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UCD confirms security and RAs may film inside Student Residences Students report the filming of residences without permission
by Katie Hughes · News Editor
UCD confirm security personnel and RAs may film inside student residences SU investigates allegations of filming Students’ Union President describes filming as “a human rights issue” by Jon Hozier-Byrne · Editor
UCD have confirmed that security staff are now equipped with security cameras and may film inside Student Residences, as may Residential Assistants who request the use of a recording device. This confirmation was made after reports gathered by the University Observer from students living on campus asserted that their apartments have been filmed by UCD personnel in the past week. Students’ Union President Pat de Brún further corroborated this assertion, saying, “Once we heard some anecdotal evidence of this, we began actively investigating it via the Res reps and other sources, trying to get some accounts, and that process is ongoing ... I’ve heard five or six reports ... This is something that I would regard as extremely serious. I think it’s a human rights issue and I think if it is happening the fact that no consultation and no notification has taken place isn’t acceptable.” A spokesperson for UCD stated, “Security staff have recording devices as part of their equipment, and they may be used to record incidents on campus. If attending to a reported incident in a student apartment, security staff must be accompanied by an RA at all times.
Belgrove Student Residences Photographer: Conor O’Toole An RA may separately request the use of a recording device themselves when they are attending incidents in student residences, but they must alert those in the vicinity when such devices are in use when attending an apartment.” The spokesperson for UCD also affirmed “Recorded incidents are only viewed and used as support materials when incidents are investigated under the License to Reside or the Student Code.” This conflicts with the account of one student living in Residences, who claimed, “There was one incident at about four o’clock in the morning a week ago ... a security guard came in, said ‘What’s going on here, you’ve been making noise’, and proceeded to come into the house. He walked around with
a camera ... he walked around and filmed all our stuff.” The student, who wished to remain anonymous, went on to say, “There was nothing really to warrant what happened at the time ... there was no noise going on, there was no reason for them to come up here in the first place.” When asked whether the member of the security staff was accompanied by an RA, the student stated, “It was just the security guard.” De Brún also stated that this was not the first time the filming of student residences by UCD personnel has been reported. “This is something which came to our attention first back in the summer, we heard some kind of rumours or reports that this was happening, and
we were extremely concerned ... We were told that it was not going to be implemented, that they were looking into it and that they trialled it, but that it wasn’t going to happen, and it wouldn’t happen without notifying students first via the SU ... There has been no contact with the Students’ Union about that since, and it’s something we felt very, very strongly about. I think it’s a huge invasion of privacy and it’s something I’m really concerned about.” When asked what course of action the SU would take regarding the matter, De Brún stated, “The first port of call is to find out exactly what the situation is, and how this was allowed to happen. The next step is to stop it, as soon as possible.”
Students’ Union shops making loss by Katie Hughes · News Editor
The Students’ Union shops across campus have been found to be making a “significant but not insurmountable” loss. Following the engagement of an external accountancy firm to prepare the Students’ Union’s accounts for the past number of years, an exact log of the various shops’ performance this year has been kept. UCD Students’ Union President, Pat de Brún stated that “We’ve got that information in the last week and based on that, we’ve immediately engaged with the staff. The fact is that the shops are currently in a loss-making situation, the extent of which is to be finalised; certainly, as soon as we got this infor-
Students’ Union release 2007/2008 accounts
mation, we’re factoring it into the overall business plan.” The extent of the loss is remaining confidential for the time being, “for no other reason other than we’re trying to work with our staff to improve things. It’s a very serious challenge that we’re faced with but at the end of the day there’s a lot to be positive about.” Due to construction works taking place in the Science hub, a thirty to forty per cent reduction in sales has occurred in that particular outlet. With further building work to take place, the unit will no longer be available to the Union in the near future. According to de Brún, no definite decisions have yet been made with regards the Science Centre unit, “we don’t want to
act unilaterally on this, we want staff to be involved, we want everyone to work together on this plan.” De Brún expressed hope for the shops, saying that “we’ve a 25,000 person captive audience, we’re in a unique position where our rent is low. We have a huge amount to offer our students and our customers, and we’re in a position where our turnover is already very high. We just need to look at our margins, we need to look at our range of products, we need to do more marketing, market research, customer care – areas like this will really boost our margins. It’s the little things that can make the difference, and we’ve seen that already with little changes we’ve been trying to make.”
He continued to say that while providing a value for money service to staff and students alike was a priority, the shops would have to begin to contribute to the Union budget as opposed to deducting from it, as is currently the case. De Brún concluded by acknowledging the challenges ahead, but expressed his faith in the future of the Union’s retail operations, “there’s a huge challenge in front of us and everyone is aware of that, but I have huge faith in the potential of our retail operations, I see a bright future for them. Things haven’t been done perfectly in the past and it will take a certain amount of work to get to a point where we can be happy.”
The Students’ Union has recently received its accounts for 2007/2008 from the accountancy firm hired last year to prepare a full financial representation of the past number of years. The accounts revealed that the Union had begun to lose money at around the 2007/2008 point, which was followed by a four to five year decline, leaving them up to €1 million in debt in 2012. UCD Students’ Union President, Pat de Brún explained that the losses were divided fairly equally between the shops and services, and the remaining Union activities, “There was nothing huge that jumped out apart from that this was the point in time where it should have been nipped in the bud. This is where the red flag should have been raised and actions should have been taken.” In 2006, the Union, not including Union services, incurred a loss of €18,000, which increased to €38,000 in 2007. De Brún justified the losses, saying that losses along the scale of those sustained in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 would have been budgeted for on an understanding that a surplus from the shops would have contributed to covering the Union’s losses. However, on closer examination of the shop accounts for 2007, a €2,500 loss was found to have been made, which increased to €47,000 in 2008; this discrepancy showed that the shops’ final balance and the Union activity deficit for the year did not reconcile. As the accounts for each year are not yet available, the years do not correspond, they merely give a level of trend. De Brún attributed the €47,000 loss in 2008 to the inclusion of the Earlsfort Terrace shop in the accounts. At about this time, many students, including those from the School of Medicine, would have moved from Earlsfort Terrace to the Belfield campus, which would have contributed to the loss, “it’s natural that these things would happen in business, that contributory factors would reduce income or increase costs, but it’s the fact that not enough seems to have been done to tackle it at the time and it was left to increase.” According to de Brún, “In an ideal situation, and what could have been expected at that point, would be that the loss in the Union would match the profit in the shops but we’re seeing a situation where a loss in the Union is actually less than the loss in the shops. So … you can quite quickly see how over a period of five years a deficit to the scale that we’re faced with has accumulated.” As full accounts have yet to be published, it is not yet possible to pinpoint the exact year the losses became more significant, “I’m working under the assumption, and it’s quite an educated assumption, that the trends were downward in both the shops and the Union in each successive year. So, if you were to take the losses from the shops in 2008, this is just the information we have, and the losses from the rest of the Union in 2007, that together would be in the region of €85,000 to €90,000. If that goes up by a few percentage points the following year, it looks like it has been exponential.” The final 2011 accounts are expected in early April, with previous years’ accounts being released up to that date.
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News in Brief by Catherine Murnane
UCD Law students dominate The Advocate competition On March 9th, final year UCD Law students Julia Lawlor and Greg Benson were deemed champions of ‘The Advocate’, McCann Fitzgerald’s AllIreland Business and Law Challenge. The competition, which has an intake of sixteen teams, sees students partake in competitive mock trials regarding issues of commercial law, with the ultimate prize being a summer internship with McCann Fitzgerald, along with a shared cash prize of €3,000. This year, half of the chosen teams were made up of UCD teams, with four of these teams progressing to the semi-finals. Benson credited the Law School’s recent introduction of practical based modules such as Advocacy & Mooting for the increased student interest in competitive mooting, while Lawlor noted it has created an atmosphere in the Law School where “more people are talking about moots and feel encouraged to enter competitions.” The final, which saw Lawlor and Benson compete against current third year Law students, Neal Flynn and Brian McCormick, took place in the Four Courts. The moot was judged by Justice Peter Kelly, Chairman of Bord Gáis Éireann, Rose Hynes and Chairman of McCann FitzGerald, John Cronin. Cronin extended his congratulations to Lawlor and Benson, describing them as “worthy winners … we were very impressed with the calibre of all of the entries this year and are excited at the potential these students have shown.”
Irish universities disappear from top 100 This year’s Times Higher Education World Rankings did not see a single Irish third-level institution attain a spot in the world’s top one hundred universities. The prestigious publication, formulated by 17,554 academics from 149 different countries, qualitatively ranks the world’s universities based on their contributions to research and teaching. Only four years ago, Trinity College was ranked amongst the top fifty, with UCD maintaining a comfortable position in the top one hundred. While a gradual descent in Irish institutions’ rankings has occurred over the last number of years, this is the first time that no Irish institution has made it into the top one hundred. Rankings editor at the Times Higher Education magazine, Phil Batty, noted the disappointment that the Irish state would feel for failing to maintain its previous positions, “many nations see having a top one hundred institution not just as a source of national pride but also a symbol – encouraging inward investment for attracting the best brains in the world.” With both the government and universities alike hoping to attract foreign students to help boost revenues in Ireland, further competition is caused by the increased number of Asian universities attaining positions on the higher end of the scale. With Ireland and other countries such as the UK falling further down the rankings, Asian universities, particularly those in China, have attained a higher ranking than last year. Both Tsinghua University in Beijing and Peking University rose five places, being listed twentieth and thirty-eighth respectively. The top twenty continues to be made up of four countries; the US, the UK, Canada and Japan, with Harvard maintaining its position in first place.
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Observer News news@universityobserver.ie
UCD Professor behind restoration of James Joyce’s guitar by Katie Hughes · News Editor
UCD School of Philosophy’s Professor Fran O’Rourke is behind the restoration of James Joyce’s guitar, which has been on display at the Joyce Tower Museum in Sandycove for the past fortyfive years. Professor O’Rourke explains the decision behind the undertaking, “I was invited to present a seminar on Joyce and Irish song. The professor borrowed a guitar from a luthier, who specialises in restoring 19th century stringed instruments. Many of those in his workshop were identical in appearance to the one in the Joyce Tower in Sandycove. It was immediately obvious that Joyce’s guitar should be restored. I offered the curator Robert Nicholson [the arrangement and sponsorship of] the restoration.” Despite currently suffering from pneumonia, Professor O’Rourke recorded a couple of verses of one of Joyce’s favorite songs for the RTÉ evening news bulletin within hours of the restoration being completed. “It was an interesting experience, some of Joyce’s DNA must still lurk within the grain of the fretboard,” joked the professor. He continued to say, “repair work was made possible by the generous hospitality of the Conservation Department of the Na-
tional Museum at Collins Barracks.” The restoration was carried out by English luthier, Gary Southwell, using the equipment and facilities of the conservation department of the National Museum at Collins Barracks in Dublin. Southwell has previously restored instruments for Sting and made guitars for Paul Simon. The guitar, estimated by Southwell to have been made in the 1830s, was donated to the Joyce museum by James Joyce’s friend from Zurich, Paul Ruggiero, in 1966. The guitar is famous due to a photograph taken by Ottocaro Weiss in 1915 of Joyce playing it in Zurich. Southwell explained that “As far as the guitar itself is concerned, it’s not from any great maker of the past or anything like that … It would have been a fairly standard instrument of the period. Obviously the interest about it is that it was James Joyce’s guitar.” Professor O’Rourke has interests in Plato and Aristotle, as well as the use made by James Joyce of philosophy and Irish song, on which he has lectured in Uppsala, Istanbul, Warsaw, Milwaukee, Belgrade, Sofia and Thessaloniki. Professor O’Rourke is expected to play the guitar at a series of upcoming recitals to be held in Newman House during Bloomsweek.
Coder Dojo launches at UCD by Chris Green
On March 30th, UCD will initiate its own chapter of the Coder Dojo movement, with sixty children already signed up and a waiting list of another forty. The initiative was launched by Cork teenager James Whelton as an after-school club dedicated to teaching his peers the basics of computer code. The UCD chapter is being sponsored by the UCD Innovation Academy. Academy facilitator Margaret Ledwith stated that, “[Coder Dojo is] just mushrooming ... When I say it’s a phenomenon I mean look, there’s one in Indonesia. In the two weeks since I was on here there’s been another five in the UK.”
“We wanted to bring this to UCD, and also to offer the resources of the Innovation Academy in supporting this, because we thought it was very important. The University is all about outreach to younger students. It’s important to get these kids on campus and give them an experience of the University.” Following two recruitment e-mails, thirty-two volunteers have signed up to date, ranging from undergraduates and PhD students to academic staff; “We need volunteers who aren’t necessarily coders but who will help with the administration because this is very intensive in terms of organisation, to check that rooms are available, to get set up, to register the kids, to manage waiting lists, and to do a lot of the social networking around Twitter [etc].
tremely talented and extremely skilled given the right environment to learn.” The mantra of Coder Dojo is “Above all: Be Cool”, and while volunteer teachers lead the classes, the philosophy is one which strongly encourages cooperation between coders in an atmosphere where intelligence is respected and encouraged. While organisers are pleased with the response so far, they encourage anyone with an interest in teaching code or simply helping out to get in touch at dublin-ucd@coderdojo.com.
RAG Day ‘raises a grand’ The newly re-developed UCD RAG Day took place on March 20th, with
events and acts taking place in and around the UCD student bar. Admission to the event cost students a donation of €3.
of the week. A number of students were involved in the event, but O’Grady extended particular gratitude towards Philip Bourke, marketing executive of UCD AFC, for both his and the team’s involvement
in the event. “The football team made a great impact on the day, even using their mascot to promote sales of the badges and buttons.” The amount raised at this year’s event has yet to be confirmed.
by Jack Walsh
UCD gets involved in Daffodil Day Daffodil Day took place across Ireland on Friday, March 23rd. A corresponding event was held on Thursday in UCD, co-ordinated by both staff and students, and marked an occasion for funds to be raised for the Irish Cancer Society, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide essential support and information facilities for cancer patients. UCD Student Adviser for Arts, Aisling O’Grady, noted that great efforts were made this year to get students involved in the event. A decision was also made to run the event on March 22nd instead of the 23rd, the day the national event takes place, as there are less people on campus towards the end
Then we need the more technical mentors who will teach code from basic HTML, to advanced HTML, possibly to Python, JavaScript, CSS, that type of thing.” As Coder Dojo is a movement of free coding clubs, all of the mentoring and teaching is done voluntarily and the students signed up learn for free. Funds for rooms, heat, light and wi-fi access are donated by the Innovation Academy and UCD. The essence of Coder Dojo is that it provides children with a fun environment where they can learn the basics of computer programming and develop the skills required to design web pages and games, and “to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the younger generation in Ireland and to showcase the fact that young Irish kids are ex-
Final figures for the amount raised have yet to be announced, however UCD Students’ Union Ents Officer Stephen Darcy is confident that the change in the layout of the initiative ensured the day reached its goal of “raising a grand”; “it looks to be that it’s a more efficient way of doing it, there’s less money spent, the idea was to spend the least amount to raise the most, and we certainly achieved our goal of raising a grand, so in that respect it was a success.” Darcy commented on the variety of events available for students to take part in on the day, “I just looked at all the things that people would find interesting and would like to see and stuff that we hadn’t done yet. I saw what was possible and what wasn’t, to try put as many of them into the bar and around the bar as possible.” The day centred on a continually changing line up, with several bands performing free of charge, including The Curtain Thieves, Taxi for 5, Mojo GoGo, and the featured headlining act DJ Rankin. Darcy explained the reasoning behind having a high-profile act such as DJ Rankin performing on the day,
“that was the focal point of our advertising just to draw people in and obviously we were a bit sketchy bringing in the new concept and all, so we figured that we would bring in something that was and had been successful this year and that wasn’t overly expensive, and DJ Rankin fit that bill perfectly. There was a good 700 people at the bar in the end to see him so it was really good.” Advertising was primarily routed to the Ents Facebook page, with flyers distributed on the day of the event. Darcy commented on the advertising, stating that “ideally it should have been done maybe in January I think, but we hadn’t come up with the full concept by then, so maybe that’s something that Eoin [Heffernan, incoming Ents Officer] will put in next year, and think about.” However, despite the later advertising, he insists that “more people were involved with this years RAG event, and more importantly more people were aware.” Darcy has provisionally decided to approach the Mark Owens Medical Fund, as well as wishing to donate to Childline, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the Bone Marrow trust fund.
