protein c-Jun. A drug that inhibits c-Jun is already being trialled and could hold the key to endometriosis treatment.

Wrapped up for winter

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan trains in preparation for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia Picture: reuters

School bully apologises to former Tube strike brings misery victim after gay marriage proposal to commuters in London A HIGH school bully has apologised to his gay former classmate after watching a video of his romantic marriage proposal online. Bullying victim Lucas Bane got police to shut down an entire street so he could pop the question to his partner of four years, David Devora, and later shared the clip on Vimeo. He also enlisted the help of choreographed dancers and Briana Evigan, star of romantic dance film Step Up, for the blockbuster video proposal. The clip has racked up thousands of hits, with one viewer

deciding to get in touch with Bane to apologise for his high school bullying. ‘I’m sure you have no idea who I am,’ said the message, published by TheGailyGrind. ‘I went to high school with you. If you do remember me, it’s probably not positive, as I was a bit of an a*****e back then. ‘I saw your video today on Facebook and wanted to say Congratulations! No need to respond, I just wanted you to know that I think what you have is awesome and wish you the best.’

An overwhelmed Lucas said he cried when he saw the message, replying: ‘It’s important for people to see that people can change. You’ve made me feel so validated and hopeful about where the world is headed.’ He later said in an interview: ‘I gasped when I saw the name. ‘Before even reading the words, I just knew that this was going to be a good note, and when I read the words and his follow-up response, I sobbed.’ The pair have vowed to meet up for a beer if their paths cross in the future.

LONDONERS endured a trying journey to work yesterday, with rain, gale-force winds and a striking Tube network to contend with. With the Underground running at 30 per cent capacity, commuters swarmed on to the streets. Buses struggled to cope with the four million displaced passengers. Three Tube lines – the Waterloo and City, Bakerloo and Circle – ran no services at all. Meanwhile, 80 stops closed on other routes, causing severe overcrowding at other stations.

Creative commuters turned to boats and rental bikes to try and escape the rush, while those who drove into the capital soon congested main roads. In the Commons, David Cameron ‘unreservedly condemned’ the Tube strike, saying: ‘We need a modernised Tube for the millions who use it daily.’ The extensive travel disruption will continue today, as unions protest over plans to close every Underground ticket office, putting 950 jobs at risk.

16 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

Mailbox

Email: Twitter:

mail@metroherald.ie Text: @metrohnews and Facebook: #metromailbox

‘Mail’ to 53131* Facebook.com/ metroherald

Why are consultants treated like demi-gods in Ireland?

’d like your readers to read about my experience recently with a consultant at one of dublin’s major hospitals. I’d waited several months for an appointment with this person and when it finally arrived I was hoping for clarification and reassurance regarding a health problem that had caused me untold distress and discomfort for months. The junior doctor who first examined me and took a full inventory of my symptoms was nice and friendly, so I was hopeful of a positive outcome to my visit. Then the consultant swept in, accompanied by a bevy of students. In the approximately four minutes I was in his presence, he was brusque and abrupt to the point of rudeness, with no attempt at a bedside manner. He interrupted my attempts to tell him how badly my symptoms were affecting me and he (in my opinion) trivialised and oversimplified my symptoms until in the end I was forced to say I was unable to accept such a dismissive

overview of my condition. To this, my consultant replied in the snottiest of tones that I ‘didn’t have to accept anything’ and that he ‘was only there to give his opinion.’ With that, he swept out again, followed by his entourage, leaving the junior doctor to explain his diagnosis to me. How much, I wonder, will this man be paid for those four minutes? And why are consultants still treated like gods or kings in modern-day Ireland? My consultant isn’t a god or a king. He isn’t even close. He’s just a rude, arrogant little man in a collar and tie. What example is he setting his student doctors? do other readers have similar stories? Dublin Woman ■ On Tuesday this week, at about 5.10pm I was cycling my bicycle up toward Portobello bridge when I cut in front of a female driver and then quite wrongly behaved like an awful sanctimonious git. If she is reading this, I am very sorry for being rude. Steve

*Please include a name and location. Texts cost €0.30 per message + standard network charges. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, 4th Floor, Malt House North, Grand Canal Quay, D2. Customer service number 0818286606

Quick pic

WHERE’S MY BANANA? Reader Angela Kelly sent us this picture of a pensive gorilla, taken at Dublin Zoo Send your photos to pictures@ metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best each day in the paper

gOOD On yA ● Thanks to the young woman who offered me a lift home while I was walking in the lashes of rain after the Luas broke down on Tuesday at Windy Arbour, because I helped her struggle with her umbrella. I was very impressed by her act of goodwill. Cathal

RAnDOM AcTs Of kInDnEss

TREnDIng

#CorkFloods

● @AerLingus Heathrow to @Cork_Airport diverted to Shannon. The crazy weather continues to disrupt.

@sarah__maxwell

● Surely we could have called in the army. They are there for emergencies. #corkfloods.

