University Volume 22 | Issue Six | Tuesday 27th November 2018
Express UCCExpress.ie
by Solidarity TD, Ruth Coppinger, in the Dáil on the 12th of November. In front of An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Coppinger slammed the comments made by Elizabeth O’Connell as she simultaneously held up a pair of thongs in the chamber. In response to this, Varadkar said “it doesn't matter what you wear. It doesn't matter where you went, who you went with or what you took, whether it was drugs or alcohol.” The proceedings, which took place in the Cork courthouse, was just one in a long list of incidents where the alleged victim’s clothing has been used against them. However, in light of this most recent case, a socialist feminist movement known as ROSA, decided to organise a rally in Cork City to show that Ireland should no longer continue to facilitate ‘victim blaming’ in Irish courts. Approximately 400 people joined in the protest, which began outside Brown Thomas on St Patrick’s Street. While those attending O’Connell SC, which drew outrage and being with someone? You have were predominantly female, there from the public. In her closing to look at the way she was dressed. were also a good number of male remarks to the court and to the jury, She was wearing a thong with a lace participants. O’Connell suggested that the clothing front.” UCC’s feminist society were worn by the alleged victim should be The remarks made caused a influential in the event and their taken into account when coming to a backlash from not only the feminist finance officer, Ellen Byrne was the deliberation. The counsel said, “does community but from large sections first to speak to the crowd. Byrne the evidence out-rule the possibility of the public in general. In particular said in her speech, “the toxic and that she was attracted to the defendant the scandal reached across all media dangerous culture of victim blaming and was open to meeting someone platforms following the actions taken Continued on page 5
Cork Marches for Judicial Reform
Following Rape Trial Comments Ciaran Dineen, News Editor
H
undreds of people joined a protest in Cork City on Wednesday 14th November to demonstrate their anger in response to a recent rape trial in which a 27 year-old man was found not guilty of raping a 17 year-old girl. It was comments, however, made by counsel for the defendant, Elizabeth
Affirmative Action for Irish Female Academics
Page 4 News
The Food For Thought Initiative
Page 10 Features
An Interview with Kojaque
Page 22 Byline
Green is the New Black: Irish Rugby on Top
Student SPECIAL 14” LARGE CHEESE PIZZA + 3 TOPPINGS
€10
T&C: *UP to 3 toppings. please mention offer when ordering. only valid with student id. not vaild with any other offer. valid for a limited time only and at participating stores.
Page 36 Sport