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
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TCD vote for graduate loans and tax over “free fees” News in Brief by Katie Hughes · News Editor
TCD Students’ Union recently passed a referendum showing a preference for the stance of TCD SU on fees to be firstly for a loan system, then a graduate tax, and student contribution respectively. The poll was cast to determine the way in which TCD delegates should vote at the upcoming Union of Students in Ireland (USI) congress, where they will be asked to vote on USI’s funding position. The congress is expected to take place from April 2nd to 5th, with
the vote taking place on April 3rd, and the result being announced on the 4th. According to USI President Gary Redmond, the question will be asked of delegates because “at a time when the Minister has announced that fees will be €3,000 in three years’ time, we felt that it was time to ask students what USI’s funding policy should be … it’s a completely democratic move by USI to ask its members what they think the funding positions should be.” Redmond continued, “There would be nothing worse for USI than going
ahead with a policy that is one hundred per cent exchequer funding, or free fees, if that’s not what the membership wants, and if it is, at least we then have a renewed vigour for it.” The result of the preferendum will be the position of USI and will supersede any previous USI policy. While Redmond declined to comment regarding the option he would be speaking for, he stated that “USI’s key objective is that education, particularly third and fourth level, should always be accessible to everybody based on academic ability,
not financial means. Is it fair to expect a family to come up with €3,000 for every child that wants to attend college on top of all the other needs? Is the €3,000 a barrier to education?” TCD SU President, Ryan Bartlett, was pleased with the result as it was “a validation of the approach we took this year … I think the situation we have right now isn’t really working for anybody.” 250 delegates are registered to attend congress this year – every university gets two delegates then one extra delegate for every 1,000 students.
Ents Mystery Tour clash with Relay for Life “unfortunate” by Matt Gregg
Students’ Union Entertainments Officer Stephen Darcy has stated that it is “unfortunate” that the Ents Mystery Tour is now scheduled to take place on the same day as charity event Relay for Life. Darcy insists that the clash was “not a conscious thing” and that all other alternatives had been explored. The Mystery Tour had originally been organised to take place on Wednesday March 22nd but had to be re-arranged following a cancellation by one of the tour’s three venues. It will now take place on Wednesday the 28th of March, the same date as Relay for Life. Relay for Life Chairperson, UCD student Sarah Thomas, expressed her disappointment at the “unfortunate clash” and stated “it would have been nice if they had reconsidered [the date].”
A mock wedding took place as part of UCD LGBT’s Rainbow Week Photographer: Jon Hozier-Byrne
“It’s unfortunate, but I have a job to do as well,” explained Darcy, “I can’t avoid having UCD events fall on the same night as charity events as there are always charity events on … There are just not enough days in the week.” According to Darcy, the clash will not have too much impact on either event, “people who are committed to Relay for Life won’t be going on the Mystery Tour.” Thomas echoed Darcy’s sentiments, stating that “our teams will still be coming”
and that she believes Relay for Life will be successful “regardless [of the clash].” She added that the initial shock at the clash was perhaps “unjustified” and there was “no need to fight about it” because “we’re both probably going to have successful events”. UCD will be the first Irish university to host a Relay for Life event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Teams of between ten and twenty volunteers are required to have at least one member running at all times during a twenty-four hour pe-
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riod, from 5pm on March 28th to 5pm on March 29th. The event will be held at Devlin Park; the astroturf GAA pitches opposite the Student Centre. There will be various activities and events provided for visitors not participating in the relay during the twentyfour hour period. Thomas estimates the number of relay participants to be 280 but hopes the event can attract “anywhere between four and six hundred people” during peak college hours.
UCD DramSoc hosts ISDAs
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by Denis Vaughan
The sixty-fifth Irish Student Drama Association festival (ISDAs) is currently being hosted by UCD’s DramSoc. The festival will take place over the duration of eleven days, from March 21st to 31st. There are eleven colleges taking part, each of which has representatives that sit on the ISDA council, the forum for discussion and decision making of the association. The colleges are UCD, DIT, IT Tallaght, NUI Maynooth, NUI Galway, UCC, Mater Dei, DCU, Trinity College, Queens University, and the University of Ulster. Forty-seven events will be taking place during the festival, of which twenty-three are shows. UCD DramSoc will perform four shows: Two, Blue Remembered Hills, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, and The Walworth Face. Awards for the festival include Best Overall Production, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Set, Best Original Script, Best Lighting, Best Props, Best Ensemble and Best Sound. There is also the possibility of two discretionary awards. Last year UCD won awards for Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Script, Best Ensemble, Best Director, and Best Overall Production. DramSoc auditor, Eoghan Carrick, has said that he is hopeful that UCD will repeat the success they had at the festival last year, “We do have high hopes. We wouldn’t set up the shows if we weren’t entirely behind them, but it all depends on the quality of the other shows. It’s a different thing every year because unfortunately the festival itself is when you get to see other colleges’ work, so you don’t really know until the awards night when the judges announce the winners. But of course we have high hopes.” The award ceremony will be held on March 31st, the last day of the festival. Carrick praised the staff at UCD for their support in the lead up to the festival, “Organising a festival on a campus where you’re building two theatres is never going to be an easy task, but the Societies Council and a lot of the staff and services have all been really good, so while it’s been difficult co-ordinating between those different people it hasn’t been the most difficult thing in the world.” Dramsoc are currently looking for Venue Managers and Front of House Managers to assist with the running of events. Anyone who wishes to get involved with the festival can e-mail theatre@ucddramsoc.com.
by Katie Hughes · News Editor
USI Await Verdict of Court Case The case in question went before the High Court on February 24th and 25th and was in relation to the cut in the maintenance grant as a part of Budget 2011. Prior to the budget, a student had to live more than twenty-four kilometres from their university or college, or be a mature student, to get the non-adjacent rate for the grant. Following the budget, the distance increased to forty-five kilometres, affecting 25,000 students across the country: 18,000 traditional students and 7,000 mature students. These students lost, on average, €1,500 each. USI President Gary Redmond stated that the case was centred on two main points: that students had a legitimate expectation and that the Minister of Education had breached the Student Support Act, which contained a line stating that “any student receiving a grant shall continue as if this act had never been enacted”, according to Redmond. Redmond went on to say that the Minister had said at the time that “public transport had improved so significantly in Ireland that each student should be able to commute forty-five kilometres every day; each of the students that we had there demonstrated that it was impossible to do so.” USI hopes a verdict will be released in the next two to three weeks.
Rainbow Week takes place in UCD Rainbow Week, run by Students’ Union LGBT Officer Jamie Black, took place on campus last week. Black was pleased with how the week went. A pride march and mock wedding took place on the last day of the campaign, starting outside the Student Centre and culminating in a wedding at the Lake. “The point of that was to celebrate LGBT culture and to help raise the visibility of the LGBT community on campus, that we’re proud of who we are. The mock wedding was at the lake, just to show people that marriage is not equal for LGBT people – they cannot get married.” The march was originally supposed to be held on Tuesday, but had to be rescheduled due to timing issues when a speaker ran late. However, despite the re-arrangement, there were between thirty and forty people at Friday’s march. Black was happy with the line-up of speakers during the week, “We got Siobhan Maguire, the LGBT Rights Officer for USI to come in, there was a talk on transgender issues and we also got the director of Marriage Equality to come in. I’m really pleased with the line-up of speakers that we had. Hopefully the students found it very informative and took something away from it.”
UCD scientists find method to determine success rate for embryo used in IVF A team of scientists in UCD have discovered the potential success rate an embryo has before it is placed back in the womb through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The Conway Institute’s Dr Louise Brennan explained the process, “We analysed samples of the follicular fluid surrounding the immature ovum or egg before it was retrieved for IVF. We identified clear metabolic differences between the follicular fluids from women who successfully achieved pregnancy as a result of IVF to the fluids from the women who did not.” The fluids come from a woman’s ovaries and surround the egg. They contain metabolic information that can allow determination of which embryo is more likely to implant in the uterine wall and lead to pregnancy. However, Dr Brennan stated that the test cannot be used as part of regular IVF treatment just yet, “Before the test can be regularised for use during IVF, our results need to be validated across a larger cohort of women undergoing treatment, and we are hopeful that the results obtained from larger samples will support our initial findings.”
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The University Observer · 27 March 2012
international
UCD research team involved in recent News in Brief findings from Velociraptor remains by Katie Hughes · News Editor
UC Berkely campus shops removes bottled water The Cal Student Store in University California Berkely has stopped selling bottled water following a referendum being passed last spring calling on campus outlets to phase out water bottle sales. The shop has reported no loss in revenue, stating that healthy alternatives were put in place of the no longer available bottled water. The ASUC Senate passed a bill last year promoting the national Take Back the Tap campaign, and set 2014 as the goal year for eliminating the sale of bottled water on campus. The Take Back the Tap campaign is run by Food and Water Watch, an organisation founded in 2005 to ensure that food, water and fish consumed is sustainably produced, safe and accessible. The Take Back the Tap campaign promotes the use of tap water over bottled water; it aims to encourage people to use tap water as it is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and equally safe, if not more so, than bottled water. Health Matters Manager for the University Health Services, Trish Ratto, stated that while decreasing demand for bottled water is a positive step, the complete elimination of bottled water on campus was not a goal shared by the University, “I think there will always be someone that is a visitor to campus that could need to buy a beverage.”
UCLA students march against campus discrimination Sixty students from the University of California Los Angeles protested on March 8th in response to campus discrimination. The march was organised by various campus groups including the Asian Pacific Coalition, the Afrikan Student Union, the Muslim Students’ Association and Latino sororities and fraternities. The protests were against offensive clothing being sold by Associated Students UCLA between 2010 and February 2012, as well as a hate-crime committed last week when an apartment door was vandalized with sexual and racist slurs. The students were calling for an official condemnation of the sale of the offending shirts, as well as demanding that the administration support the adoption of a UCLA diversity requirement.
University of Virginia students commemorate enslaved workers The Memorial for Enslaved Labourers Committee from the University of Virginia held a candlelit march across campus to commemorate the work of enslaved individuals in building and maintaining the University. The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, The Latino Student Alliance, The Asian Student Union and The Minority Rights Coalition all supported the candlelit ceremony. Chairperson of the Committee, Anna Funtelar, stated that “[The march] is not meant to replace a physical memorial. We will march every year until a memorial is constructed and maybe every year afterwards.” History Professor, Prof. Claudrena Harold, stated that “The University of Virginia has a rich, complex history, tonight makes us, as a community, appreciate that diversity.” She described the march as a movement “to have a deeper understanding of history [that would] strengthen [the University’s] status as a place where history is taken seriously.” A slave memorial is currently in place at the University of Virginia, in the form of a plaque in the sidewalk bricks. A movement was established in 2009 following community concerns raised over the infrequent presentation of the history of slavery at the University. According to their website, the purpose of the commemoration was to “symbolically recognise the lives of the enslaved laborers by gathering supporters at the heart of the University, until an acceptable physical memorial is established.” The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, and is currently the only University in the United States designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
by Emily Longworth
Scientists from UCD were part of the international research team which recently published findings on the recovery of ancient Velociraptor remains. The Velociraptor is a relatively small, land-bound dinosaur that lived seventy-five million years ago. The fossils have been analysed by specialists in palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology and palaeoecology, and they indicate that a pterosaur – a giant, flying reptile - was most likely the last meal of the Velociraptor.
The fossil remains feature a “well preserved 75 mm long pterosaur bone lodged in the upper part of the Velociraptor ribcage”, this being the area in which the velociraptor’s stomach would have been. As this is the first time that bones from a pterosaur have been recovered in the digestive tract of other dinosaur remains, there has been much analysis from the research team over the circumstances of the find. Dr David Hone from the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Sciences commented on the findings, saying “It
Health Sciences Ball Cancelled by Aoife Valentine
The Health Sciences Ball, which was due to be held in the Burlington Hotel on March 30th, has been cancelled. The event, which was established last year by the then Students’ Union Health Sciences Programme Officer, Aoife Nic Shamhráin, was being organised by a committee chaired by this year’s Progamme Officer, Aidan Conroy. He took the decision to cancel the ball after ticket sales weren’t as high as expected. UCDSU Campaigns and Communications officer, Brenday Lacey said that, “Having spoken to the organisers, the reason it was cancelled was because unfortunately tickets just weren’t moving. There didn’t appear to be enough interest at this time of the year, I think [due to] assignments and obviously a lot of the nurses would be on placement and there’s midterms coming up. I think the dates just didn’t work out in the end, unfortunately.” The event was a success last year and it had been hoped that it would become an annual event, but Lacey emphasised that the committee were hoping to try again next year. “It was its first year last year and it did really well, but unfortunately it just doesn’t seem to have had the same pick up. I think they’re
still trying to get something together … [Conroy] says he’s very keen to get the committee back together and take another bash for next year, essentially getting started a lot earlier.” According to Lacey, no one was at fault for the ball’s cancellation. “At the end of the day these aren’t paid people; they’re not professionals. Sometimes workloads and things can get the better of people and it just hasn’t worked out. No one’s to blame.” Despite the fact that the ball was being organised by a member of UCDSU Executive, and tickets were being sold by Health Sciences class reps as well as the SU shops, Lacey stated that, “It’s an independent Health Science event … It’s not something that falls under the duties of the Health Science Programme Officer essentially. It’s something that in Health Science, they just do themselves.” Although the ball was supposed to take place this week, according to Lacey, it did not make a loss. “There wasn’t any money lost. I don’t believe there had been any deposits or anything put down.” Tickets for the event had already gone on sale at the time of cancellation. A full refund is being issued to any student who had purchased a ticket. Conroy declined to comment.
would be difficult and probably even dangerous for the small theropod dinosaur to target a pterosaur with a wingspan of two metres or more, unless the pterosaur was already ill or injured.” These findings support the hypothesis that velociraptors were inclined to scavenge on carcass remains in their vicinity, as opposed to only fresh meat. The findings also imply that small non-avian dinosaurs would be capable of swallowing relatively large bones, a feature that is observed in modern-day crocodiles, but not many other newworld animals outside reptiles.
“The surface of the bone is smooth and in good condition, with no unusual traces of marks or deformation that could be attributed to digestive acids,” says Dr. Hone, “So it’s likely that the Velociraptor itself died not long after ingesting the bone.” The bone remains were found in the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. The full research team included scientists from the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, the Museum of Natural Sciences in Okayama (Japan), and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences in Ulaanbaatr (Mongolia).
Tight security in place for larger-scale UCD Ball by Katie Hughes · News Editor
Security at the UCD Ball this year will follow the same format as in 2011, although it will be applied on a larger scale due to the licensing for the number of ticket sales almost doubling in comparison to the capacity of last year’s event. UCD Students’ Union Ents Officer, Stephen Darcy, stated that security functioned well last year, which is why it would remain the same, “we were very happy with last year’s security and there were no major incidents, so the same plan will apply this year, just on a larger scale.” Despite the cancellation of the UCD Ball last year and subsequent change of date to the Easter weekend, 3,500 students were in attendance. This year, up to 6,500 tickets are going on sale, with over 2,000 already having been sold at time of going to press. Darcy explained that with the development of the UCD Ball over the years, from being held in the Student Centre car park, to the playing field beside the Quinn School of Business, and now on the running track, the levels of security have grown, “It has to … It went from being in the Student Centre car park to being one of the biggest private parties in Europe so as the event grows, the security has to grow.” According to Darcy, no major security issues have occurred in recent years, “nothing more than is to be expected
from six to eight thousand drunken students. But going forward, our security has gotten so much better, obviously, since the inception of the Ball because it’s had to, as it’s grown rapidly.” An outside event management company, Fusion, which was also employed last year, will be providing security at the event. There are no final figures yet as to the total number of security personnel that will be present on campus on the day of the Ball. The University will close at 1pm, at which point all buildings will close and students and staff will have to vacate the Belfield campus. The main gates are expected to open at 3pm, at which point students possessing a UCD Ball ticket will be allowed onto campus before being searched for the possession of alcohol, which, as it is strictly prohibited, will be confiscated if found. Two to three bars selling beer and wine are expected to be on site. No spirits will be sold. The same security system as last year will apply to students living on campus in Residences. The Union and event management team will be working with UCD security to secure Res using a wristband system. Residents will receive a wristband the evening before the Ball, which will grant them access to the apartments, “You can’t be bringing in your mates and having parties on campus as it would lead to mayhem. It goes against the whole closing the campus thing, it’s just a safety precaution.”
Observ er vox pops What do you think of security on campus? “I ran into them once after I jumped into the secret lake and they were pretty sound. They did their jobs but didn’t let the power go to “On campus, their heads it’s nil. Then so fair play.” on Res, it’s too much!”
“They’re actually really good at keeping out the people who shouldn’t be in Res & stopping people fighting & drinking irresponsibly.”
“The only experience I’ve had is when they came to check how tidy my room was. “I hate security, I was asleep, they’re rats. which was a little awkward, They just always but I guess they seem to be dickkind of have to?” heads with no buzz about them.”
“It’s grand, I’ve never really had to worry about it. I see them walking around sometimes and that’s cool.”