@gregmurphy24601

@metrohnews #metromailbox

● Kayak! The only way to get around Cork. @atlantickayaker ● The thing the rest of the world needs to ask itself is if Cork is swept away, is there any point anymore? @mePadraigReidy

● Schnuggi, you are the most wonderful person to have come into my life. You are my friend, my lover, my rock and I am so happy that we found each other. I love you loads. Your Schnef xxxx ● Hot blond guy wearing the maroon hoodie at Clonsilla train station on Wedneday morning… you sure look good wet. Simi

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

Walk of art Bold prints and vivid colours for Spring/Summer 2014 P18 â&#x17E;&#x201D;

18 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

style

editorial@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

Painted lady: Edie Campbell ‘wears’ Louis Vuitton; Prada’s street art backdrop

here’s always a mood or theme that might begin in New York and follow through into the other fashion capitals. But, with hundreds of shows in each, it’s sometimes only after fashion week ends that the new trends become clear. For spring/summer 2014, though, the penny dropped in Paris last week. The message was loud and clear: 2014 is about saying goodbye to minimalism. For the past few years it’s all been about key ‘investment’ pieces: simple styles that have long-term appeal. ‘When money became a key focus in the recession, the trend was about updating and re-launching classic wardrobe staples,’ says Clare Prince, head of design at Miss Selfridge. But with their muted colours and austere feel, they got a bit, well, plain Jane, didn’t they? In their place are vivid colours and bold prints that pay homage to fashion’s close relationship with the art world – think walking piece of art. Even Céline, the brand responsible for ushering in the stripped-back aesthetic, has gone all artsy. The first model stepped on to the runway to the sound of George Michael’s Freedom. Her look – a long tank and flouncy skirt – came

By using street art, graffiti and sculptures, designers have nailed their spring colours to the mast, writes Naomi Mdudu with giant paint strokes. Designer Phoebe Philo said she was inspired by Hungarian photographer Brassaï’s photographs of graffiti. The result was a collection that broke free of the control of seasons past in favour of clothes indulged in pure and unadulterated fun. Nowhere was that more apparent than at Chanel. The Grand Palais was transformed into a contemporary art gallery to rival those at Art Basel or Frieze, with 75 paintings and sculptures created by Karl Lagerfeld lining the runway (pictured top). Miuccia Prada has always had a preoccupation with the art world. At the spring Prada show, she commissioned six ix young political street muralists to decorate the venue and incorporated their

images into the clothes. Dresses and coats were vibrant – the perfect antidote to the sea of greys that have dominated – and were adorned with playful embellishment and teamed with sporty accessories and the most ladylike bags (below). For his show at Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs sent model Edie Campbell out naked save for a Gstring with a Stephen Sprous Sprouse-style graffiti of the brand over her body body. Expect to see this arty new vibe everywher on the high everywhere stree The place to go street. for a subtle take on the trend is J Crew. For spring, its signature khaki trousers come with bright paint splashe that would splashes work perfectly teamed with a simple tee and trainers by day or heeled sandal by night. sandals

GET ARTy oN ThE hiGh STREET

Top and skirt, Penneys, €10 each

Khaki trousers, www.jcrew.com (from mid Feb), €202 Penneys is also a big supporter of the fun trend. Following Céline, it has created crop tops with paintbrush swirls. Dorothy Perkins is embracing it with its jewellery. ‘The minimalism trend was around for such a long time; it’s time to embrace the big and the bold,’ says

head of jewellery design Hayley Clements. ‘The key to nailing the look is to let go. ‘Don’t be afraid to mix it around,’ says H&M’s creative head of design, Ann-Sofie Johansson. ‘Be playful and feel empowered and good in what you are wearing.’

On OuR RADAR TURN BACK TIME

Nivea has launched its biggest ever anti-age innovation which is designed to boost the skin’s surface cell renewal for a more youthful look. Aimed at the over-40s the range (pictured, €15.99 each) includes Cellular Anti-Age Day Cream, Night Cream, Anti-Age Concentrated Skin-Refining Serum and Anti-Age Eye Cream. The range will be available from pharmacies and grocery stores nationwide from next month.

LOVE BIRD

Valentine’s Day is coming.... it might be worth dropping a few hints for this John Rocha bird necklace (pictured, €111, Kilkenny Store) - and from now until February 14 when you spend more than €75 in store or online you’ll get a free €25 voucher.

FAIRY FIX

Necklace, €15 Earrings, €10; both Dorothy Perkins (from April)

Time poor but in need of a style help? Style Fairy Naomi

Clarke offers virtual personal shopping, as well as a traditional personal shopping experience, style consultations and a wardrobe detoxing service. She’s also on hand to help brides-to-be to find the perfect dress for their special day. Consultations start from €50. See thestylefairy.ie.

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

KAREN MILLEN SPRING/SUMMER 2014 Bomber jacket €210, Cutwork Pencil skirt €199 – both in store March

Striped leather jacket €699 - in store February

Chunky Graphic pattern jumper €130 (February), mixed neon tweed skirt €150 (March)

KAREN Millen has enlisted the help of iconic photographer David Bailey to bring its spring summer 2014 collection to life. The brand is projecting a confident but smiling, strong but easy, attitude this season. The portraits feature Tian Yi, Betty Adewole, Kayley Chabot and Josephine Skriver. The looks above are a taste of what to expect when the collection lands in store in the coming weeks.

BUY ME

Make-up artists’ secrets With London Fashion Week coming up, Jane Cunningham reveals the best backstage products

ydrated, glowing skin is the basis for all beauty looks. a make-up artist staple for years, French Bioderma Sensibio H2O (€12) is a mild, gentle cleansing water that calms models’ skin and whisks away the previous show’s make-up. radiance-boosting Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (€35) is a beauty legend for its ability to act as a freshening pick-me-up for tired skin. the balm contains bisabolol, olive and witch hazel to instantly brighten, hydrate and tighten the skin – if you’ve ever wondered where that ‘model glow’ comes from, chances are it’s Clarins. Primers create a perfect canvas before foundation. Givenchy Acti’Mine Wake-Up Skin MakeUp Base (€31) contains a colourcorrective element to knock out redness and blemishes in a nourishing, silicone-in-water

formula. Clinique’s mostrequested model beautifier is Clinique Airbrush Concealer (€22), packed with optical diffusers to blur lines and hide dark circles, and hydrators to soften the skin. For soft, plumped and smooth lips, Sisley

Nutritive Balm (€51) is a top make-up artist pick. Model make-up has to withstand hot lights and backstage chaos. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (€46) uses colour correction particles and light diffusers to give

radiance to cheeks and complexion. Body Shop Shimmer Waves Palette (€19) is loved for its sheer versatility. Five ribbons of multifunctional colour can be used as highlighter, shimmering bronzer or on the eyes. No runway looks are complete without a stellar eyeliner. L’Oréal Paris Superliner Perfect Slim (€8.50) creates fine, lid lines and cat-eye flicks in a felt-tip format. For defined and wellgroomed arches, Benefit Brow Zings (€28) contains tinted wax to create full brows and fill in gaps. a smudgeproof, lash-plumping mascara is an essential; Le Volume de Chanel (€29) is often found behind the scenes, creating pigment- saturated lashes that dry quickly for fast fashion turnarounds.