Dara Keegan
Brian Reilly
Harrison Omorodion Guillermo Alvarez Aaron Sweeney
Ellen Kelly
Arts
2nd Year Ag. Science
Science
1st Year Actuary
Voxpops by Matt Gregg · Photographs by Aoife Valentine
Erasmus Student
3rd Year Astrophysics
5
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Observer Features features@universityobserver.ie
Photographer: Caoimhe McDonnell
Having overcome the hurdle of being accepted into and earning a degree at their University of choice, graduate students with disabilities still, like all students, face the mammoth task of finding fulltime, meaningful employment. In the second in our series on disability, Katie Hughes examines the difficulties many graduates with disabilities face
Working for equal employ
D
isability is an extremely broad term applied to a vast number of mental and physical conditions, and it carries a certain stigma that often leads to those with disabilities facing odds unlike those without them. In an ideal world, everyone would be able to avail of the same opportunities, however this is a goal yet to be achieved when it come to disability, as employers often see a person’s disability before their qualification. Yet while employers’ attitudes towards and perceptions of disability are a contributing factor as to why graduates with disabilities have a more difficult time finding jobs, sometimes these students’ inexperience in career skills, such as compiling a good CV or engaging in an interview, can also affect their prospects. Instances of ableism, i.e. discrimination against disabled people, are still taking place in Ireland, in some cases directly against students with disabilities. Graduates with disabilities can defy such discrimination by showcasing their skills through internship programmes such as the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) programme. The WAM programme was established by the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) seven years ago under European EQUAL funding, although it is now funded by the Irish employment authority, FÁS. The programme places graduates with disabilities in paid internships in leading companies such as Abbott Ireland, Microsoft and O2. Students taking part in the programme are assigned a ‘buddy’ or mentor with whom they can share any concerns or feelings they may have throughout the course of their placement. Former UCD student and current UCD Health Charges Administrator, Vivian Rath states that WAM is the “only programme that deals with graduates with disabilities,” adding that “it’s hugely disappointing that [with] the National Internship Programme, Jobbridge, entrants with disabilities are ineligible. That suggests that there’s a mind-set there that hasn’t been changed. That’s why programmes like these are so crucial.” UCD alumnus and current Oireachtas member, Senator Martin Conway began his career as a student in UCD, where he arrived with sixteen per cent vision. He was one of the founding members of AHEAD and commends the work being done by the WAM programme, acknowledging the trials faced by graduates with disabilities in finding employment, “It’s a big challenge getting through university, to ensure that barriers are removed and that the pitch is level, but it is an equally big challenge for getting meaningful employment when you are up against able-bodied colleagues who also have the expertise and qualifications.” The Union of Students in Ireland Disability Rights Officer, Gerard Gallagher, explained that one of the most significant benefits of the WAM pro-
gramme is that it allows people to penny has to be accounted for, people UCD, I had a political ambition, I went acknowledge their disability, and not engage for better policy as the money back down to Clare and got elected to have to under-emphasise it. Rath ex- will be spent properly.” Clare County Council and now I’m in pressed the same sentiments regardA Private Members’ Motion was the Oireachtas as a Senator. So, there’s ing the area of disclosure, “If you have recently passed, calling on the govern- absolutely no reason, where there’s a a physical disability, it may be quite ob- ment to publish the audit and create an determination and willingness, to not vious to the employer and they might individualised budgeting of the funds. work at it. It can happen.” want to know how you deal with it on This would involve an individual with Disability services available to stua daily basis and how it affects you – a disability being given an allowance dents at third level are often more acthat can be a very positive thing for for his or her special need and they cessible than those found in the workan employer, that you gave these cop- would decide which of the services to force. At third level, once a student ing mechanisms and learning skills to go to, creating competition within the makes their disability known to the deal with [your disability]. However, sector. According to Senator Conway, services available, they are, in theoin some cases employers are actually “It would mean that the person and ry, catered to. Finding and accessing afraid to ask that question because his or her family would have choice, help is much more self-driven in the they’re not sure, in terms of Equality which they don’t have at the moment. workforce, although it is not often Law, if that’s okay. On the other side of If there’s a service in your area, you’ve as extensive as employers feel it will it, the graduate is also afraid to broach no choice but to use it. That service be. Senator Conway explains, “There the subject as there may be a number may unfortunately not be fit for pur- needs to be a realisation among emof mind-sets going on: ‘Why should I pose, but if there was choice, if people ployers that if they were to provide have to?’, ‘If I mention this am I going had the power, if the state were pro- the little supports, the loyalty they to be making myself seem less employ- viding money for that person [you would get back would be enormous able?’ … The WAM program deals with could choose one that would be suit- … Once the simple things are made issues like disclosure as well as giving able].” available, whether it be a computer the supports you need to get the job Having progressed through Uni- package to enhance print, whether done correctly.” versity and become elected to Clare it’s just making sure that someone According to Rath, one of the most County Council and the Senate, Sena- has a comfortable chair, it can be as prominent problems faced by gradu- tor Conway believes that while they simple as that.” ates with disabilities is that when they may face difficulties, students with Very often, no accommodations go to seek work, they find that they lack disabilities can achieve their goal of have to be made at all as the extent of sufficient substantial work experience. employment. “I think that any young the person’s disability allows them to The WAM programme provides work person who is in college with a dis- use systems, which they have learned placements for graduates with dis- ability should most definitely believe from college “such as using highabilities in order to give them that ex- that they will gain meaningful em- lighter pens, how they managed and perience. “The fantastic thing is that a ployment in their chosen discipline, structured their work, or how they lot of the graduates ended up getting same as anybody else. I suppose that communicate, and they will put those jobs out of these placements, which is I am a classic example: I was in UCD systems in place for themselves,” says really fantastic … for any student with with a serious vision impairment, I Quirke. a disability, there are a lot of concerns was a member of Young Fine Gael in According to Gallagher, the stigma when entering into the workforce, as personally, when I started working, I had lots of concerns. This placement offers the opportunity to have a buddy or a mentor who will work alongside you and who will meet you regularly, and I would have loved to have done this program myself.” WAM Project Coordinator, Mary Quirke, confirmed that the WAM programme is unique in both Ireland and Europe, a fact that Senator Conway finds very worrying, “Really and truly there should be lots of different programs, even in different areas of employment. I would like to see WAM programs tailored to the financial services, to manufacturing: I would like to see it extended significantly. FÁS may have done pilot projects in the past but WAM, in my view, is by far the most successful and the one with most longevity.” Over €1 billion is spent on disability in Ireland per annum; €350 million goes towards advocacy groups and €650 million to organisations providing support services. According to Senator Conway, a significant proportion of this money is wasted on rent, property rates and the wages of chief executives and senior staff. Because of this, the government is currently undertaking what he calls a “value for money” audit on services for people with disabilities to see exactly how much they are directly benefiting, the results of which should be seen in the next few months. Conway states that in previous years money was “thrown” at various causes, however “in the presentday economic situation, where things are difficult, and different, and every Pictured: Senator Martin Conway Photographer: David Nowak
surrounding the employment of people with disabilities has decreased in the last ten years. However, he also states that a recent survey by the National Disability Authority has indicated that “attitudes to disability in Irish society have become harder, people have become harder on people with disabilities, and have become more reluctant to see people with disabilities in the same cast as their kids.” This worrying trend, coupled with the fact that people with disabilities have suffered the most in terms of redundancy and loss of work since the recession, makes it crucial for students with disabilities to be prepared, says Rath, “The way to do that is to build as many transferable skills as possible … Graduates with disabilities need to be thinking about work long before they start applying for jobs as there are a few extra challenges. And they are challenges, but challenges are there to be overcome.” There are currently approximately 5,500 students with disabilities in higher education in the Republic of Ireland. However, these students will not stay in higher education forever, they will eventually progress onto their respective career paths. It is only through speaking openly about disabilities and achieving despite disability that employers will become more open to the idea of employing staff with disabilities. According to Gallagher, “We’re not there yet, but we’re getting there.”
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features
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Toronto
Postcards from Abroad In the very last of his Postcards to those left in the motherland, Niall Spain concludes his year abroad, and sums up what it is that makes Toronto so special
W
hy Toronto? That was a question I was asked a surprising number of times when people heard about my year abroad, and it was definitely one that confused me. Obviously not a lot of people have been here. But why not Toronto is a more appropriate question, really. Let me tell you why. This place is cheap. You may have heard otherwise, and it may not be as cheap as some countries I’ve been to, but compared to Dublin you are making an absolute killing on every purchase you make. Pretty much everything is far cheaper than you can get at home. There’s no way I could have lived like I have on what I had if I had been still in Dublin. I would have declared myself bankrupt in three months. For example, you can get steaks for as little as three dollars (just over two euro), and the student bar in Toronto has pitchers for just ten dollars. That’s only seven euro, folks. Think about it. Then there’s the public transport system. It’s fast, reliable, clean, and nothing at all like our own. You can get anywhere quickly; buses arrive on time (people who get the 17 bus will probably salivate at that thought); and you can obtain ‘transfers’ when you get on any form of transport, a little ticket that allows you to get onto the next form of transport for free. That means if you have to get three buses and a streetcar to make it to work or college, it only
costs as much as one journey. Not only that, but most of the transport is twenty-four hour, and this service costs the same as transport during the day. I’ve only had to get a taxi once since I arrived. It’s amazing.
If you’re reading this I’m assuming you’re Irish. Strange as it may be, this is also a reason to go to Canada. If you arrive here with an Irish accent, people instantly love you. Seriously. You have a friend wherever you go. People go out
of their way for you, solely based on your nationality. I have gotten a free taxi ride (one of the days I was lost, lazy and couldn’t find the amazing transport system), dozens of free coffees in cafés (“Don’t worry about it dear, my
grandmother was Irish”), free drinks, an offer of free accommodation for a month (just after I was put up in the penthouse), and countless other things. It also helped me get a job. It’s incredible really. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. They love us. There’s also the weather. Someone told me they would never go to Canada because of the horrible winters. I don’t want to go back to Ireland because of the horrible weather all year round. The winter was not bad at all. Snow beats rain any day, in my opinion, especially in a country that actually knows how to deal with it. Paths are clear, roads are clear, so you only have to deal with the snow in fun scenarios like building forts or pelting children with snowballs. Not only that, but it is currently mid-March, and it’s almost too hot to go outside. The temperature will be in the high twenties all week, and is likely to only get better for the next six months. That’s right. A real summer, six months long. Sign me up. Finally, there’s poutine. What’s that, you might ask? I know I did when I arrived. Then I was given a plate of it, and I’ve never looked back. Imagine a plate of chips, smothered in hot gravy and lumps of melting cheese. I don’t know why we don’t have poutine in Ireland. Or everywhere, for that matter. It is amazing. Come for that alone. The people are nice, the city is beautiful and I really could go on all day. I won’t, but I will say this. Whether Canada or not, try and go on a year abroad. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I managed to find the coolest landlord ever, who ended up being a great friend I’ll miss immensely. I’ve met the nicest people, the most amazing girl, seen some unreal places, and have had some great adventures along the way. Whatever might hold you back, forget it. Go for it. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Oh, and it makes your degree stand out too.
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Philip Burke (Equity & Trusts)
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The University Observer · 27 March 2012
In God they trust
A
features
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In the lead-up to the Christian celebration of Easter, Jason Quigley and Matt Gregg talk to students about what it’s like to be religious in an increasingly secular society
rticles about religion abound throughout the world of student journalism. Often they are debates regarding the nonexistence or existence of God, or about religion’s place in society. While it cannot be denied that students who adhere to any faith are becoming an increasingly small minority, how do those who still believe in an all-powerful being feel to be religious? In order to gain an insight into this, the University Observer talked to students from a variety of different backgrounds who all have one thing in common: a passion for their faith. We spoke to Kelsey Korabic, Co-Auditor of the Newman Society and Roman Catholic, Dave Nicoll and Jonathan Steinegger, two Christian Methodists members of the Christian Union, and Aneeq Ahmed, Sunni Muslim and Auditor of the Islamic Society. We asked each of our interviewees to sum up what they felt was most important about their faiths. Kelsey felt what really stood out was “the longevity of the history. The Roman Catholic faith can trace itself back all the way to Jesus Christ, at the very centre, at the very origin … to me that’s very meaningful because it can connect myself when I go to worship in mass with 2,000 years of other people worshipping.” Dave and Jonathan echoed this sentiment and believed the differences between different Christian traditions were not so significant. Dave felt, however, that there should be an emphasis placed on the relationship with God rather than on organised worship. “I think some religion seems sort of le- Once the height of newspaper production technology, the Linotype machine became obsolete in the Photographer: Conor O’Toole galistic, [i.e.] ‘if you do this, you go to For Kelsey, prayer provides one and anyone who lives in love lives in both Aneeq and Kelsey, with the lat- Old Testament Bible passages involvheaven’. I think [Methodism] is more … relationship as opposed to religion. of the foundation stones of her faith. God, and God lives in him.” Although ter explaining that she did not mind ing war, but did clarify that he “can’t A living relationship with God as op- “At the very basic, prayer allows me the relationship shared with their when people sought to discredit her get away from the fact that I believe to open up a conversation with God. God bore many similarities, Aneeq’s faith but that it became distinctly God is there and God is with me.” posed to a strict set of rules.” It allows me to focus, because I don’t description of God differed slightly. “uncomfortable” when they mocked Kelsey reported trouble with certhink about other things, I just focus “In Islam there’s the concept of the or belittled her. “I think it’s a great tain mysteries, namely Jesus’ God“If you like anything on the thoughts that are in my mind, ninety-nine names of God, which avenue for growing in faith … but if Human duality and transubstantiaI can present things that are [making refers to his ninety-nine attributes,” they’re not interested in listening to tion in the sacrament. “The way that and someone me] anxious … of saying to God, these he says. “There’s all-powerful, all- my side of things, that would make these two elements can both be the publically mocks it, are the things that I’m struggling knowing. It’s not all just about love things more difficult,” she said. “I same at the same time, it’s a difficult with. But there’s also the ability to sit, [as in Christianity], it’s also the most would feel very sad that they were thing to wrap your head around,” she it’s not nice. I think be quiet and to listen, and that’s very just, the greatest in punishment, at unable to be respectful of my differ- said. “I think doubting is an essential it is good that there much where the dialogue begins and the same time as being the most lov- ence of opinion and unable to have a element of faith, again going back to where you can start to see that God ing.” is the freedom to do dialogue with me about why I believe the reasoning that if you never quesis telling you things. Prayer is a way what I believe.” tion what you believe, how are you to it but you do kind of to connect with my spirituality. It is a Aneeq added that it was some learn more about it and further exwish they’d have more way to centre myself and … to always “I think doubting is an people’s refusal to engage in a debate pand that faith?” come back to the way in which He on religion that was more irritating Many disagreements exist beessential element of understanding” asked me to live.” than those who sought to discredit faith, again going back their beliefs. “It really depends on “In Islam you don’t All four felt their faith benefited them in various ways, with Kelsey how they do it,” he said. “I basically to the reasoning that believe in blind faith, explaining that her faith offered her want to talk to them and argue with if you never question “a peace, a sense of security really, them. I love debating.” Aneeq coneverything has to because I believe that my creator is tinued that, often, people would diswhat you believe, how make sense, there there to protect me, is there to help miss his faith out of hand without reare you to learn more me.” Dave highlighted the benefits of ally examining what it meant to him. has to be a logical Dave Nicoll, self-reflection through prayer. “Say “Usually when I hear [Islam is violent], about it and further Member reasoning behind it.” I’m really stressed about an exam, I laugh. When I see it on YouTube, I of the UCD expand that faith?” Christian what can I do? I can just take a bit of do laugh,” he said. “I can’t help it beUnion time to just pray and relax, and I can cause … they’re seeing it from a very kind of feel that I can get on with it. different point of view and they’re I wouldn’t be as stressed as I would taking people’s beliefs and leaving it Aneeq described Islam as “in itself be before.” Aneeq felt the primary at that, without understanding what is a relatively simple religion. It’s the benefit was moral, explaining “evit really is.” belief in one God, one all-powerful, erything you do, you become more Perhaps surprisingly for Ireland, Kelsey all-knowing God that created ev- aware that God is there with you, and a country with an overwhelmingly Korabic, Aneeq Ahmed, erything … As a result, he sent down that God is watching you. When you Christian heritage, Dave found that Auditor of the Co-Auditor rules and regulations and you abide are a believer in God, Muslim means he too often had to explain many asIslamic Society of the by them.” He went on to highlight ‘one who submits to God’ … it becomes pects of his religious belief. “I’m surNewman Society how any act carried out with good harder to do something that’s wrong.” prised how some people don’t seem In an increasingly atheist sociintentions and within God’s law is to get what Christianity is about,” considered an act of worship in Is- ety, it can often be hard to envisage Unsurprisingly, all four respon- he said. “I know many people in my tween people of differing religious lam, and that worship is not limited what it means when people describe dents have found there are certain class that have grown up in Ireland, backgrounds, and much of it stems their ‘relationship’ with God. Kelsey challenges involved with being reli- and yet they still might not know why not just from arguments of fact and to prayer. All respondents were quick to believes that her relationship with gious in an increasingly atheist soci- Jesus is integral to the faith.” reason, but from differences of exemphasise the importance of prayer God “has two elements really. One is ety. “It makes me angry sometimes,” When it came to questions con- perience. While arguing about facts in their day-to-day lives. Aneeq ex- very personal and that is born of an explains Jonathan. “I went to watch cerning whether they had ever had and logical reason is important and plained that “the thing in Islam is attentive prayer life really; I spend a stand-up comedian and he was doubts in their own faith, the re- desirable, we should remember that that you have to pray five times a day. time reading the Bible because those completely ripping everything out of sponse was more mixed. Aneeq did religious belief is not simply based on It’s sort of like, you wake up in the are the words … that is the message Christianity, and I was getting pretty not feel he had any significant doubts facts, it is also often based on powermorning and you have to pray. Then that He has given to me and is what annoyed.” Dave, a fellow Method- but “sometimes you’d find something ful personal experiences, which play in the afternoon at one or two, you’re he’s using to ask me [how] to live my ist, added that they had no problem and you’d be like ‘well that’s weird’ a large role in defining a person’s rebusy with your day, but you have to life. But then there’s also a commu- with people questioning their faith, and then you go look up on it … before ligious belief. While examining these take five minutes out to pray. Ev- nity aspect of that as well in which but just wished people would be con- I would have doubted [my] belief in personal experiences of faith, we erything you do, ‘a few hours later I I’m asked, and also possess the desire siderate of their perspective when God when I was younger, but now it cannot objectively learn what truth is have to go pray’ is still on my mind to, express that faith in a very basic they did so. “If you like anything and makes sense. If I have any problem behind them, but we can learn a little constantly, my connection with God.” sense that is of living that faith. If someone publically mocks it, it’s not with anything I can reason it out, or of how it feels to be religious. In unIn slight contrast, David mused that God is love, I’m to live in love and nice,” he explained. “I think it is good I can do research on it. In Islam you derstanding the perspectives of those prayer was an important part of life therefore that translates into actions that there is the freedom to do it, but don’t believe in blind faith, every- who hold beliefs that are different to but “not just something you set aside that express love.” you do kind of wish they’d have more thing has to make sense, there has to our own religious or non-religious Kelsey believed that the best way understanding.” time for, you should be thinking be a logical reasoning behind it.” standpoints a little better, we can do of describing her God was as “love, about it throughout your whole day.” This sentiment was shared by Dave expressed difficulties with much more to further understanding.
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features
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Saol na Gaeilge Beo Beathach - i Nua-Eabhrac! Agus iarrachtaí á ndéanamh aitheantas Gaeltachta a thabhairt do cheantair i mBaile Átha Cliath agus i mBéal Feirste, léiríonn Madeleine Ní Ghallchobhair – iarmhac léinn de chuid na hOllscoile seo – go bhfuil teanga ársa na nGael ag dul ó neart go neart i Stát na hImpireachta chomh maith
T
á rudaí athraithe go mór dom ó thosaigh mé le staidéar na Gaeilge i gColáiste na hOllscoile, Baile Átha Cliath i 2007. Tar éis céim sa Ghaeilge agus sa Bhéarla a bhaint amach, bliain a chaitheamh i dTeach na Gaeilge in Merville (5-6 abú!), bliain mar ionadaí ranga, ceann mar oifigeach na ndán agus ansin Máistreacht i Scríobh agus Cumarsáid a dhéanamh ann anuraidh, táim ag múineadh na Gaeilge i Nua-Eabhrac faoi láthair! Tá míle buíochas le gabháil le COBÁC as mé a stiúradh sa treo seo agus mothaím uaim go mór na daoine, an Roinn, an campas agus an chraic. Chuir mé isteach ar an scoláireacht Fulbright i mí Eanáir anuraidh, chun teacht anseo mar FLTA, nó cúntóir teagaisc teanga. Oibrím ar feadh fiche uair a chloig in aghaidh na seachtaine.
Múinimse i gColáiste Manhattan, Coláiste Mount Saint Vincent agus Coláiste Lehman go príomha agus iad uilig lonnaithe sa mBronx. Tá cúig rang agam san iomlán, idir bhunthosaitheoirí agus daoine atá beagnach líofa agus caighdeán ard scríofa agus tuisceana acu, cé go mbíonn easpa cleachtadh cainte acu go minic. Déanaim an-iarracht imeachtaí a eagrú i gColáiste Lehman. Bhunaigh mé Cumann Gaelach, chuamar ar thurais go cluiche pheil Ghaelach agus chun ‘The Pipe’ a fheiceáil, chomh maith le hoícheanta a chaitheamh ag caint faoi agus ag féachaint ar fhíseáin faoi mhiotaseolaíocht na hÉireann, rud a bhfuil an-suim acu ann thall anseo. Bhí Lá le Gaeilge againn ar an 22 Márta, le céilí ar siúl againn san amharclann agus an-
sin d’fhéachamar ar an scannán ‘Kings’, toisc gur ‘Mí Stair Ghael-Mheiriceánach’ atá anseo go hoifigiúil i Mí an Mhárta. Tá an Ghaeilge láidir go leor sna Stáit Aontaithe, rud nár thuig mé sular tháinig mé anseo. Is féidir an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim in 87 áit ar fud na tíre. Anseo i Nua-Eabhrac tá Club Leabhar láidir ann, do chainteoirí líofa agus is Meiriceánaigh an-chuid dóibh. Bíonn imeachtaí ar siúl ag an gConsalacht agus ag Institiúid an Léinn GhaelMheiriceánaigh in Ollscoil Chathair Nua-Eabhrac. Eagraíonn Daltaí na Gaeilge deireadh seachtaine Gaeltachta go minic, beidh mise tar éis a bheith i mo mhúinteoir Gaeilge ag ceithre cinn dóibh roimh an samhradh. Caithfidh duine ar scoláireacht Fulbright iarracht a dhéanamh dul i dteagmháil leis
an méid grúpaí gur féidir leis nó léi. Tá go leor eagraíochtaí anseo do na hÉireannaigh freisin. Tá thart ar 8,000 Éireannach anseo go mídhleathach. Deir siad liom nach féidir leo carr a fháil, nach féidir leo dul ar eitleán, nach mbíonn árachas sláinte acu. Má fhaigheanns duine éicint sa bhaile bás, ní féidir leo imeacht abhaile. Má fhilleann siad ar Éirinn, tá gach seans go gcaithfear i bpríosúin iad ar an mbealach ar ais go Meiriceá (ach go háirithe i ndiaidh 9/11). Tá cosc ar fhilleadh ar Mheiriceá ar feadh deich mbliana má bheirtear ort agus tú anseo go mídhleathach. Socraíonn siad comharsanacht dóibh féin. Tá an pheil Ghaelach anláidir, tá go leor foirne thart. Tá mise i mo chónaí in áit darb ainm Woodlawn, tá sé díreach cosúil le bheith ar ais in Éirinn. Is féidir liom Tayto, Rockshandy, Bisto agus anraith Knorr a fháil anseo, bricfeasta ceart Éireannach a fháil maidin Domhnaigh i ndiaidh oíche Shathairn agus canúint na hÉireann amháin a chloisteáil don lá ar fad. Is tábhachtach an rud é do chomharsanacht féin a chruthú as baile, mar atá go leor dár gcairde féin ag foghlaim na laethantaí seo san Astráil is dócha. Bíonn deacrachtaí agam amantaí, go cinnte. D’iarr cúpla duine orm, céard é a dhéananns tú? Nuair a dúirt mé go múinimse Gaeilge, dúradh liom cúpla uair, ‘níl a leithéid de theanga ann!’. Is deacair an rud é a chloisteáil nuair a mhothaíonn tú go bhfuil an duine ag scriosadh amach cuid lárnach duit féin. Bhí fear eile ann nár ghlac leis an smaoineamh go raibh orainn scoileanna scairte a bheith againn. Caithfear a bheith cúramach leis na rudaí seo
a mhíniú agus an fhírinne a scaipeadh faoinár dteanga, ach go háirithe i measc mhuintir Mheiriceá, an lucht a bhfuil an t-airgead acu le caitheamh in Éirinn fós! Cúpla pointí fánacha mar fhocal scoir: Caithfidh tú a bheith cúramach gan míolta leapa a fháil nuair a shuíonns tú sa phictiúrlann i gcónaí. Ná fág do sparán i do dhiaidh ar an traein. Ná tóg go pearsanta é nuair a labhraíonn lucht Nua-Eabhrac go borb leat. Ná téigh chuig an áit chéanna faoi dhó, mar ní chaithfidh tú. Mothóidh tú as áit thart ar Central Park muna bhfuil iPhone agus madra beag agat. Más féidir leat cara Doiminiceach a dhéanamh riamh, déan é, is iontach an lucht iad agus is breá leo an chraic cosúil linne. Ceapann na hEaspáinnigh gur chuir siad féin tús le liathróid láimhe, áfach, toisc go bhfuil sé níos coitianta anseo i Nua-Eabhrac, ach go háirithe sa mBronx ná mar atá sé in Éirinn, bígí ag faire amach chuig an ngadaíocht sin freisin! Ní fhágfainn an teach anois gan mo chártaí gnó a bheith agam (muna bhfuil cártaí gnó agat i Nua-Eabhrac, ní fiú do dhaoine aithne a chur ort ar chor ar bith, feictear dom!). Agus mothaím go bhfuil mé i “Sex and The City” ar a laghad ceithre huaire sa tseachtain, gach seachtain. Mholfainn go hard na spéire daoibh uilig smaoinigh ar chur isteach ar an scoláireacht Fulbright, nó ar an gceann le Fondúireacht Ollscoil Éireann Cheanada. Cé go bhfuil an-ghrá agam d’Éirinn, tá mé fíorshásta as baile freisin agus tá an méid sin le foghlaim gur maith an rud é píosa taistil a dhéanamh nuair atá an deis againn anois. Tapaígí an deis!
gníomhaíochta chun téarnamh agus cruthú fostaíochta a chur chun cinn. Dúirt Richard Bruton go gcruthófar 100,000 post nua roimh 2016 faoin bplean. Céim chun tosaigh a bhí ann gan dabht, ach bhí an clár thar a bheith gann ar mhionsonraí caithfear a rá. Is léir, go háirithe i bhfianaise na méide a deimhníodh i dtuarascáil Mahon an tseachtain seo caite, nach bhfuil mórán muiníne ag an bpobail as a bpolaiteoirí. Mar sin beidh sé spéisiúil a fháil amach an baothchaint í an mhéid atá geallta ag an Rialtas maidir le hathchóiriú polaitiúil. Tá sé ráite ag an Taoiseach go bhfiosrófar an córas toghcháin a athrú agus
go mbeidh reifreann ar siúl maidir leis an Seanad a dhíothú, ach beidh i bhfad níos mó ag teastáil chun meas agus muinín an phobail a thuilleamh in athuair. Le níos mó ná míle duine óg ag fágáil na tíre seo in éadan a dtola gach seachtain agus na céadta míle eile fágtha in umar na haimléise i scuainí an dóil, ní háibhéil a rá go bhfuil cnoc mór fós le dreapadh ag an rialtas. Níl aon amhras faoi thrombhrí na hoibre a bheidh le déanamh acu chun fadhbanna ollmhóra na tíre a réiteach. D’ainneoin ar baineadh amach acu go dtí seo, tá an dul chun cinn mall go leor, ach “Tús maith, leath na hoibre” mar a deirtear!
Bliain i gCumhacht Agus bliain amháin bainte amach ag an gcomhrialtas nua, caitheann Séamas Ó Meachair súil siar ar an méid atá curtha i gcrích acu ó thángadar i gcumhacht
I
s níos mó ná bliain ó shin a vótáladh lucht Fhianna Fáil as oifig tar éis dóibh beagnach ceithre bliana déag a chaitheamh i dTithe an Rialtais. Bhí an slad a rinneadh orthu níos measa fiú ná mar a bhí na scolardaigh is creidiúnaí ag tuar agus ruaigeadh a gcomhghuaillithe bochta sa Chomhaontas Glas as Teach Laighean gan trua gan taise. Don chéad uair riamh i stair na Poblachta seo bhí níos mó suíocháin Dála ag na Léinte Gorma ná mar a bhí ag a sean-naimhde. Fiú sular críochnaíodh comhaireamh na vótaí, chuaigh Fine Gael agus an Lucht Oibre i mbun cainteanna chun comhrialtas a chur le chéile. Dúradh linn go rabhamar ar thairseach ré nua. I ndáiríre áfach, bhí rialtas lárnach deasach tofa againn i gcomharbacht ar rialtas eile lárnach deasach agus ba léir go han-sciobtha nach raibh aon chlaochlú radacach tagtha ar chúrsaí. Ar feadh tamaill bhí gach rud huncaí deoraí mar a déarfá. Bhí cuairt le tabhairt ag an Taoiseach ar an Oifig Ubhchruthach i mí an Mhárta. Bhí seachtain na gcuairteoirí againn i mí na Bealtaine agus deis ag Enda roinnt bolg le gréin a dhéanamh leis an mBanríon agus Obama. Ansin i mí Iúil fuair sé ardmholadh as an ionsaí fíochmhar a rinne sé sa Dáil tar éis Tuairisc Chluana a bheith foilsithe. I bpobalbhreith an tseachtain sin léirigh tromlach mór de phobal na hÉireann muinín a bheith acu as an Taoiseach úrthofa. Níorbh fhada áfach go raibh tréimhse mhí na meala thart. Tar éis an tsamhraidh bhí cúrsaí measctha go leor don pháirtí sóisearach sa Chomhrialtas. Nuair a d’fhógair an Tánaiste go rabhadar chun Ambasáid na Vatacáine a dhúnadh, ba níos mó de cháineadh seachas moladh a fuaireadar. Bhí gliondar croí ar an Lucht Oibre áfach
nuair a toghadh Mícheál D chun an Árais. Agus bhí an lámh in uachtar acu san fhothoghchán i mBaile Átha Cliath Thiar chomh maith. Cúpla seachtain níos deireanaí áfach, díbríodh an Teachta Dála nua de chuid an Lucht Oibre as an bpáirtí agus d’fhág an tAire Willie Penrose an Chomh-Aireacht go hachrannach. Tar éis tamaill ba léir go raibh cúrsaí ag filleadh ar a seanbhealaí agus go raibh na polasaithe céanna ag rialtas Uí Chionnaith is a bhí ag an seanrialtas. Cúpla seachtain roimh Nollaig scriosadh suairceas na hAidbhinte le ceann de na cáinaisnéisí ba sheirbhe i stair na Poblachta seo agus mar is gnách b’é an dream daoine is leochailí inár sochaí ba mhó a buaileadh. Ní raibh an Rialtas in ann neamhaird a thabhairt ar an fhírinne lom a thuilleadh. Ar fud na tíre bhí tuismitheoirí ag streachailt chun bronntanais Nollag a cheannach dá gcuid páistí agus ag iarraidh gach uile phingin a choigilt chun an morgáiste a íoc. I gcomparáid leis an rialtas a d’imigh rompu áfach, ní féidir a shéanadh go bhfuil a gcuid roghanna srianta go leor. Maidir le polasaithe airgeadais is ag an Chiste Airgeadaíochta Idirnáisiúnta agus An Banc Ceannais i bhFrankfurt atá an cinneadh deireanach agus níl cead aighnis ar bith ag an Rialtas. Le linn an fheachtais toghchánaíochta chuir Éamon Mac Giollamóir bealach an Lucht Oibre i gcomparáid le “bealach Frankfurt.” Bhuel dealraíonn sé anois gur an dá thaobh den aon bhonn amháin iad. Ceann de na tosaíochtaí is mó a bhí ag an rialtas nua ná íomhá agus clú na tíre seo a fheabhsú thar lear agus tá moladh tuillte ag an Taoiseach gan amhras as ucht a bheith chomh gníomhach ar an stáitse domhanda. Dhá lá i ndiaidh dó a bheith tofa ina Thaoiseach bhí Ó Cionnaith i mbun comhraic le hUachtarán na Fraince Nicolas Sarkozy ag an gcruinniú mullaigh sa Bhruiséil agus é ag cosaint ár ráta cánach corparáide. Bhí go leor daoine go mór in amhras faoi cheannaireacht Uí Chionnaith, ach bliain tar éis do theachtaí áirithe ina pháirtí féin iarracht a dhéanamh fáil réidh leis, bhí sé ag tabhairt óráide os comhair na mílte ar Fhaiche an Choláiste, agus an tUachtarán Obama in aice leis!