20 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

Life television WhAT I’m WATchINg mark Benton WEst WiNG

The writing is fantastic. I didn’t know a thing about Us politics when I started watching but I don’t think you need to as you get so involved with the characters and all intricacies in their lives. allison Janney’s character CJ (left) is so sharp and gets all the best lines – if I ever ran for president I’d want her by my side.

sONs OF ANARchy

a brilliant drama – it’s like The Godfather on es. The motorbikes. biker family dynamic is portrayed outstandingly and it’s really interesting how far they’ll go to protect each other and the club. There’s plenty of blood and guts and some really gritty scenarios but the show is so well done that you just can’t look away.

NAshVillE mOre4, 10pm The addictive mix of soap opera and steel guitar returns, with the drama poised on a knife edge: reigning queen of country Rayna Jaymes is in a coma after the near-fatal car crash that closed the first series, leaving her heir apparent, the Taylor swift-alike with added bitch factor that is Juliette Barnes, itching to nab the crown. The only trouble is, it seems the public can’t get enough of a near-dead country star in a coma and Rayna’s album is selling by the proverbial bucket-load, leaving Juliette spitting sequinned feathers… Hayden Panettiere and Connie Britton (right) top the bill.

Film OF thE dAy EasT Is EasT, FIlm4, 9pm This Bafta-winner set around a salford chippie had a budget of less than £2million, but grossed more than $30million worldwide. Based on the awardwinning play by ayub Khan-Din, it’s a comedy peppered by some deeply dark, dramatic moments, and centres on a dysfunctional anglo-Pakistani family ruled over by the gruff and stubborn Mr Khan (a towering, complex portrait by Om Puri). as his seven children (including Jimi Mistry, above with Emma Rydal) grow up, they struggle between their dad’s expectations and wanting to live their own lives in 1970s Britain. It’s a choppy route their mum (Linda Bassett) tries to help them navigate while staying loyal to her beloved hubby. anarchic and edgy as well as ultimately feelgood, it ducks some of the usual racial/religious clichés, unlike the many cringe-inducing imitators it spawned, including its own, belated, and best-forgotten sequel, West Is West.

thE KilliNG

The Danish version, not the Us one. It’s very dark, there are lots of twists and the acting is terrific. It’s all you want in a crime drama and the best whodunnit you’ll ever see. Having said that, I’ve missed six months of TV while doing Hairspray so I didn’t get to see Broadchurch. It’s on my (long) list of catch up.

BORGEN Tg4, 11pm

my FAVOuRitE tV chARActER

It has to be Tony soprano. He’s the ultimate cool gangster but he’s also seriously flawed, which – sometimes against your better judgment – means you can’t help but empathise with him. He worries about his family, the world his kids are growing up in, how his business is going, just like anyone else – but he won’t blink twice if he has to bash a few heads in so long as those things he keeps close to his heart are kept safe. James Gandolfini (below) made the ‘psycho next door’ loveable –

Birgitte Nyborg is the undeniable winner of the Danish election, doubling her party’s seats in parliament. Focus now turns to the negotiation of alliances and the forming of a new government. Turbulence, toil, and surprises ensue, and Birgitte’s election win begins to look more like a loss. Katrine is going through a tough time, but manages to stay dedicated to her work. In addition to losing his job, Kasper is losing his grip. And in the middle of all the commotion, Ole Dahl’s funeral takes a strange turn.

21st cENtuRy child rTé1, 10.15pm

FAshiON FActORiEs uNdERcOVER UTV, 11.05pm

David Coleman’s series which began charting the lives of several children back in 2007 catches up with the families as the young ones are about to turn five and start school. The programme claims to have helped tell the story of the modern Irish family and the issues they face. First day at school woes are explored for the children and their parents.

Exposure goes inside the sweatshops of Bangladesh to investigate the hidden face of the fashion trade following the deaths of more than 1,100 garment workers in a building collapse in the city last April. Many of the big retailers have since signed a safety deal in an attempt to improve factory conditions, but there is still much work to be done.

how many people could do the same? Sharon Lougher Mark Benton returns as maths teacher Daniel Chalk in Waterloo Road, Wednesday at 8.30pm on

books

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD

features@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

THE Big READ

by Colm Toibin This Booker Prize shortlisted novel (2004) from the acclaimed Wexford writer is set in the closing years of the 19th century and beautifully depicts the trials and tribulations in the life of the writer Henry James as he moves from the humiliated public life of a writer to a more private life conducive to writing.

BY HANIf KUREISHI

HHHHI

ow do you tell the story of a life? Is it ever possible to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth? or will an element of subjectivity from storyteller – or listener – creep in? Such questions are at the heart of the provocative, powerful new novel from Hanif Kureishi (The Buddha of Suburbia). The Last word revolves around a young biographer, Harry, assigned to write the life of the aging writer, Mamoon, and through these intriguing protagonists (whose relationship seems to echo that of VS Naipaul and biographer Patrick French), Kureishi rigorously explores the thorny nature of storytelling, patrolling the blurred line between memory and fact. It was ‘both an advantage and a nuisance writing about someone who was alive’, warns Harry’s editor Rob, and the virtues and vices of having a living, breathing subject matter are hilariously evoked. To whom does ‘the last word’ belong – to writer or biographer, or indeed, to the reading public? Not only does this novel explore that issue as it pertains to judging a book but also judging the people within our own lives. who has the last word in a marriage, in a friendship, in a working

TAkE 3 WRITERS WRITING ON WRITERS The MasTer

THE LAST WOrd

faber, €23

You Can’T Go hoMe

by Thomas Wolfe The character at the heart of this classic 1940 novel is George Webber, a fledgling author, who makes his home town of Libya Hill a setting in a successful novel. But when he returns home, he is shocked by the vitriol of friends and family at exposing them.

a Child in TiMe

partnership? words are highly charged as people play tug-of-war with language. Confrontation is a key theme in a narrative bristling with arguments, as Harry exposes the ‘accumulation of hurts’ within a

household. Yet it isn’t actually the last word that is the most engaging theme, but first words: the earliest beginnings of a writer, the origins of language and the desire to communicate. Anita sethi

by Ian McEwan First published in 1987, this Whitbread Awardwinning novel has an author at its heart, children’s writer Stephen Lewis, and charts the turmoil of him and his wife following the kidnapping of their only daughter. Powerfully exploring the theme of time, this memorable story also explores the thorny topic of authorship.

sHELFspACE ALSO OUT andrew’s Brain by el doctorow

new Planet Cabaret edited by dave lordan

New Island Press HHHII

Stemming from an on-air creative workshop hosted by RTÉ Radio One’s Arena arts show, this colourful, cutting-edge anthology is a treat for fans of Irish fiction. The collection contains 17 of the best submissions to Arena, alongside commissioned pieces by 40 new authors. A gathering of varied and contemporary homegrown voices, it runs the gamut from writers of Leaving Cert age, to up-and-coming poets, short story writers, rappers, filmmakers and performance artists. Where the writing is in some parts laboured, it also highlights some serious emerging talent. Divided into ‘affinity groups’ of tone and theme, masterful highlights include Geraldine Creed’s macabre tale, An t-Aiséirí (The Resurrection), which holds a mirror to a noble old Ireland’s disappointing young relation; Kieran Marsh’s Snow Can’t Last, a heart-wrenching, deeply poetic depiction of a child’s untimely death; and Colm Keegan’s dark opener Shush, which expertly sets the tone for a carousel of surprises. Clodagh Mulvey

Little, Brown HHHHI

US heavyweight EL Doctorow (pictured) turned 83 last month and his new novel looks like a book he needed to get off his chest. Without any of the usual narrative furniture to help you get comfortable, it sets up a dialogue between an unnamed voice and Andrew, a neuroscientist prone to talking about himself in the third person. He once had an affair with a student who bore him a child before her untimely death – which Andrew took as cue to crawl back to his ex-wife, baby in tow. These confessions reek of pungent detail but they’re put in an off-kilter frame once Andrew reveals he roomed at Yale with George W Bush and led a government initiative whose unhappy outcome clarifies the mysterious setting.

On My E-READER KOETHI ZAN A Hero of Our Time by Mikhail Lermontov Set in the Caucasus in the 1830s and filled with abductions, sexual intrigue and duels, this novel mixes violence and philosophy to create the quintessential portrait of the anti-hero. Pechorin seeks pleasure at the expense of others, even as he searches for self-knowledge in the midst of his callous actions. I recommend Nabokov’s translation.

We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson I read this in one sitting on a train two years ago and now force it on all my friends. The narrator, the young Merricat Blackwood, begins by explaining that she lives with her sister and a deranged uncle in the old family mansion. The rest of the family has been murdered. The story takes a devastating turn, made all the more strange through the lens of Merricat’s distorted magical thinking.

The language soars as the book turns into an anti-neocon broadside. Anthony Cummins Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams Vintage HHHHI

There’s a peculiar thrill to uncovering the forgotten literary gem from the past. Most recently the honour went to Stoner, a chronicle of an academic in a failing marriage; it took almost half a century to find a readership but was being recommended as one of the novels of the year in the 2013 Christmas round-up lists. Now 1960’s Butcher’s Crossing is republished to satisfy Williams’s fans. It’s a very different milieu from Stoner: the old West in the 1870s, where Harvard dropout Andrew joins the hunt for buffalo, led with obsessive determination by Miller, an Ahab-like herdsman. The tale of men struggling to survive in a brutal landscape is told in language so sparse whole passages are made up of monosyllabic vocabulary, and is powerfully immersive. Ben Felsenburg Journey To The End Of The Night by Louis-Ferdinand Céline This is one of the most intense books I’ve ever read, yet is strangely often overlooked. Exhilarating, compelling, and uncompromising, it tells the rather epic story of the anguished and nihilistic Bardamu, a reluctant French soldier in World War I, who later works at the US Ford Motor Factory before becoming a doctor in a poor French suburb. This book is full-force, with a style dripping with energy, delirium and dark humour. Few novels have shocked me as much as this one. The Never List by Koethi Zan (Vintage) is out now.

puzzles

METROSCOPE by Patrick Arundell

NEMI by Lise

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20 Making an inventory of your talents may give you the reassurance you need to prevent self-doubts. Think back to what you have achieved and you might see how much you have to offer. Bolstering your confidence could encourage a new start. For your forecast, call 15609 114 70 Taurus Apr 21 – May 21 If you’ve been handed an opportunity, run with it. Today’s positive Lunar links encourage you to get what you want. An enthusiastic approach to succeeding at a goal could be infectious, enticing others to register your potential. For your forecast, call 15609 114 71 Gemini May 22 – Jun 21 Have you come up against a blank wall concerning a project? If so, it may be due to Mercury as it begins its retrograde phase. Yet, if you’re willing to think outside of the box, you might find a silver lining. For your forecast, call 15609 114 72

METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging. For solutions, visit Metro.co.uk/metroku 7 4 9 2 3 6 2

2 7 2 8 1 2

8 1 5 2 9 4

3 5 7 6 9

PEARLs BEFORE swINE

Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23 If tensions have been spiralling, you might seek solace by connecting with a group. A sociable blend of energies spotlights a chance to relax in the company of those you feel most at home with. Their insights could be crucial today. For your forecast, call 15609 114 73 Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23 Opting to help someone close may conflict with the things you want to focus on. But a willingness to chip in could have its benefits. If having an appointment today, it may be best to present yourself in a more conventional way. For your forecast, call 15609 114 74 Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23 As Mercury rewinds, this may not be a great time to forge ahead with plans. If you prefer your days to be clear-cut, you could be sad to find others don’t share your commitment to efficiency. It’s possible you’ll have to go with a less planned schedule. For your forecast, call 15609 114 75

Crossword No. 908 See next edition for solutions ACROSS 7 Damp (5) 8 Calculate (7) 9 Unfathomable (7) 10 Centre (5) 12 Tyranny (10) 15 Inexpert (10) 18 Call forth (5) 19 Withdraw (7) 21 Deliberative assembly (7) 22 Awaken (5)

DOWN 1 Spotless (10) 2 Prophetess (5) 3 Check (4) 4 Of the eye (6) 5 Stress (8) 6 Crazy (7) 11 Unable to speak out (6-4) 13 sham (8) 14 Bold decorative style (7) 16 Seldom (6) 17 Indistinct (5) 20 Weary (4)

Yesterday’s Solutions Across: 1 Transient; 8 Owe; 9 Destruction; 11 Penance; 12 Ideal; 13 Roused; 15 Allege; 17 erase; 18 Valiant; 20 Interjacent; 22 Act; 23 Disengage. Down: 2 Rue; 3 Siren; 4 Eschew; 5 Trivial; 6 Confederate; 7 Recollect; 10 Singularity; 11 Perpetual; 14 Erected; 16 Averts; 19 Learn; 21 Nag.

scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22 A sense of fun may help nudge a romantic liaison in a more intimate direction. Today’s links highlight all that’s positive about a relationship. But there is a Quarter Moon, suggesting someone around may be sad. For your forecast, call 15609 114 77 sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21 You may face a dilemma on the home front. Mercury goes into reverse from today, so it’s possible those closest could seem frustrating to be around. Yet, Jupiter in Cancer hints introducing a witty approach into how you handle these people may help to move the moment. For your forecast, call 15609 114 78 Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20 Being too trusting could put you at a disadvantage. Mercury starts the first of its three annual rewinds and agreements forged with allies may be better than linking with someone new. Yet, when it comes to generating new ideas, you can be very productive. For your forecast, call 15609 114 79 Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19 If a financial complication seems difficult to resolve, it might be because things are implied. Consider keeping a close eye on income and outgoings. Despite this, a way to introduce a new income stream may emerge. For your forecast, call 15609 114 80 Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20 Take things as they come. As Mercury reverts in your sign, you may find plans on hold. Yet, this celestial phase does have a positive, as ideas can take on a fresh appeal. For your forecast, call 15609 114 81

For a live one-to-one consultation with one of my gifted psychics, call 15809 113 68 or 1800 719 688 to book using credit card Astrology calls cost 1.27 euros per min from a BT landline. Live Services cost 2.40 euros per minute. Calls from mobiles/other networks may cost more. Callers must be 18 or over to use this service and have the bill payers permission. For entertainment purposes only. All calls are recorded. PhonePayPlus regulated(ComReg in ROI) UK SP: StreamLive Ltd, NR7 0HR, 08700 234 567. ROI SP:Moveda, 1 Courtyard Business Park, Orchard Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 0818 241 398

QuIz

QUICK CROsswORd

Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23 Delays may be more apparent as

Mercury regresses. The part of your horoscope influenced is the one to do with details, completing work efficiently. So be conscious of not giving anyone an opportunity to criticise you by taking your eye off anything like this. For your forecast, call 15609 114 76

ENIGMA A group of geese upon the ground Is called a gaggle. If they’re found In flight, and passing overhead, Use this collective noun instead. WHO AM I? A racing driver, I was born in Frome in the UK, in 1980. I became the youngest ever British Formula 1 driver in 2000 and was crowned World Champion in 2009.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? WHO… played Archie Rice in the 1960 film version of John Osbourne’s The Entertainer? WHAT… do the initials a.m. stand for? WHERE… is the yuan the standard monetary unit? WHEN… was Ulysses first published in full?

QUIZ ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Skein. WHO AM I? Jenson Button. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Laurence Olivier; Ante meridiem; China; 1922.

SCRIBBLE BOX

22 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD 23

24 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

Sticking together Fulham’s only hope, says Rene FULHAM boss Rene Meulensteen has urged the club’s supporters to get behind his beleaguered side. The Cottagers are four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester United. It is a match they go into having

Winner: Sheffield United’s Shaun Miller

reached what Meulensteen admitted was ‘rock bottom’ after their 1-0 defeat to League One side Sheffield United in Tuesday’s FA Cup replay. ‘The most important thing is that we don’t lose the togetherness because that is the only way we’re going to get out of this mess,’ he said. pictuRe: AtHeNA pictuRe AGeNcY

ODDbALLS @MetroHsport

Wes showing his cl-ass with a cheeky pass PLAY-MAKER Wesley Sneijder is used to passing to his teammates under pressure. But the Galatasaray star has surpassed himself by finding a neat way of supplying the ball to a colleague while being closed down. During a Turkish Super League clash with Bursaspor, Sneijder popped the ball off to a team-mate using his backside – the type of clever play that has seen the Holland international linked with Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks. If Sneijder keeps displaying such cheeky skills – the pass master could get a transfer sooner rather than later.