Go deimhin bhí míchlú ar an tír seo de dheasca na géarchéime eacnamaíochta. Le hiarrachtaí an Rialtais le bliain anuas áfach, tá Éire le feiceáil ar ais i lár an aonaigh san Aontas Eorpach. Rud a chabhraigh go mór le feabhas a chur ar íomhá na tíre seo ná Fóram Eacnamaíoch Éireannaigh an Domhain a tharla i mí Dheireadh Fómhair agus Bill Clinton i measc na ndaoine a bhí i láthair. Rud eile a bhí thar a bheith dearfach maidir le poist nua a chruthú chomh maith ná an chuairt a thug Leasuachtarán na Síne i mí Feabhra. Ar ndóigh bhí mana ag Fine Gael roimh an olltoghchán: “Éire a chur ar ais ag obair”, ach bliain níos deireanaí tá leibhéal na dífhostaíochta níos airde ná mar a bhí riamh. De réir na bhfigiúirí is deireanaí ón bPríomh-Oifig Staidrimh tá beagnach leathmhilliún duine i scuainí dóil gach seachtain agus an tríú ráta is airde dífhostaíochta againn as na ballstáit ar fad de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh. Sa Spáinn agus sa Ghréig amháin atá cúrsaí níos measa. An mhí seo caite d’fhógair an tAire Post, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta plean
Gluais: na scolardaigh ........................................................................... the pundits claochlú radacach ........................................... radical transformation An Oifig Ubhchruthach .................................................... The Oval Office Tuairisc Chluana ......................................................... The Cloyne Report is leochailí .......................................................................... most vulnerable Fóram Eacnamaíoch Éireannaigh an Domhain ......................................... .......................................................................... Global Irish Economic Forum baothchaint ........................................................................................ idle talk
9
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Observer opinion opinion@universityobserver.ie
The War on Women
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rom the country that ing symptom of the unending cycle brought us such me- of culture war into an all-out, highly dia-friendly pseudo- publicised conflict, but several key conflicts as the War on moments have placed the issues on Terror and the War on centre stage. Drugs, we have now The seemingly unending atbeen brought a more tempts by the right to derail the subtle, insidious conflict that is rag- inevitable full implementation of ing in the political sphere of the Obamacare have found a new angle United States. What numerous ac- with which to attack; the mandated tivists, politicians and media groups buy-in to contraceptive-providing have dubbed the Republican Party’s healthcare plans by religious instiWar on Women is a many-headed tutions, primarily Catholic hospitals hydra of reactionary policies seek- (something from which, at the time ing to roll back advances for wom- of going to print, Obama appeared en’s rights, particularly reproductive to be backing down) as well as the rights, for a multitude of dubious state’s role in providing them. When motivations. It’s difficult to pinpoint Sandra Fluke, a student and activthe sudden spillover of an underly- ist, testified in favour of the essen-
Putting a price on the truth In light of the publication of the Mahon Tribunal report, Aoife Valentine considers whether such inquiries are worth their price tag
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ith the publication of the Mahon Tribunal report comes the realisation that perhaps it was all simply a waste of time. The Tribunal, which was set up as the ‘Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments’, was essentially established to investigate claims of political corruption within the planning system. It had over 400 witnesses come before it and having sat for a total of over 900 days over the course of its near fifteenyear duration; it is the longest running public inquiry the Irish judiciary have ever undertaken. Since 1997, it has racked up a legal costs bill in excess of 250 million euro, and the final report has seemingly revealed nothing the general public haven’t been virtually certain of for many years now. The majority of the reports key findings involve many of the biggest names in the Irish political sphere over the last couple of decades. According to the report, Padraig Flynn, former Minister and EU Commissioner, “wrongly and corruptly” received an alleged payment of 50,000 pounds from Tom Gilmartin, which he used for his personal benefit. Former TD and Fianna Fáil deputy, Liam Law-
lor was allegedly given 40,000 pounds by Frank Dunlop and further received 41,000 pounds from Owen O’Callaghan. The Tribunal found that Lawlor’s relationship with both parties was entirely corrupt, and various other payments he claimed were ‘political donations’ from Arlington PLC were anything but that. The report also asserts that O’Callaghan also donated some 80,000 pounds to the Fianna Fáil party while lobbying for state subvention for a development in Neilstown, having been pressurised to do so by various political figures. Former TD, GV Wright allegedly accepted 5,000 pounds from Christopher Jones, which was deemed corrupt, along with similar findings in relation to eleven councillors. Most notably however, the Tribunal fell short of a finding of corruption for former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, holding him to have failed to truthfully account for over 165,000 pounds, despite dozens of supporting testimonies from friends of Ahern supposedly offering him ‘dig-outs’. This is not, it would seem, an acceptable conclusion for the Irish public, especially given the extreme length and astonishingly high costs of the Tribunal. It would appear that at the very least they expected that Ahern would be hung out to dry, and his reputation destroyed beyond recogni-
As an increasing number policies that some would deem misogynistic are put forward in the United States, Cormac Duffy examines what has been dubbed America’s ‘War on Women’ tial provision of contraceptives in front of a House Committee that had previously only spoken to religious leaders, conservative talk show pundit Rush Limbaugh used it to brand her a ‘slut’ and a ‘prostitute’. The move brought sweeping condemnation across the left and among women’s groups, as well as some half-hearted condemnation from the right. This issue is constantly dragged
tion. Instead, Ahern has barely received a slap on the wrist. It is the findings relating to Ahern which have particularly established a feeling that the Tribunal was merely an incredibly expensive white elephant; that the entire inquiry was a giant circus, in which legal teams had a field day, safe in the knowledge that former Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy had chosen not to provide stipulations to curtail their fees should the tribunal last more than a couple of months. We must then factor in that the Gardaí cannot use any part of the report to prosecute anyone involved, and must instead mount their own independent investigations, gathering evidence themselves and using the report merely as a vague guide on who or where to go to next. Any offence they find to have been committed must be an offence under the law in place when it was allegedly committed, and twenty years ago you could not make inferences when a public official received money, as you can now. With all this considered, one would be forgiven for questioning what the point of opening the inquiry was in the first place. It is very simple to say that no tribunal is worth the amount of money this one has cost the state, but was there really any other option? To condemn its existence based on its cost surely suggests our priorities are not set entirely straight. Not only does it represent a very pessimistic approach to the accountability of those in power, but also it is quite a sad state of affairs to consider ourselves better off without the truth, especially when it concerns the failings of Irish democracy for the last thirty years. The cost of this Tribunal simply reflects the way the country has been run for far too long, however, and we can’t but acknowledge that the electorate consistently reward-
to the fore. When the cancer charity That abortion, even forty years afSusan G. Komen Foundation with- ter Roe v. Wade, is still a highly condrew funding from Planned Parent- tentious issue at the very heart of the hood over its role in providing abor- culture wars probably explains its lotion, it caused a stir that showed cation in a perpetual legal grey area. it to be putting politics above re- While all states must allow it, many sults. The two leading candidates are pursuing ways to undo this, and in the Republican primaries, Mitt others are simply making it hugely Romney and Rick Santorum, have difficult for women to access this both declared they want to cut all right, using everything from mandagovernment funding for Planned tory ultrasounds supposed to reveal Parenthood if elected. It has been the humanity of the foetus and waitthe primaries that have dragged ing periods for women to consider these issues into the spotlight too, the decision. There is nothing worse particularly Rick Santorum’s vocal than the duality that exists when espousal of his anti-abortion and citizens are unable to receive what is anti-contraception views, as well as their legal right without being morformer candidate and Texas Gover- ally condemned by the state for it. nor Rick Perry putting a spotlight The Supreme Court has ruled that on anti-abortion measures such as women have a fundamental right mandatory ultrasound viewing. to bodily autonomy, and individual An online campaign spearhead- states, let alone individual politicians, ed by lobby groups Move On and should not be using emotional maEmily’s List has exposed a broad nipulation to limit that autonomy unfront of anti-women policies being til a consensus is reached. pursued, ranging from a bill in ConLike the anti-contraception camgress that redefines rape, to one paign’s focus of religious freedom that uses the IRS to monitor pay- of institutions as a proxy fight, the ment for abortion to prevent it be- anti-abortion campaign is targeting paid for by government-funded ing the idea of federal funding. They healthcare plans. do this despite an executive order Attempts on the right to flip the during the original healthcare decampaign, saying that what women bates that meant no federal fundreally care about is jobs and the ing for abortion would occur. The state of the economy have entirely arguments being brought in are missed the point, not least because distinctly American ones; that there amazingly, citizens can care about a is no right to these services and multitude of issues. What needs to that individuals should not have to be realised about the war on wom- see their taxes spent on something en is that it is not a passing affair, they are morally opposed to. To the but an indictment of a culture’s at- first complaint we simply look at titude to reproductive rights. the fact that freedom is not always Look at the issue of contraception increased with less state involveprovision. Yes, Republicans can ment. The use of federal funding argue that religious institutions to provide individuals with access such as hospitals and schools to often essential services that they need not allow healthcare plans would otherwise not have in certain that go against their beliefs, but economic circumstances certainly that does not remove any duty on improves their lives in freeing them governments to fill that gap. That from a constraint. To the second, a worrying trend opposing the we simply say that any tax system provision of contraception in general could never function efficiently if it exists shows the misinformation went only where the payer wanted. that can be perpetuated. Even if you But the fact, plain and simple, is that oppose the use of contraceptives on defining women’s rights is firmly on moral or religious grounds, they are the US political agenda, and those often prescribed for vital healthcare who wish to expand them rather reasons that should not be ruled out than stunt them with anachronistic by law, and you still do not get an ideals certainly have the stronger entitlement to limit other’s access to case, and hopefully, the more electthem. able one.
ed this brand of politics, even when the details of the morally questionable actions of the politicians topping polls were in the public domain. It is ultimately this that the Mahon report should change. The Report is particularly shocking not because people were unaware that this was going on, but because we were unaware it was so “endemic and systemic,” and the consequences for national politics are severe. It is embarrassing for us as a nation that so many in the past turned a blind eye to what was going on unabated around us. These findings have undoubtedly caused inconceivable damage to public trust and electoral confidence, but if it took fifteen years and a considerable costs bill to force the public
to take their head out of the sand, perhaps it was indeed worthwhile. Exposing this morally bankrupt culture in Irish democracy in such a way that the electorate can’t ignore will force the voting public to perhaps consider their choices a little more carefully, and to take issues of integrity into account at the ballot box. The information we gained from the inquiry is invaluable, once we act upon it. It is unlikely we will ever see a Tribunal like this again. If publishing the findings of the Mahon tribunal has done nothing more than prevent such widespread abuses of power again, by laying out the astonishing practices over the last thirty years in a manner which cannot be brushed under the carpet, it has been entirely worthwhile.
10
Opinion
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Head to Head: Preferendum Special On April 11th and 12th, UCD Students’ Union will hold a preferendum to decide its official stance on the issue of fees and funding for third-level education. Elizabeth O’Malley, Catherine Murnane, Conor O’Nolan, Jack Walsh and Karl Gill examine the advantages of each of the available options
Graduate Tax
U
nder a graduate tax system students would repay the cost of their university education through extra taxation. The rate of tax is proportional to their earnings and suggested rates are quite low; the scheme proposed by the National Union of Students in the UK includes rates of between 0.3 per cent for the lowest earners and 2.5 per cent for top earners. In practice this would cost a teacher seven pounds of their income per week. This is compared to the nine per cent students pay on average of their incomes under student loan schemes. This scheme could either be capped after a number of years or levied throughout their
by Elizabeth O’Malley
working life. There would be no upfront costs at the point of entry. Repayments are interest-free. This system is the fairest suggested for a number of reasons. Unlike our current system, which is forcing students out of education because of financial difficulties, entry to university will not be based on whether you can afford it; everyone will be able to attend. The government in turn won’t have to pay grants except for maintenance fees. This will reduce barriers to further education. Unlike the student loan scheme, students will not be deterred by the prospect of personal debt once they have left university. It will not compromise the next generation’s ability to get reasonable loans or mortgages. There is also
less of a temptation to emigrate under this system; most people don’t consider future income tax ‘debt’ and there are very few people who emigrate in order to take advantage of lower tax elsewhere. The rate of tax is also minimal. There are fewer problems for students after they have graduated. This system is proportional, taxing those who can afford it most. Those who leave education and find it difficult to get highpaying jobs will not have to pay a huge amount. It takes into account a student’s future earnings rather than their parents’ income. This eliminates the problem we currently have under our meanstested system, in which an individual’s parents may either be unable or unwilling to pay for university
Student Loan Scheme
W
hen students were polled by The Examiner in 2011, fifty-one per cent favoured the introduction of a student loan scheme over any of the other models mentioned here. The loan scheme, which has been introduced in over sixty countries worldwide, is implemented by the State without a guarantor. When availed of, students receive loans to cover the cost of their education throughout their time in college, only facing repayments after the graduation robes have been well and truly tucked away. So what made every second student that responded to that poll support the student loan scheme?
The first reason would most likely be the equality of access to education that it provides. The ‘free fees’ scheme of the last government, although alleging to achieve this, merely eased access for those who could already comfortably afford third-level education. A student loan scheme removes money from the managerial role it currently holds in the Irish education system, postponing payment until graduates are in a position to afford it. Under this scheme, graduates are not instantaneously burdened with repayments on completion of third-level education. Rather, it is only when graduates attain a job and rise to a particular point on the salary scale that they must begin to pay for the education that has led them there. A student loan scheme pro-
even if they can afford it. Those who gain the most from their education will give the most back. A graduate tax would also raise more money than our system of registration fees as graduates will pay back the full cost of their degrees over time. Depending on whether the system is capped it could also mean that students repay their fees many times over, raising significant revenue for investment in education. All plans for a graduate tax have suggested ring-fencing funds. Money raised would go toward maintenance grants, facilities and services. This is a long-term solution for funding higher education. Admittedly there could be difficulties in implementing such a system. The time and cost of set-
ting up this scheme as well as the lag before graduates begin earning are practical issues. However we must remember shortsighted ideas such as increasing registration fees or student loan schemes will only deter people from entering education. This will lead to less money being earned by those people and the economy benefiting even less from their tax payments. An educated workforce is also a significant factor in attracting foreign direct investment. This can be seen as a long-term economic investment as well as ensuring that all students can avail of their right to education. Overall, the graduate tax is the fairest and most rational way of paying for our third level system.
by Catherine Murnane
vides funds upfront for all, and also eliminates a variety of issues associated with our current grant scheme. Since our last budget, postgraduate students who would have previously qualified for a student grant now only qualify for the €2,000 fee grant, a figure which doesn’t even cover the costs of the contribution fee. When determining eligibility for this grant the focus is placed on the income of the applicant’s parents, but this does not necessarily translate to the finances the student themselves has access to. The student loan scheme provides up-front finance for students, regardless of family circumstances, even when their grant application fails. This enables them to complete their education without the fear of their financial assistance being reduced,
without the fear of having to leave college without their degree. The strengthened awareness that this scheme gives students of the costs of their education, along with the responsibility it places on them to use it wisely, will undoubtedly heighten its value in Ireland. By delaying repayment until employment, the scheme emphasises the important role third level education plays in ensuring access to the workplace. It is also important to remember that our government will want rapid returns from these loans over the coming years. As the state will receive no revenue from their graduates until they have attained suitable jobs, the scheme will act as one of checks and balances on our government. Employers will choose the best candidate with the best
education, regardless of what state they come from, and the scheme will motivate our government to constantly improve the education system to not only ensure that we supersede competing institutions, but to see that we can also reap the financial benefits it provides. So far our government has taken a twisted stance on equal access to education. By raising the contribution fee and simultaneously cutting the grant, those who were struggling to get in have now been locked out. A student loan scheme which provides finances upfront, only views education as valuable if it provides you with employment, and places the value of education directly in the hands of those receiving it is a viable alternative and a worthy winner of this fifty-one per cent majority vote.
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Full Upfront Fees
T
he government needs to make dramatic cutbacks in an attempt to plug our ever-growing deficit, and there is one sector that is heavily funded and can easily be cut: third-level education. The reintroduction of full, upfront college fees would probably have no adverse effects on the education system in Ireland; in fact it could improve the education available. The argument that the introduction of full up-front fees would be a barrier to the access of third level education is somewhat disingenuous. There is little or no evidence to suggest that the free fees initiative introduced in the 1990s increased participation levels from members of low-income families. It is hard to imagine that the reintroduction of undergraduate fees would really impact the uptake of thirdlevel places. Put simply, those who want to go to college will find a way to go to college. Secondly, it is unlikely that there would not be some description of a loan scheme set up to help people pay for fees, either run by the state or by the individual colleges in partnership with a bank. A system in which those who can afford to pay for their education actually pay for their education should be introduced. The only particular hurdle involved here is that there is no functional, existing system in place. The
Opinion
11
by Conor O’Nolan
county/city council grants system is broken; there is no question of that. However, aside from the inherent difficulties, restructuring the current system could potentially save taxpayers millions and possibly make access to education ‘fairer’, as those who need monetary support for third level education could be granted it instead of giving it to students who don’t actually require it. Of course, there is the argument that charging high-income families for education is unfair because they already pay more tax than lower income families. Unfair or not, it is likely to be a necessary evil. The current austerity measures have adversely affected everyone’s finances to some degree, and while further impositions might seem harsh, they may be essential if Ireland is ever going to escape the massive level of debt it is currently facing. Aside from the fact that universal access to education probably wouldn’t be affected, the standard of education received in third-level institutions under full fees would most likely improve. If students have to pay a significant amount of money for their education, they are in a much better position to demand quality from universities. As it stands, lecturers are allowed stay in the university’s employ regardless of their ability to teach, especially if they contribute a significant amount in terms of research.
If students have to pay, it can be expected that the quality of lecturing in the college will become a more important factor in choosing a third level institution. Currently, in private institutes, close attention is paid to the standard of teaching; lecturers who are not performing to a high enough standard are replaced. This would not only stop academic staff becoming complacent in their roles, but it would also force colleges to compete with each other in a meaningful way, not just trying to attract students on the basis of better sports facilities or a superior social scene. Funding for colleges would also improve, as colleges would no longer be faced with problems like not being able to afford books for their libraries, and redevelopment works to buildings would happen as they need to happen as opposed to being subject to quick fixes. Finally, the inherent value of third level education would change. If a student is paying upwards of 6,000 euro for a year of college they now have a financial incentive to perform better. Not only this, but it would stop people going to college purely for the sake of going to college. People will be more likely to enrol in courses that they have a genuine interest in or that could increase their employment prospects. It would be very hard to justify continuing a course that you don’t enjoy at such a high cost.
Student Contribution/Registration Fee
F
ollowing the UCD Students’ Union’s decision to hold a preferendum on fees it is necessary to discuss and showcase all available options voters will be privy to, no more so than the choice of maintaining the way fees are currently implemented, via student contribution and registration fees, which currently sits at 2,000 euro, excluding local levies. This system spreads the costs of higher education between the exchequer and the student, or indeed their family. The contribution fee has been set for all those who do not qualify for its payment due to not fully meeting the requirements set out in the maintenance grant system, a system which examines
the socio-economic background of a student, such as yearly household income. The aim of the contribution fee is to finance non-academic services such as student activities, health services and student support services. If the fee was discontinued universities would be required to find money for these services elsewhere, or cut them altogether. The registration fee’s origins coincide with the ‘free fees initiative’, created by then Education Minister Niamh Bhreathnach, introduced as the ‘registration fee’ in 1997, after it received approval by Dail Eireann in 1996. The Minister’s introduction of the fee was a result of heavy lobbying of Students’ Unions and other student service providers at that time. The advantages that are prevalent within this system of dealing
with the situation of third level education are clear and easily visible at a glance. The means-tested maintenance grant system introduced, although competitive, ensures that those on the lower scale of socioeconomic backgrounds who have been approved by the set requirements of the testing system will have the fee paid for on their behalf by the government. This maintenance grant has allowed many students to enter into college life who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to do so. It has been speculated that should a one-hundred per cent exchequer funded system be put in place, it would leave no room for the maintenance grant, and as such would leave many out in the cold. Perhaps the most attractive
Fully Exchequer Funded
I
n 1997 fees for third level education were abolished and replaced with a registration fee of 150 pounds (190 euro). Every year but one since 1997, this fee has gone up. Now, as most of us know, we have a registration fee of 2,250 euro. Obviously this figure is impeding access to education for those of us who cannot afford it. So what is the solution? Some people think that because our policy is not working, we must have the wrong policy. However, I want to argue that our current policy is perfect but our strategy for achieving this is flawed. The current UCDSU/USI policy is that the state should pay for third level education through progressive taxation. However, the aspect of ‘progressive taxation’ is
often neglected in rhetoric and in our demands. Progressive taxation is when those who have larger incomes pay more tax and receive quality public services in return. We do not have progressive taxation in Ireland. Every year there is a lobby of Students’ Union representatives who try to educate individual TDs on the benefits of free education in Dáil Éireann as a way of ensuring equal access to college is achieved. A successive line of SU reps, who are often not convinced of the arguments for publicly funded education themselves, presenting policy documents to politicians as a plea to lower our fees has failed. The student movement in this country looks weak and is not taken seriously.
method in terms of equality of access, it certainly holds regard with those who do receive the grant and perhaps those who don’t in comparison to paying upfront full fees, and it can also be argued that this system is favourable for less welloff students in comparison to the proposed idea of the student loan scheme, with students from lower income groups seen to prefer to avoid future debt, also taking into consideration the idea that graduate loans may be subject to annual interest, arguably outweighing, in monetary terms, increases in the student contribution fees. The admittedly shocking rise in student registration fees, initially beginning at 150 pounds (190 euro) with the 2012 charge is set at €2,250, in comparison to future
by Jack Walsh
taxes and possible loan interests observed within other available options is a serious issue that must be weighed up, and it should be considered a very real possibility that long term taxation can be a more demanding form of payment. An upfront payment may seem to be a more cost-effective approach, despite the initial and unappealing sting of paying a large sum in advance. The current system also ensures that all students pay a set amount, regardless of their course choice, and as such does not evoke the pitfalls that could potentially arise from students choosing a course that may be more expensive, as courses that may cost more will not be seen as attractive options to prospective students.
by Karl Gill
Why is it that the farmers, trade unions and businesses can be taken seriously as lobby groups but the Union of Students in Ireland are simply brushed off by the powers that be? Well for one, unlike USI, representatives of other large lobby groups are mostly not members of one of the three main political parties, but also our strategy of lobbying makes us, on a national level, as students, look soft. The Students’ Unions in this country were founded on the basis of free access to education and communicated their message through mass meetings, protest and peaceful civil disobedience in the name of not only student’s rights but also women’s rights, gay rights and plenty of other economic and social issues. USI officers in
the past were people who knew about political activism and were predominately youth members of the Worker’s Party. Today SU officers can be seen posing for election pictures with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs. So why is free education so important? Just like free primary and secondary education, third level education is a public good. Having more educated people is of great benefit to both our society and our economy. If we had fees or a loan scheme students would pick courses on the basis of cost rather than on the basis of genuine interest in a particular discipline. Besides the fact that it is unfair to add an extra taxation onto people for simply having a degree (regardless of income), having a
graduate tax in a time of high emigration is economic lunacy. A loan scheme would leave people in huge amounts of debt before they even have a job. In other countries such as the US or UK, loan schemes have not worked and have added significantly to the gap between rich and poor. There is pessimism within our Union. People don’t think that people power, with the right kind of leadership, can work. Some people think that within the current economic circumstances it is not possible to have people freely attending education. Strong, serious leadership is needed, not a change in policy. What we need is energy, vibrancy and to use our youthfulness and creativity to challenge unequal access to third level education.
&
12
science
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
health
As curious as a shark
T
he idea that great white sharks are unlikely to mistake humans sharks are ferocious man- for prey. However, should a swimmer eaters who will tear any or surfer be wearing a dark wetsuit, the unsuspecting human who shark may mistake them for a seal. If has the misfortune of fall- this occurs, the shark is mostly likely to ing overboard a ship or wading too far release the human promptly and swim into the ocean to pieces is a far-spread away. Because of this, deadly strikes on misconception. ‘Shark-attack’ movies humans are very rare, though still lead such as Jaws and Adrift have propa- to substantial injuries. gated these myths instead of portrayHumans are not a shark’s ideal ing sharks as a curious species eager to snack for a number of reasons. Primarlearn more about the waters they live ily, we are a very bony species; the great in. Unfortunately, this can prove to be a white shark already has a very slow rather morbid curiosity, which at times digestive system so the ingestion of huleads to the loss of human life. mans would inhibit it even more. Seals Sharks are sharp-sighted animals have considerably more fat and less whose underwater vision has been bones than humans – sharks require a equated to that of a human’s above high fat diet in order to maintain their 11,347 This BNAGindicates Observer Ad 2012_Layout 1 05/03/2012 Page 1 and keep their brain water. that great white body 12:42 temperature
Danien Hirst’s The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living warm in cold waters. The way in which the shark executes its bite is the same for both prey and objects that arouse their interest. However, the force with which it strikes and how it approaches the object are the factors that differentiate between the two; whereas a shark would approach a human it is curious about in a leisurely fashion before biting and swimming away, it would be more likely to swim up at prey from a considerable distance below, which may lead to the shark propelling itself out of the water with the prey clasped between its jaws. This
From an early age, humans are conditioned to fear sharks. Katie Hughes explains that the Great Whites may not actually want to hurt us, but are in fact simply curious differentiation illustrates that when investigating a human, the shark’s goal is not predation but mere inquisitiveness. When taking a bite, the great white shark first raises its head so that its snout is located at a forty-degree angle to the body. The jaw, gums and upper teeth then protrude from the mouth and drop down. This movement of the mouth can take place as a shark’s jaw is attached to the skull through a tissue connection, as opposed to skeletal fusion. To protect itself from potential thrashing or an attack by the object, the shark rolls its eyes back in its head. To enclose its target, the shark’s upper jaw and head drop down, before it violently shakes using the body as leverage to rip off a chunk of flesh, or perhaps surfboard. Very often, visual inspection of an object is enough for a great white shark to satisfy its curiosity. Occasionally, these sharks have been found to stick their heads out of the water in order to inspect what was taking place around them above the water’s surface. However, tactile evidence is, at times, required. The strength with which a great white shark bites is different for prey and objects it wants to know more about. It uses its serrated teeth as a forceps to grab an object it is curious about: it bites down ‘gently’ to keep it in place, though the gentleness the
shark thinks it is exerting may in fact cause lacerations for humans, severe loss of blood, or even possibly the loss of limbs. It has been found that great white sharks are capable of exerting a force of three tonnes per centimetre squared on an object. Great white sharks are very well adapted to their environment and to maintaining their status at the top of the marine hierarchy. Their skeleton is made of cartilage, not bone, which makes them more flexible, allowing them to twist a full three hundred and sixty degrees. They have a sense which enables them to detect the electromagnetic field emitted by moving animals, the sensitivity of which reaches down to half a billionth of a volt, and their colouring also camouflages them, their white underside allowing them to blend into the light above them while their dark top disguises them using the dark water below. In the past twelve years, sixty-six unprovoked shark attacks have taken place, with fourteen being fatal. If humans really were the prime targets of great white sharks, there would have been considerably more fatalities to date. While a great white shark will not be replacing the goldfish in your tank anytime soon, it is a species that does not merit the compulsively predatory and man-eating status imposed upon it.
Scéim Chónaithe Ghaeilge Bhord na Gaeilge UCD 2012/2013
’ D C U e g il e a G ld ie lf e B ‘Teach na s a p m a h C r a e g il e a G e h it a Ionad Cón
13 0 2 2 1 0 2 in a li oile don bh c s n ll in O h lé a c n a m id u 4 do 2 de ch il a á s f r r ú a c í h a t c h a c g a s inn a lé Scoláire ic h m o d e t ail ag Comórtas osc ar fáil ar: www.ucd.ie/bn s i a t a is r a t r a r ia r ' ia d m h ir o id F
r i e d a t á d n a 2 1 0 2 ríspéis acu n il á fu h b e a r í ir b ó i th 13 A híos iad, ar iarr níomhaíochta g éatadán den c idir taí ar fiú c h c a e ir íonn cumas lá lá a o c th s r ru h c a s u Bronnfa g n na teanga a i gcur chun cin is: Tuilleadh eolahalla, Oifigeach Gaeilge, Clár Ní Bhuac ge UCD, L508, Bord na Gaeil a Leabharlainne, Foirgneamh nllscoile, ath 4 An Coláiste Oath, Belfield, Baile Átha Cli Baile Átha Cli -7387 Guthán: 01-716ifigeach.gaeilge@ucd.ie Ríomhphost: o
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The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Science & Health
13
Doctor Doctor
PhD student Paul Lavin speaks to Conor O’Nolan about his work in cancer research and the career prospects that his PhD can lead him to Explain the official title in English, please. Basically, it’s looking at a protein that’s involved in cell division. Cell division is a really important process in cellular health, and of course in cancer. When cell division goes wrong, if it happens too much, you get cancerous lesions and cancers. So the protein I’m interested in, cyclophilin A happens to be over-expressed in a lot of cancer lines. So the idea is that if we look into this protein, we might be able to use it as a therapeutic target, to treat a wide variety of cancers rather than just one.
for treatment with another, amplify some DNA using PCR to get it ready to clone it into a vector, you can then put it into a cell to see what happens. It’s most definitely not a nine to five job, more often than not I don’t leave here before six o’clock and often it can be closer to seven or eight o’clock before I leave. Sometimes people stay in all night depending on what they’re doing. What is the best thing about research? The best thing is what I mentioned earlier, that you’re on the edge of human knowledge, one day you’ll be looking at something and realise you’re the only person to know this. It’s kind of a bizarre sensation that out of all the people who’ve ever existed that you’re the only one to know. And of course, making things glow in the dark is pretty cool.
What undergraduate degree course did you do? I did a degree in genetics here in UCD.
How could your work make a difference to the world? Well I’m in the position where I’m working in cancer, and everyone knows someone who has been affected by it. Hopefully, so little is known about this protein in terms of cancer that going on into the future, we might be able to figure out exactly what role it plays in cancer, and using this we might be able to target it and use it as a treatment for cancer. Not just one cancer like breast cancer, but multiple cancers like lung, liver, brain etc.
How do you hope your PhD will affect your career prospects? Ultimately I want to become a lecturer, and when you become What made you chose to do a PhD? a lecturer you not only lecture Ultimately, I want to become a lecturer but also you run your own lab, because I quite like teaching science with your own interests. So to and getting my passion across. Much really break into this career you like a lot of people I had a fantastic What is the worst thing about really need a PhD because you secondary school teaching in biology research? need published works. Once you who imparted that passion on to me so People say that science research get published works and get your I kinda want to do the same to others. is troubleshooting. When you do doctorate (hopefully!), you need There’s the whole idea that one day something and it doesn’t work, you to do a postdoctoral research job you might be sitting there in the lab, have to figure out why it doesn’t work, for two or three years, in your own looking down a microscope or looking then you try changing something and area of interest and get some more at a graph and you get that moment it still doesn’t work. For example for papers published. During this time where you realise you’re the only my fourth year project I spent three you might do one or two lectures person in the entire world that has months doing something which all for the lecturer supervising you, so ever existed that knows this particular the textbooks describe as a week-long you get more learning and teaching piece of information, which is pretty thing and it just didn’t work. Then one experience, then you start applying awesome. day it did work, which was fantastic, for posts. During my PhD I’ve Describe your typical day of as a but those two, three months were rebeen demonstrating in labs, so I’ve PhD student. ally frustrating, because you were just been improving my teaching skills There is no real typical day, but I gendoing the same thing over and over and I’ll be presenting my work to What is the official title erally come in at around nine o’clock. again. international conferences, so my You tend to do different projects; in While reading my manual, I scratched ability to speak well will be greatly of your PhD? a year’s time I’ll be2doing something the back of my head, forgetting that improved. For me, it’s all working Each valued at €80,000 (over years). ‘The characterisation of entirely different. General stuff you’d I was holding a beaker of acid and towards lecturing, but the great be doing, with me at any rate: you set poured it down my back. It was dilute thing is that if at the end of four Dr Garret Two FitzGerald area novel offered inup the Humanities; including the inaugural cyclophilin A as your experiments, you might have acid, so I was okay, but all first year years I decide lecturing isn’t for regulator Post-Doctoral of cytokinesis.’ Fellowship to treat cells with a drugHumanities. to see what students are now warned not to be as me there are loads of doors open in the effect they have, or see if they’re ready stupid as me. for me.
NUI Awards 2012
Three NUI Post-Doctoral Fellowships
One is offered in the Sciences.
Closing date: 27 April 2012
Three NUI Post-Doctoral Fellowships
Each valued at €80,000 (over 2 years).
Tenable for up to 4 years, valued at up to €64,000. Each valued at €80,000 (over 2toyears). The Studentships are designed fund postgraduate studies at doctoral level. Twoin are offered in the and Humanities; including the inaugural Dr Garret FitzGerald Four the Humanities Social Sciences. Fellowship in the Humanities. Post-Doctoral Two in the Sciences. Closing date: 30 March 2012 One is offered in the Sciences. Closing date: 27 April 2012
NUI Awards 2012 NUI E J Phelan Fellowship in International Law NUI Awards 2012 NUI Travelling Studentships Awards 2012 Valued at €25,000 (over 18 months). ost-Doctoral Fellowships octoral Fellowships
NUI Awards 2012
Ollscoil na hÉireann / National University of Ireland 49 Cearnóg Mhuirfean, Baile Átha Cliath 2 / 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Two are offered in the Humanities; including the inaugural Dr Garret FitzGerald Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Humanities.
NUI Travelling Studentships Three NUI Post-Doctoral Fellowships
One is offered in the Sciences.
NUI Travelling Studentships
Tenable for up to 4 years, valued at up to €64,000.
The Studentships are designed to fund postgraduate studies at doctoral level.
Four in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Two in the Sciences.
NUI E J Phelan Fellowship in International Law
Valued at €25,000 (over 18 months).
This Fellowship is offered to NUI graduates at an advanced stage of their doctoral studies in any area of International Law.
Full details and application procedures for all NUI Awards and Scholarships are available at www.nui.ie/awards
NUI Awards 2012
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NUI 2012 E J Phelan Fellowship in International Law Closing date: 27 April
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Closing date: 27 April 2012
Closing date: 30 March 2012
Closing date: 30 March 2012
Valued at €25,000 (over 18 months).
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Ollscoil na hÉireann / National University of Ireland ernational Law ,000 (over 18 months). ver 18 months). 49 Cearnóg Mhuirfean, Baile Átha Cliath 2 / 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 p is offered NUI graduates at an advanced stage their doctoral studies in Facs / Fax: +353 1 439 2466 Ríomhphost / Email: awards@nui.ie ered to NUI to graduates at an advanced stage of theirofdoctoral studies in1 439 2424 Teileafón / Telephone: +353 ernational onal Law. Law. date: 30 2012 March 2012 ClosingClosing date: 30 March uates at an advanced stage of their doctoral studies in
March 2012 dcation application procedures forClosing all NUI date: Awards and Scholarships procedures for all NUI Awards and30 Scholarships www.nui.ie/awards t.nui.ie/awards s for all NUI Awards and Scholarships
14
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Observer Job Opportunities editor@universityobserver.ie
Editor
Deputy Editor
Applications are invited for the position of Editor of the University Observer for the academic year 2012/2013.
Applications are invited for the position of Deputy Editor of the University Observer for the academic year 2012/2013.