WATCH THE VIDEO

metro.co.uk/oddballs

results

fa cup fourth round replay Preston ...................0 Nottm Forest......... 2

johnstone’s paint trophy southern area final, first leg

Peterborough .........2 Swindon ................ 2

team deserve Forster glory CeLTIC defender efe Ambrose insists the entire Hoops squad should be receiving praise for Fraser Forster’s record-breaking clean-sheet record. The Parkhead side’s 1-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday was the 11th game in a row in which Forster was not beaten. That tally bettered the club’s previous record of ten clean sheets set twice – first in season 1913/14 and then eight years later. But Ambrose says the club’s outfield players deserve their share of the credit. ‘The clean sheets are coming not just because of the defence but the whole team, from Fraser to the strikers, because we have been playing as a unit.’

Thrown in at the deep end: Monk oversees training yesterday

‘The message to the fans is to not add to the problems but to be part of the solution – stick together, keep supporting the team and players. ‘As soon as the players really start to feel that [pressure], then it is an even bigger problem so this is when we need the fans the most.’

football

Rallying cry: Meulensteen

Monk’s vow to Swans as baptism of fire beckons GArry MoNk is ready for the huge challenge that awaits him as Swansea’s new manager, saying: ‘I’ll give everything I have.’ Monk and first-team coach Alan Curtis oversaw their first training session yesterday after the Swans parted company with Michael Laudrup. The Dane was dismissed on Tuesday with the club just two points above the Premier League relegation zone after one win from ten games. Laudrup has been followed through the exit door by assistant Morten Wieghorst, fitness coach oscar Garcia and overseas scout Erik Larsen ahead of Saturday’s derby visit of Cardiff. Monk, a former club captain and still on the playing staff, and Swansea stalwart Curtis have been put in charge ‘for the foreseeable future’. ‘I’ll give everything I have. I promise the fans that. And I’ll ensure the players do exactly the same,’ Monk said. ‘We are all in this together, and I will make sure we stick together. That is what Swansea City has been all about for as long as I can remember. This is a

by jAMES bOyLAn proud moment for me, and I aim to do the best possible for this club.’ Swansea City Supporters’ Trust, which owns more than 20 per cent of the club, backed the decision and called on fans to get behind Monk. The 34-year-old faces a baptism of fire, with six games in 20 days – Pre-

20/1 Odds on current Ajax assistant Dennis Bergkamp being given the Swansea job

mier League appointments with Cardiff, Stoke and Liverpool, an FA Cup tie at Everton, plus Europa League clashes against Napoli. Trust chairman Phil Sumbler said: ‘There has inevitably been a mixed reaction among fans to the announcement, with the club facing a critical period of key matches. ‘However, we know the board has not taken this decision lightly and it’s vital we now all pull together’.

fOOTbALL DigEST

draxler may stay, say schalke ArSEnAL have been told they might have to wait up to two years to sign Julian Draxler from German side Schalke. After missing out on the midfielder during the January transfer window, the Gunners had been tipped to make a new bid to sign the 20-year-old in the summer. However, Schalke chairman Clemens Tonnies believes Draxler could stay at the Bundesliga club for a few years to come. ‘It would do him good to spend another year or two with us,’ he said. ‘We know we’re not going to be able to keep him forever – but I think he will stay for a while yet.’

Will the Gunners have to wait? Julian Draxler

11 Premier

League clubs have signed up to the Football v Homophobia campaign – a month of action launched by West Ham and Crystal Palace last weekend – but only 16 of 72 Football League clubs have so far followed suit

england haven’t a Kalou without jt CHELSEA old boy Salomon Kalou reckons England need in-form John Terry’s (pictured) leadership qualities at this summer’s World Cup. Terry, 33, quit international football in September 2012, claiming the Football Association had made his position ‘untenable’. But Kalou, who now plays for Lille, said: ‘He is a great leader. There is a lot of young players in the team, so you need a leader like him who can direct those young players.’

football premier league

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD 25

Wenger: Title race is impossible to predict

by DANIEL JONES

Arsene Wenger expects the race for the Premier League title to go down to the wire after watching ‘jaded’ Manchester City surrender their perfect home record to Chelsea on Monday night. Many people had been tipping Manuel Pellegrini’s free-scoring team to pull away at the top of the table before their 1-0 home defeat at the etihad stadium. But their defeat meant Wenger’s Arsenal stay top of the Premier League on 55 points, with their two closest rivals just two points behind in a title race that keeps producing the unexpected. ‘It is never as simple as everyone predicts it,’ said Wenger. ‘I said a long time ago that nobody will be absolutely above [clear] – it will be down to consistency.’ Chelsea became the first team to keep a clean sheet at the etihad since Birmingham City in novem-

Well suited:Beckham meets the press in Miami

Big names line up to join Becks and his brand new MLS team DaviD Beckham says a host of star names are queuing up to join his new Major League Soccer franchise. The former England captain yesterday confirmed he has taken up an option to set up an MLS club in Miami at a press conference in Florida. The team is not expected to begin competing until 2017, but Beckham is already thinking about his starting Xi. The 38-year-old former Los angeles Galaxy midfielder insisted he had a list of potential players drawn up, and added: ‘i’ve been very lucky to have played with some of the best players.

‘Nobody will finish clear of the field’ ber 2010, with Branislav Ivanovic’s 32nd-minute goal enough to inflict a first home league defeat of the season on Pellegrini’s side. ‘Chelsea looked always dangerous and Man City looked for me a bit jaded,’ Wenger said. ‘They were not as fluent or as strong physically as they were at Tottenham but it could have gone to 1-1, [or] it could have gone 2-0 for Chelsea.’ Arsenal head to fourth-placed Liverpool on saturday, with their hosts just eight points behind them with 14 league matches of the season remaining. However, reds boss Brendan rodgers feels the title will now be fought out between the top three. ‘For us, as a team, it’s too early for that,’ rodgers said. ‘I was at the Manchester CityChelsea game the other night and I look at the squads they have, which they have built up over the last few years, and it’s very difficult for us, even though we have competed right the way through the season.’ Weary: Wenger felt Manchester City looked ‘jaded’ in their defeat to Chelsea

‘Sir Alex is a great manager but sadly he’s retired’

PICTURE: EPA

Fletcher eager to aid United recovery Hurting: Darren Fletcher feels the pain of United’s troubles

DARREN Fletcher insists his pain at Manchester United’s present plight has not been lessened by his successful battle against ulcerative colitis. Fletcher’s career was hanging in the balance after he was forced to undergo surgery to cure a medical condition that

had bothered him since 2010. Had the procedure not worked, the 30-year-old’s life as he knew it would have been shattered. Happily, that story had a positive outcome, allowing Fletcher to resume at Aston Villa in December, since when the Scot has gone on to

make eight appearances, including skippering the Red Devils in their Capital One Cup semi-final against Sunderland. Fletcher said: ‘I want success for this club. I want to help achieve things with this club. I am hurting just as much as everyone else at present.’

“Fortunately, these players are actually sending me messages, calling me up, saying, ‘Okay, Miami – great. When is it happening and how can we get there?” ‘So that’s obviously a good thing. We will decide that [who we want in the squad] in the near future, but we want the best.’ Questioned, though, whether his former Manchester United boss Sir alex Ferguson had approached him about a return to management, Beckham replied: ‘Funnily enough, no. He is a great manager and gave me the chance to play for my boyhood dream club, but unfortunately he has retired.’ Beckham also confirmed he is in discussions with local government officials about building a new stadium in downtown Miami for his team – one he will not be seeking public funding to construct. He added: ‘i want to make it my own team. We are very excited, Miami is a vibrant city with a lot of passion. ‘i know this city is ready for soccer. i know this is going to be successful.’ More successful, hopefully, than MiamiDade County mayor Carlos Gimenez’s pronunciation of his name – he managed to refer to a Mr ‘Beckman’ during the presentation.

26 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014

Picture: aP

Henry out to s snowboard O’cOnnOR iS cHAiRMAn Of THE bOARD in RuSSiA ireland’s seamus O’Connor takes a jump during a training session prior to the 2014 Winter Olympics in sochi. alpine skier Conor lyne has been selected as flagbearer for the opening ceremony tomorrow. lyne, 21, will compete in the slalom at the Games, and heads a five-strong ireland team that also includes alpine skier Florence Bell, cross country skier Jan Rossiter and skeleton slider sean Greenwood.

SPORT DigEST u Bradley Anscombe signs Wiggins has he had new deal at Ulster torevealed move his

Rugby Mark

Anscombe has signed a one-year contract extension to continue coaching Ulster next season. The Kiwi joined Ulster in 2012, replacing Brian McLaughlin as head coach. After leading Ulster to an unbeaten 16-game run in his first season at the helm, he has continued to strengthen the province’s hand. Ulster registered a first-ever 100 per cent Heineken Cup pool stage record this term, setting up a home quarter-final against Saracens on April 5. With trophies his target, Anscombe said: ‘My focus over the next year and a half will be to finish the job and bring silverware back to Ravenhill.’

children to a new school because of ‘horrendous’ bullying in the wake of his Tour de France win and the Lance Armstrong drug revelations scandal. In 2012, the Team Sky rider became the first UK winner of the Tour, months before US rider Armstrong was stripped of his seven titles for doping.

20 nominees in contention for The Irish Sailing

Association’s (ISA) five annual awards. Including the ISA Sailor of the Year award – they will be presented at the ISA’s Eighth Annual Awards Ball in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, on March 1.

On his marks: Chris Henry, training with the Irish squad yesterday, is determined to play his own ball-stealing game against Wales and is not worried about matching up to the wrecking ball approach of Sean O’Brien Picture: inPho

Priestland feels buzz around big clash Rhys PRiestland says there is ‘a buzz about the place’ as reigning champions Wales prepare to meet title pretenders ireland on saturday. although it is only the second weekend of a tournament that does not reach its finale until mid-March, the dublin victors will seriously enhance their championship silverware credentials. Both teams won in round one – Wales beating italy 23-15 and ireland overpowering scotland 28-6 – to set up a potentially-thrilling encounter. Wales have triumphed in three of

the last four meetings against ireland, including a 2011 World Cup quarter-final success, but Brian O’driscoll inspired an irish win on Welsh soil 12 months ago. ‘it is a massive challenge, and there is a buzz about the place looking forward to combating whatever ireland throw at us,’ Wales fly-half Priestland said. ‘it will be hostile and they will be desperate to stop us going for the third title (in succession), and we are desperate to win it. ‘We are looking to test ourselves against a good irish team which could have beaten the all Blacks

last year. We are under no illusions about how difficult it is going to be, the toughest challenge we will face in the six nations, maybe. ‘the way they have been speaking about the game and the way they should have beaten the all Blacks means they are on a massive high. ‘defensively, we are going to have to be at our best, and we need to improve with the ball in hand from last week, but defences win you championships. it will be a massive test, defensively, to keep them quiet. ‘they are the rivals we know best because both countries have four teams in the PRO12 and come up

rugby six nations

Thursday, February 6, 2014 METRO HERALD 27

steal the limelight Chris henry will stick to his ball-stealing strengths in his bid to offset the loss of ‘world-class’ sean O’Brien to ireland’s six nations campaign. The Ulster flanker admitted any team would miss Leinster’s wrecking-ball loose-forward O’Brien, who may not play again this season after shoulder surgery. henry slotted into ireland’s back-row alongside Jamie heaslip and Peter O’Mahony for sunday’s 28-6 scotland victory, and is expected to start against Wales this weekend. The 29year-old said h e

against each other often. we are familiar with the way we both play.’ a game laced with sub-plots sees wales boss warren Gatland facing the country he used to coach, while emotions remain raw among many irish supporters after Gatland, in his role as british and irish Lions head coach, omitted o’Driscoll from last summer’s Test series decider against australia in sydney. The potential individual battles are also numerous – Priestland against Jonathan sexton, Mike Phillips versus Conor Murray, adam Jones against Cian healy and sam warburton opposite Chris henry among the pick – suggesting it could prove a Test match that comfortably lives up to expectations.