The Position:
The Position:
The Editor of the University Observer is responsible for all aspects of the newspaper. The Editor is responsible for the management of the newspaper, the publication and distribution of the newspaper, the content of the newspaper, and is responsible for the co-ordination of the newspaper’s writers. The Editor is responsible for all internal appointments (with the exception of the Deputy Editor and the Designer) within the newspaper as well as any disciplinary matters that may arise (with the exception of the Deputy Editor and the Designer). The position of Editor of the University Observer is an extremely demanding one and applicants for the position should be aware that the role involves working unsocial hours in a highly pressurised environment. The position includes working alternate weekends. The Editor is responsible for all deadlines being met by the newspaper. The University Observer is editorially independent from the Students’ Union, as enshrined in the Union constitution. The Editor has complete authority over the content of the newspaper, proviso to the standard regulations governing newspaper content (e.g. libel etc). The Editor is appointed for the full academic year, 2012/2013. The position includes working alternate weekends. Applicants should note that no formal training is offered to the successful candidate.
The Candidate:
The Deputy Editor of the University Observer, upon direction from the Editor, is responsible for all aspects of the newspaper. The Deputy Editor, subject in all matters concerning the newspaper to the direction of the Editor, shall be responsible, with the Editor, for the management of the newspaper, the publication and distribution of the newspaper, the content of the newspaper and is responsible for the co-ordination of the newspaper’s writers. The position of Deputy Editor of the University Observer is an extremely demanding one and applicants for the position should be aware that the role involves working unsocial hours in a highly pressurised environment. The position includes working alternate weekends. The Deputy Editor is responsible for all deadlines being met by the newspaper. The University Observer is editorially independent from the Students’ Union, as enshrined in the Union constitution. The Deputy Editor has authority over the content of the newspaper, subject to the standard regulations governing newspaper content (e.g. libel etc). The Deputy Editor is appointed for the full academic year, 2012/2013. Applicants should note that no formal training is offered to the successful candidate.
The Candidate:
The candidate should exhibit a serious commitment to journalism. Ideally, the candidate should have at least three years experience working for a newspaper or media organisation. It is preferable but not essential that the candidate is/was a registered student of University College Dublin. The position is a full time one and the candidate should be aware of the pressurised environment under which newspaper editors operate. The candidate must be in a position to prove to the interview panel his/her ability to meet fixed, non negotiable printing deadlines whilst working at speed and under pressure. The candidate should exhibit a clear sense of duty towards the newspaper, combined with sharp commercial acumen. A strong knowledge of social media is essential in order to manage the demands of the University Observer website.
The candidate should exhibit a serious commitment to journalism. Ideally, the candidate should have at least three years experience working for a newspaper or media organisation. It is preferable but not essential that the candidate is/was a registered student of University College Dublin. The position is a full time one and the candidate should be aware of the pressurised environment under which newspaper editors operate. The candidate must be in a position to prove to the interview panel his/her ability to meet fixed, non negotiable printing deadlines whilst working at speed and under pressure. The candidate should exhibit a clear sense of duty towards the newspaper, combined with sharp commercial acumen. A strong knowledge of social media is essential in order to manage the demands of the University Observer website.
Remuneration:
Remuneration:
Wages currently stand at €500 per issue minus taxes (twelve editions of the paper are normally published). As well as this, expenses incurred during production of the newspaper may be reclaimed. In addition, the successful candidate is currently entitled to a commission rate on all net revenue secured from advertisements placed within the newspaper. This is currently under review.
Application Procedure:
Applicants for the above position must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and a detailed proposal outlining how the candidate intends to operate and manage the University Observer. The proposal must include a comprehensive outline of strategic changes that can be made to improve the newspaper. Specific areas where the newspaper can be improved should be dealt with in some detail. The applicant should also outline his/her proposals for the day-to-day organisation and management of the newspaper.
Wages currently stand at €450 per issue minus taxes (twelve editions of the paper are normally published). As well as this, expenses incurred during production of the newspaper may be reclaimed. In addition, the successful candidate is currently entitled to a commission rate on all net revenue secured from advertisements placed within the newspaper. This is currently under review.
Application Procedure:
Applicants for the above position must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and a detailed proposal, outlining how the candidate intends to operate and manage the University Observer. The proposal must include a comprehensive outline of strategic changes that can be made to improve the newspaper. Specifics areas where the newspaper can be improved should be dealt with in some detail. The applicant should also outline his/her proposals for the day-to-day organisation and management of the newspaper.
Art & Design Director Applications are invited for the position of Art & Design Director of the University Observer for the academic year 2012/2013.
The Position:
You will be responsible for the design and layout of the newspaper, working in conjunction with the editors and contributors. The position will require work at alternate weekends, whilst working hours during the week are flexible. Although this work is highly demanding it is also highly rewarding. The successful candidate would be expected to constantly strive to improve the overall design of the newspaper. The University Observer’s design has been honoured at the Student Media Awards, winning Best Design & Layout. The Art & Design Director is not responsible for any content, but rather its presentation. The Art & Design Director is to report to the Editor and Deputy Editor.
The Candidate:
The successful applicant will have good computer skills and be proficient in Adobe InDesign as well as Adobe Photoshop. A good working knowledge of Apple Macintoshes is essential. Experience of Adobe InCopy is desirable. A personal interest in graphic design and typography would also be preferable. The successful candidate will possess the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage a large workload. You must also have the ability to meet technical guidelines from printers and have a basic knowledge of the four colour printing process.
Remuneration:
Wages currently stand at €450 per issue (twelve editions of the paper are normally published). As well as this, expenses incurred during production of the newspaper may be reclaimed. This is currently under review.
Application Procedure:
Applicants for the above position must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and be able to provide a portfolio upon request. A design proposal, outlining a design plan for the University Observer’s next volume, is desirable but not essential.
Applications should be sent to the following address: Mr Jon Hozier-Byrne, The University Observer, Student Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.
Applications should be sent to the following address: Mr Jon Hozier-Byrne, The University Observer, Student Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.
Applications should be sent to the following address: Mr Jon Hozier-Byrne, The University Observer, Student Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.
Applicants with further queries should contact Mr Jon HozierByrne, at 01 716 3120, weekdays during business hours. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, where they will be expected to answer any questions raised in relation to their proposal. Members of the interview panel will include the current Editor, two previous Editors of the newspaper, a financial representative of the Students’ Union and the Union President.
Applicants with further queries should contact Mr Jon HozierByrne, at 01 716 3120, weekdays during business hours. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, where they will be expected to answer any questions raised in relation to their proposal. Members of the interview panel will include the current Editor, two previous Editors of the newspaper, a financial representative of the Students’ Union and the Union President.
Applicants with further queries should contact Mr Jon HozierByrne, at 01 716 3120, weekdays during business hours. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, where they will be expected to answer any questions raised in relation to their proposal. Members of the interview panel will include the current Editor, two previous Editors of the newspaper, a financial representative of the Students’ Union and the Union President.
Note: • Applicants are only permitted to enter this competition individually. Joint applications will not be accepted. • Canvassing members of the interview panel will lead to an automatic disqualification. • No formal training is offered to successful candidates. Closing date for applications is 5pm, 27th April 2012.
Note: • Applicants are only permitted to enter this competition individually. Joint applications will not be accepted. • Canvassing members of the interview panel will lead to an automatic disqualification. • No formal training is offered to successful candidates. Closing date for applications is 5pm, 27th April 2012.
Note: • Applicants are only permitted to enter this competition individually. Joint applications will not be accepted. • Canvassing members of the interview panel will lead to an automatic disqualification. • No formal training is offered to successful candidates. Closing date for applications is 5pm, 27th April 2012.
15
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Observer Editorial editor @ universityobserver.ie
Quotes of the Fortnight
“However monotonous the concrete or alienating the populous, our time here is nothing short of a gift, an opportunity that we, and we alone, have the choice to capitalise on.”
N
earing, as we are, the end that he felt no warmth towards the of another academic year, campus, nor any of the reverance that it is as opportune a mo- Americans seems to feel towards their ment as ever to reflect on alma mater. One might suspect that the year past, and as such, few current students would contradict on the campus and the University of him. UCD does not seem to inspire any which we are all a small part. For many real sort of collegiate patriotism in its of us, these last few weeks represent students, certainly not with the same the very end of our time in UCD, the earnestness a red-and-blue clad Trinconclusion to a long winded love-hate ity undergraduate might have for their relationship, one that, in this Editor’s academic institution. To value, respect, case, has lasted half a decade. In a re- or even like UCD is simply not the done cent issue, we published an Opinion thing. piece in which two contributors debatPerhaps it is the campus. The Fritz ed the motion ‘Is UCD a university to Lang-esque architecture does little to be proud of?’, and we subsequently ran promote the traditional and perhaps an online poll asking our readers that somewhat fictive feel of an academy. same question. When I went to cast Perhaps it is the administration. All my vote, I hesitated. Belfield has been too frequently, particularly in this era extraordinarily good to me, and has al- of budget cuts and fiscal fastidioustered my relationships, my career, and ness, the quality of the undergraduate myself immensely for the better, but I experience has been little more than was still halted on that one small, yet an afterthought; one needn’t look furincredibly important issue: can I say I ther than the front page for such an exam proud to have come here? ample. Perhaps it is the SU. There has, Earlier this year, I had the pleasure most pointedly in years gone by, been of interviewing Roddy Doyle, himself a common perception that our Union an alumnus, who stated emphatically served as little more than an exclusive
Talleyrand
Letters to the editor
the
boys club, with little to no bearing on the lives of the average student. There is no shortage of failings for which UCD is most definitely accusable; no visual arts community or society of any kind, libraries that cannot afford to purchase new books, and perhaps most damning of all, that same culture of apathy, of begrudgery, that pervades a vast part of our academic lives. Of all the minor grievances I have had with UCD, this, for me, is the most poisonous. It extends from a distrust of anyone who puts themselves forward in any walk of society or college life, to a disdain for those who raise their hands too readily in lecture theatres. It is a culture of disquiet around anyone who strives, in which apathy is a degree of currency, and is seen as both justified and justifying in the context of our University’s shortcomings. It amounts to nothing less than a campus wide culture of failure. Whether it serves as some form of explication for the comparatively low levels of student involvement is immaterial; it only truly serves to un-
dermine the wholly good and positive work that a vast many students and staff perform here every day. On any given day in UCD, there are film screenings, sporting events, talks, mixers, concerts, debates, guest appearances, and a minimum of two plays being performed, and that is before you factor in the most active and frequent student media in the country, and the small matters of lectures. There is a small but remarkably high quality classical museum nestled in the Newman building that remains criminally overlooked. Almost every activity one might turn a hand to is open and freely available to any student with the impetus to pursue it. However monotonous the concrete or alienating the populous, our time here is nothing short of a gift, an opportunity that we, and we alone, have the choice to capitalise on. It is up to the individual to make themselves proud, not of the institution, but of what one chooses to make of the vantage point our University provides. I hesitated, but I voted yes.
Felicitations Fuckwits, Thank Talleyrand, the year is nearly over. Soon, gone will be the lakedwelling would-be Sap-bats, gone the riotous would-be farmers, and gone, thank merciful Me, gone the would-be Fine Fáil dustbin-dwellers. Gone, at last, for a few brief months at least. That is not to say your loyal correspondent is finished, not by a shot longer than the one Stephen “I give up” Darcy pours into his eyeball every morning, as he puts it, “to give him hope.” No, dear reader, Talleyrand is a like a proud lion, masterful over his domain, and those around him his dutiful lioness brood, fit for little more than buggery and being chased by wild game hunters. Top of the ‘nobody cares bulletin’ this week is Baby Lacey, or Paddy “I know, I
can’t believe it either” Guiney, who has already begun his political posturing by joining the LGBT in their Gay Pride Parade. Never before have you seen a man look so uncomfortable, with a forced grin tighter than his clenched Arts hole. As for the usual suspects, word around the horrordor is that our own SU President may claim himself competent enough to protect our assets, but is not able to protect his own bicycle. Yes, Pat “My Thumb Weally Hurts” De Brún has had his bike stolen from right under his very nose, from inside the SU corridor. Should anyone find Rachel, she is to be returned to her office immediately. As for the sluttiest lioness of them all, Brendan “Emma Fortune doesn’t look so shit now” Lacey, keen not to buck the trend, has not been up to much. Working
hard to prove that the SU decision to cut the C&C position was the correct one, Lacey has been sitting in his office (often, it should be noted, with a softer hack on his lap), making good use of your Union contribution. Keep working at this rate, and there’s a position in USI for you, although be warned, it’s not as riveting as the position you’re currently maintaining. Finally and forlornly, Sam “Nineteen minutes of names no one cares about” Geoghegan has at last gotten that big breakthrough he’s been looking for. Yes, that’s right, there will FINALLY be a Student Card printing machine in exam halls. Oh yes, the dog days are well and truly over, my friends. With as big an accomplishment as that this year, who needs a second accomplishment? Talley-ho! Talleyrand
Letters should be sent by email to letters@universityobserver.ie or by mail to The editor, The University Observer, UCD Student Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4
Clarifications & Corrections
It is the policy of the University Observer to rectify any errors as soon as they arise. Queries and clarifications can be addressed to info@universityobserver.ie.
“It’s a human rights issue” Pat de Brún on security filming on Res
“Love doesn’t have any boundaries” Jamie Black on the purpose of Rainbow Week’s mock wedding
“Nothing more than is to be expected from six to eight thousand drunken students” Stephen Darcy on security incidents at previous UCD Balls
“It’s certainly no reason to do with LGBT versus the wider student body” Brendan Lacey on why it is sometimes difficult to engage students in campaign weeks
“I’m no accountant myself”
The editor reserves the right to edit any letters. All letters are subject to editorial approval.
University Observer Volume XVIII Issue XI
Telephone: (01) 716 3119/3120 Email: info@universityobserver.ie www.universityobserver.ie The University Observer is printed at The Guardian Print Centre, Longbridge Road, Manchester M17 1SN.
Editor Jon Hozier-Byrne
Sports Editor Daniel Keenan
Chief Photographer David Nowak
Deputy Editor Kate Rothwell
Irish Editor Séamas Ó Meachair
Art and Design Director Conor O’Toole
Music Editor Cormac Duffy
Otwo Editors George Morahan Aoife Valentine
Film Editor Dermot O’Rourke
Contributors Ciara Andrews The Badger Elizabeth Beecham Kevin Beirne Stefan Bracken Dixon Coltrane Stephen Connolly Rory Crean Karl Gill Chris Green Niamh Hynes Aaron Kennedy Colm Lakes Emily Longworth Gareth Lyons Robert Mac Carthy Coire McCrystal Eimear McGovern Mystic Mittens Emily Mullen Catherine Murnane Madeleine Ní Ghallchobhair
News Editor Katie Hughes Features Editor Matt Gregg Opinion Editor Emer Sugrue Science & Health Editor Conor O’Nolan Chief Science & Health Writer Alison Lee
Fashion Editor Sophie Lioe Food & Travel Editor Elaine Lavery Chief Games Writer Steven Balbirnie Online Editor Ryan MacKenzie Copy Editors George Morahan Aoife Valentine
Elizabeth O’Malley Evan O’Quigley Jason Quigley Niall Spain Greg Talbot Talleyrand Denis Vaughan Jack Walsh Illustrator Olwen Hogan Photographers Ciara Andrews Caoimhe McDonnell Conor O’Toole Ed Scannell Special Thanks Peter, Ian, Tim, Malcolm, Ade, Jonathan, Dave, Emma, Ged, Bob, Steve at GPC Manchester Eilis O’Brien Dominic Martella Colm, Sabrina, Rory and Guy at MCD Promotions
Pat de Brún on reading information from the prepared accounts
Mary-Kate at PIAS Priscilla at Universal Giselle Jiang Dominic, Grace, Charlie, Jason, Gary, Stephen, Mark, Sandra, Paul and all the Student Centre Staff Very Special Thanks Amy Bracken, Sarah Doran, Donna Doyle, Bríd Doherty, Paul Fennessey, Bridget Fitzsimons, Danielle Moran, Joe Murphy, Dave Neary, Quinton O’Reilly, Rob Lowney, Ruth McCourt, Gary Kealy, Gav Reilly, Natalie Voorheis, the person who invented toast and all other friends and family who have supported and encouraged us during our eleventh issue.
16
The University Observer 路 27 March 2012
EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS APRIL 10th & 11th RUN FOR ELECTION IN UCD SU!
NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW
CLOSING 5PM FRIDAY 30TH MARCH! There are 7 Convenor positions to elect as well as:
- The Graduate officer. - Oifigeach na Gaeilge(Irish Language Officer). This is your chance to make a difference to your College, to your University and to shape your SU. If you are: A Leader // Driven // Organised // Interested in making a difference in your college.
THEN YOU SHOULD RUN!
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
sport
17
6 Nations 6 Lessons 6 Players
Wales aren’t all that… yet
D
espite finishing fourth, Wales won over the neutrals at last autumn’s World Cup. They were rightly seen as young, dynamic and a force for the future. Now that they have racked up a Grand Slam, many people think their time has come, but that’s a premature conclusion. Wales almost lost their opener despite Ireland’s complete underperformance, could have drawn with England if referee Steve Walsh had remembered that he was playing offside advantage to England prior to going to the TMO, and could have lost to France had Les Bleus not done everything in their power to lose. Wales have the potential to be Europe’s best team for the next few years. Players such as Warburton, North and Lydiate are immensely talented, but this year’s result must be put into the context of how it was achieved.