by DAnny HOgAn will not try to mimic O’Brien’s rampaging style, favouring his natural breakdown abilities instead, especially against two of the finest turnover hunters in sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate. ‘There’s always going to be a lot of talk about sean not being there, he’s one of the best in the world,’ said henry. ‘The only way i can approach it is to say, “yes he’s an unbelievable player, but i have to think maybe i can add something a little bit different, maybe there are certain aspects of the game i can bring that he can’t”. ‘rugby’s horrible in that way when people get injured when you get your opportunity. ‘so for me, i certainly tried to give everything out there last week. ‘hopefully that can be enough to stay in the side, but we’ll just have to wait and see.’ henry believes saturday’s Wales clash could be completely dominated by the breakdown battle. Unless ireland ‘blast out’ captain Warburton and fellow scavenger Lydiate, they will struggle for control, he admitted. The Ulsterman remains ireland’s premier turnover specialist though, and is confident Joe

schmidt’s side have enough prowess over the ball to cope with Wales’ approach. ‘Whatever back-row the Welsh team put out we already know they are world-class,’ said henry. ‘Their big thing is on defence and how quickly they get onto the poach, taking one tackler low and the other in position to get a solid threat in there. ‘it’s going to be something we have to anticipate, get in there early and do a good job of blasting them out. ‘Warburton’s probably one of the best in the business, so we’ve got to be on the money. ‘starting off with a win and to play alongside the likes of Jamie and Peter was fantastic,’ henry added when asked about his performance alongside Jamie heaslip and Peter O’Mahony. ‘They are both class players, and they are strong on the ball as well. ‘Will that performance from last week be enough to beat this Welsh team? Probably not, but we’re realistic, we’re a bit fed up with an irish team that performs one week and then doesn’t perform the next. ‘As a group of players we want to put that to bed, deliver performances and get results every week.’ ireland’s coaches have made a big play of highlighting their exemplary disciplinary record heading into the six nations in a bid to stay on the right side of the officials, and henry believes ireland’s ‘clean’ approach is worthy of mention, but admitted one of the biggest challenges in this campaign is to roll away quickly enough after a tackle. ‘if you want to win big games you’ve got to make smart decisions and keep the penalty count low,’ he said. ‘The big thing now is to make sure you move after a tackle. A lot of penalties were given last week for the tackler not rolling away. sometimes it’s very hard if you’re tackling in a certain position.’

MATcH fAcTs

Priestland: Testing himself pictuRE:inpho

s The countries have met on 119 occasions. Wales lead the series 65-48, with six draws. s Ireland’s record win in the series was a 54-10 victory in 2002, while Wales boast a best of 29-0 (1907). s The last drawn Test match between Ireland and Wales produced a 21-21 scoreline in 1991. s Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny will win his 50th cap on Saturday, while Wales prop Paul James will also hit that landmark if he makes an appearance off the bench. s Halfpenny’s achievement means that, at 25 years and 48 days, he becomes the youngest

Wales international to reach 50 caps, beating the previous record held by Dwayne Peel. s Ireland have not opened a Six Nations campaign with back-toback victories since their 2009 Grand Slam season. s Wales have not lost a Six Nations away game since they were beaten 28-9 by France in Paris in March, 2011. s Wales captain Sam Warburton will make his first start for ten weeks. s Ireland were the only team to score a try against Wales in last season’s Six Nations, registering three during a 30-22 Millennium Stadium victory.

Chris Robshawe: Out to win

Robshawe warns Scots England will be fired up Chris robshaw has warned scotland to be ready for a ‘massive reaction’ from an England team smouldering at their Grand slamending loss to France. Two rivals who tasted defeat in the opening round of the six Nations meet at Murrayfield on saturday. England were dispatched 26-24 in shattering circumstances at the stade de France when, having nudged 24-19 ahead, wing Gael Fickou glided over in the 77th minute. Little comfort has been drawn from the character-fuelled fightback staged in a compelling match as robshaw outlined what is expected from the 2015 world Cup hosts. ‘There will have to be a massive reaction. all the guys have been seething a bit. To have gone so close and played so well....’ the England captain said. ‘our game is not judged on

‘No one wants to be called plucky losers’ performance, it is judged on results. we need to make sure we turn our performance into results. ‘No one wants to be called plucky losers. Everyone wants to be winners. That’s why we play the game – to win the big tournaments. we don’t want to play well to finish second every time. ‘we’ve now left ourselves with a lot of work to do and all the guys are up for that. ‘we now need a bit of luck along the way but there are certain elements in our hands still.’ robshaw believes England, who will be removed from the title frame should they lose in Edinburgh, thrive in adversity. ‘if you look at the character of the squad every guy seems to step up in these arenas,’ he said. ‘we’ve been to some hostile environments, Murrayfield being one of them. Paris last week, Ellis Park, all these type of places. ‘it’s you against them and you need to make sure you come out on top.’

28 METRO HERALD Thursday, February 6, 2014