Scotland vs. Italy: The Wooden Spoon Cup
S
Kidney will not pick on form
K
idney is repeating the mistake of the O’Sullivan era; picking players on reputation and past relationships, not on form. Donnacha Ryan has kept Donncha O’Callaghan out of the Munster team all season, yet Kidney opted to start the latter for the entire tournament, and also ignored Ulster’s Dan Tuohy entirely. Gordon D’Arcy retained his place despite his poor form for over a year, while Keith Earls was chosen at centre despite proving time and time again that he lacks the size to play there, and is a far more valuable asset on the wing. Perhaps most damning of all was his half-back cover choices. The call-up of Tomás O’Leary ahead of Isaac Boss and Paddy Wallace as out-half cover for the cancelled French game, ahead of potential future No 10’s like Ian Madigan or Keatley, reeked of favouritism. The ethos of Eddie O’Sullivan was that it was harder to lose your place in the team than to break into it, and a similar situation seems to be developing under Kidney.
Lions 2013
T
Stuart Lancaster, English Messiah?
B
efore the tournament began, the RFU’s line was that Stuart Lancaster was being put in place until a more experienced and recognisable name could be found. That may have all changed. Under Lancaster, England demolished Ireland, disposed of France in Paris comfortably enough and could have avoided defeat against Wales had it not been for poor refereeing. It would be easy for England to get carried away with this championship and offer Lancaster the job on a full-time basis. It would not necessarily be a mistake, but it would definitely be a risk. Keep in mind that England were defending champions going in to this competition and only beat Scotland and Italy thanks to Charlie Hodgsons’ charge-downs. A lot can change in a short time in rugby, something an experienced coach like Nick Mallett can deal with better.
Club form means nothing at international level
O
ut of the eight quarter-finalists for the Heineken Cup, three are Irish, two are French, while Scotland, England and Wales all have a solitary representative. Yet, Ireland finished third behind both Wales and England. The introduction of regional teams in Welsh rugby, which reduced the amount of clubs from nine to five, is often pointed to as an explanation for why Welsh players underperform for their club when compared to the national team, as players do not feel the same pride of playing for their local club as players in other countries do. Ireland’s inconstancy at international level, despite being backed by two of Europe’s best clubs, must come down to poor management, as the national set-up in Wales and England can produce stronger national sides, despite the inadequacies of their clubs.
ince the competition expanded to include Italy in 2000, only once has the dishonour of the Wooden Spoon been the burden of a team other than Scotland or Italy. For all their possession and territory, Scotland’s inability to score tries led to their first whitewash since 2004. Italy played the typical Italian game: they were built to frustrate, but failed to dominate opponents as they would like to. The Wooden Spoon was avoided simply because of Scotland’s ineptitude, not because of Italian talent. Both teams lack the necessary star power to excel at the highest level, although the emergence of David Denton and Edoardo Gordi will give fans on either side something to look forward to in the future.
his time next year, we will have a pretty good idea of who is going to Australia for the summer with the Lions. Although history tells us that you can’t pick a team a year in advance, there are strong indicators from this year’s Six Nations on who will make the plane. The 2009 tour saw a record fourteen Irish representatives, but the number should be slightly lower next year. Warren Gatland is set to be the coach, so we can expect a strong Welsh contingent. The battles at half-back and in the back-row will be the most interesting to watch as they will be dictated by the kind of game the Lions wish to play. The talent pool from which to pull is much greater in the back-row, but the out-half position should be the most pivotal.
Rob Kearney
Dan Lydiate
Gordon D’Arcy
F
O
G
Donnacha Ryan
Owen Farrell
Richie Gray
S
wen Farrell seems set to be England’s new golden boy. At only twenty years of age, he carries the weight of expectation of not only playing the most pivotal position for one of rugby’s biggest nations, but also of his father’s past. Farrell made his competitive debut for Saracens just eleven days after his seventeenth birthday, a record at the time. Interestingly, he made his international debut just five years after his father did. In his first Six Nations, Farrell managed to score sixty-three points and start every game. Although he cannot dominate as totally as George Hook would have us believe, he is still an extremely impressive player, regardless of age. He could be England’s out-half for the next three World Cups.
or some, Kearney was Ireland’s player of the tournament. Although overall Stephen Ferris had a stronger tournament, Kearney did show signs of his old self. He is once again one of the most reliable players in world rugby under the high ball, taking ball after ball with aplomb. You have to wonder why anyone kicks to him any more. Unfortunately, Kearney’s defensive game was not as finely-tuned as his attacking game and he was at fault for many of the tries Ireland conceded. Obviously these types of defensive errors can occur occasionally, but if Kearney is to be mentioned amongst the best in the world, he must learn not to lose concentration in defence during long spells of inaction, much like a goalkeeper in football.
o Ireland’s “next big thing” at second-row is a twentyeight year-old Munster man. Many were baffled by Ryan’s exclusion from the starting team in favour of the very man he replaced at Munster. An injury for Paul O’Connell gave Ryan the opportunity he needed to shine, and although his nomination for player of the tournament showed a huge flaw in the system, he deserved his man of the match award against Scotland. Against England, he displayed a passion and tenacity that was sorely lacking in the rest of the team, as he was still hitting every tackle and every ruck as if his career depended on it.
ften the talk over the last few months about Wales’ back-row begins and ends with Sam Warburton’s sudden rise to prominence, but Toby Faleteu and Dan Lydiate are both young and extremely dynamic. Lydiate’s nickname is the “Silent Ninja”, a fitting explanation of his contribution on the field. He is only twenty-four years old, but is still the oldest member of the Welsh back-row. His announcement as Player of the Tournament was not just a victory for him, but proof that you can be a selfless team player while still being the best player on the pitch. He worked tirelessly every minute he spent in a red jersey, and did every single thing that was asked of him with the kind of maturity few players ever find.
O
ordon D’Arcy’s decline continued in this Six Nations, a point he is aware of, judging by how he was forcing plays all tournament long. D’Arcy has been an incredible servant to Irish rugby over the years, but his positive influence on games has been diminishing for two or three years, and has been accelerated over the past year in particular by O’Driscoll’s injuries. Ultimately, D’arcy’s game has been built around his quickness, and his comfort with his centre partner. Unfortunately for him, he has been without both this year. His confidence is low, which has affected his decision-making both offensively and defensively. Barring an injury crisis or a sudden and dramatic reverse of form next year, this year’s Six Nations should be his last, with talents such as McFadden, O’Malley, Cave, and Barnes looking like Ireland’s future.
R
ichie Gray looks like Scotland’s only hope for a Lions Test in Australia next summer, although he faces very stiff competition from all countries. It is absolutely astonishing that he is only twenty-two years old. Equally impressive is his size, standing at 6’10”. To his credit, however, Gray’s game is about so much more than that. He is incredibly aware for a player of his age. His combination of both mental and physical quickness, as well as his soft hands, gives him that extra dimension that separates a good player from a great player.
18
sport
Sports Digest
interview
by Ryan MacKenzie
Basketball UCD Marian lost to DCU Saints in the National League semi-final last week to end what has been a disappointing league campaign from a team that miraculously won the National Cup title last year. A final score of 82-55 is evidence of just how one-sided this game was, with big signing American Owen McNally unable to turn the tide. The Students had a poor season all round, winning only six regular season games and losing in the opening round of the National Cup, a competition they won last year against an impressive UL Eagles side that went on to win both the Cup and League titles in an outstanding year for the Munster men. Coach Fran Ryan will be hoping to improve on this disappointing season next year and bring UCD Marian back to the success they have enjoyed in the past.
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
When the game no longer matters The Badger gets Biblical on Carlos Tevez
Cross Country Running UCD Women’s team won their first National Cross Country title in twelve years after they topped a competitive group that included old rivals Trinity. Ciara Mageean, Ciara Everard, Laura Shaughnessy and Ellie Hartnett won the 5k event to end a long drought in UCD’s track success. The victory was even more pleasing given the recent removal of the UCD running track, proving that the exceptional talent in UCD can still compete at the highest level, a concern that arose after the track was closed. Meanwhile, the Men’s team finished third in the 10k discipline, with DCU taking the spoils.
Rugby UCD’s under-21 rugby team won their first JP Fanagan Trophy in six years after beating St. Mary’s at Templeville Road. Collidge won convincingly by a score line of 27-10 and a few favourable results elsewhere helped them on their way to a welcomed league title. They finished with forty-eight points for the season, two ahead of second place Old Belvedere. The result was also a remarkable milestone for coach Vinnie Hammond, who had won the title as a player back in 2006 when UCD last hoisted the trophy.
Rowing Both the Men’s and Women’s rowing teams representing UCD at this year’s colours meet eased to victory over Trinity. The Women’s team won their twentieth Corcoran Cup since the introduction of the trophy, while the men made it to number twenty-eight.
Former Ireland and Lions hooker Shane Byrne talks to Daniel Keenan about lifethreatening injuries and the Legends Charity Game
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n any sport, losing is seen as just about the worst consequence of playing the game. But in the last two weeks, perspective has been gained in the face of tragedy. AFL and GAA legend Jim Stynes passed away last week, after a long battle with cancer. Fabrice Muamba’s cardiac arrest during Bolton and Tottenham’s FA cup clash sent tremors around the world, and showed how meaningless sport is in the grand scheme of things. The match was subsequently abandoned, and for once the Premier League and the football community came together to wish Muamba a speedy recovery, with David Moyes even offering to call off the midweek tie against Bolton, to allow the Bolton players to deal with the situation sufficiently. Muamba is now recovering from the ordeal, but for any fan of football or sport in general, the event should be reluctantly remembered to put perspective on the game. In a high contact sport like rugby, injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of the game. While many professionals retire with niggling injuries or persistent pain, there are the rare few from both amateur and professional codes of the game who suffer a much worse fate. Head and spinal injuries leading to paralysis are issues for a small but significant group of players. A day before the England vs Ireland Six Nations game, the Ireland Legends lined up against the England Legends at The Stoop in London. The money from the game went towards the IRFU and RFU Charitable Trust to help seriously injured players. The game was organised four years ago by ex-Leinster, Ireland and Lions hooker, Shane Byrne and Len Dineen.
“The Legends Match is even more poignant for us because one of the guys who played for us for two years, Alex Bennett, got injured and hurt his neck in a game a couple of months back” The game precedes the annual meeting of Ireland and England in the Six Nations, with ex-Irish and English playing for the Stuart Mangan Cup. Stuart Mangan was injured whilst playing rugby, and was paralysed from the neck down; the Legends game was set up to help Stuart, who required 24hour medical care, but since his passing in 2009, the game has become a dedication to him. “The Legends match is for the injured players throughout the game. It’s even more poignant for us because one of the guys who played for us for two years, Alex Bennett, got injured and hurt his neck in a game a couple of months back,” says Byrne. “When these injuries do happen, and it’s such a tiny per cent of players, it’s good to know that these charities are in place and offer the players the best of treatment. We’ve raised a couple of hundred thousand over the last few years, and it all goes to the right place.” “The idea is that this becomes part of the Ireland v England weekend, that people come to watch the Legends game on the Friday night, and then go to the full match. That it becomes part of their routine.” Awareness of these kind of injuries is one of the goals of the charity: “All the guys of our era (part of the amateur era) would’ve been aware of the game becoming more physical and needing to
improve your physical condition to protect yourself. It’s about knowing where not to put your head at times.” Bernard Jackman has spoken out about concussions in his autobiography and how they can occasionally be passed off as a minor problem, despite the implications of not dealing with it properly: “The problem is, with rugby players, they’re extremely physical players, so unless something happens that’s going to keep them down, they’re going to want to play. That’s when you need the medical staff to step in and overrule the player,” says Byrne. The game itself took place on Friday March 16th, ending in a win for England, making it 2-2 in the overall test. The primary aim of the game is to raise money for injured players, but Byrne is keen not to play down the seriousness of the play: “It’s classic rugby, there’s huge interest in it, because basically you’re cheering for all the rugby players you’ve cheered for the last ten years. The game is taken very seriously, but it’s played in good spirit.” With former stars like Mick Galway, Eric Miller, Malcolm O’Kelly, Nick Popplewell, Justin Bishop, Kieron Dawson, Anthony Foley and Jason Robinson, it would be hard for the game to remain uncompetitive. “We’re going to have to recruit some newly retired players who still have some gas in the legs to beat England next year.”
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he Badger has been known to throw biblical references around: Jesus was this, Mary was that, you can stick your Bible such-and-such a place. While the Badger is far from religious, he does enjoy a good Biblical tale, like when King Solomon cut a baby in half or when Goliath killed David. So when the Parable of the Prodigal Son played itself out in football, the Badger was always going to sit up and take notice. Carlos Tevez made his unexpected return to the Manchester City first team this week. Upon seeing him play against Chelsea, the Badger realised how Fabrice Muamba’s heart felt, such was the shock The Badger received. The Badger was even more shocked to see him coming on ahead of Beanpole Dzeko, a man who has not lit up the world since arriving at Eastlands, but thirteen goals in fourteen starts isn’t exactly bad, and he has been loyal to the club. So why has Roberto Mancini killed a fattened calf for a man who has spent the last five months as a professional mardy bum, operating flights between Buenos Aires and Manchester whenever he feels like it? Has Mancini finally tightened his little blue and white scarf to the point where it’s cutting off oxygen to his brain? Having sat around for the last few months, Tevez now resembles a fattened calf more than a footballer; his only discernable talent is his terrier-like work rate, which he’s unlikely to exhibit for a club he shows such blatant animosity towards. The Badger has to agree with Sir Alex Ferguson, who said that Tevez’s return reeked of desperation on Man City’s part; it’s clear to both Ferguson and the Badger that Mancini is attempting to replicate the Bible, to perhaps get some good voodoo for his title challenge. Superstition is the only reason anybody would bring Carlos Tevez back into a team. Should they win the title, the Badger does look forward to seeing the open-top ark cruise around Manchester. The Badger is sick of hearing about and seeing Tevez, and not just because of that thing on his neck. The Badger has lost any respect for the man, and it is his greatest wish that Tevez just jumps on a plane and goes to Argentina, much like the Badger’s German grand-uncle did in 1945.
The University Observer · 27 March 2012
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The mighty will fall
Opinion
With a poor European performance from England’s top clubs, Colm Lakes looks at the present decline of the Premier League
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After their narrow win over Napoli, Chelsea are the only English team left in Europe this season
one are the days when the Premier League could claim to be the best league in the world, and receive very little dispute. While some pundits still claim it to be the pinnacle of club football, the evidence on the pitch suggests otherwise. The Spanish La Liga is now the envy of Europe. The two kingpins, Barcelona and Real Madrid, are far ahead of the rest of Europe in terms of quality. Italian football has gone through its period of decline and can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. Even the French league is beginning to catch up, with teams like PSG investing a fortune, but the English league has past its best days in Europe for the time being. It is hard to fathom the English decline when taking a look back to the Champions League semi-finals in 2007, where there were three English teams and one Italian team. In 2008, there were also three English teams, and an all-English final. 2009 had three English teams in the semi-finals too, but significantly Barcelona prevailed to win the final against Manchester United. This began a period of dominance over Europe for the Spanish giants, who are now the top dogs of football, nudging Sir Alex Ferguson’s men from the top. A year after this, the semi-finals were absent of any English teams, and a year after that only United got that far. This season Chelsea will need to be at the top of their game to beat a tricky Benfica side, or else it will be another year without an English influence on the semi-finals. This decline was not unpredictable. The big four have been disbanded, Liverpool dismissed to the realms of mid-table mediocrity, and with that there are less experienced teams in Europe. Arsenal are hanging onto their Champions League position with thanks to Robin van Persie. Chelsea have an aged squad. Their owner’s policy of sacking managers within a year is preventing any
“The Big Four have been disbanded, Liverpool dismissed to the realms of mid-table mediocrity, and with that there are less experienced English teams in Europe”
period of transition from occurring. It takes time for new players to gel and for young players to mature into their roles, and time is the one thing a Chelsea manager lacks. Of the other English teams in Europe this season and last, both Manchester City and Man United failed to get out of their groups. United were placed in a group which many considered to be easy. To finish behind Benfica and Basel poses a lot of questions about a team who are supposed to be one of Europe’s finest. City were unlucky to be placed in such a difficult group, but finishing third will ultimately go down as a failure. For a squad of the quality of Man City to be out of both European competitions in March can only be seen as a sign of complacency. United and City both went into their Europa League ties as strong favourites, and both were deserved losers. Wenger’s youth policy is a proven success, provided he receives patience and loyalty from his senior players, but looking back upon the last decade, it’s clear this is not the case. Picture where Arsenal could be if they had the likes of Ashley Cole, Mathieu Flamini, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas still in the squad. Wenger was forced into spending money in the summer as worries of a sub-standard squad sur-
faced in early season. However, for Arsenal to be more potent in Europe they must hold onto the likes of Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. They were beaten well by AC Milan in the first leg, a club who are supposed to have slipped behind all English teams in the European pecking order. Similarly, Chelsea scraped through against a very impressive Napoli. It looks as though Tottenham Hotspurs may be in the Champions League again next year, but should the English job come calling for Harry Redknapp, there’s a strong chance that they will be without the manager who has brought them from the relegation zone to challenging the top teams. It seems unlikely that any manager would be able to maintain their progress, especially when it appears that Redknapp is struggling to bring them any higher than they’ve already come. For the other hopefuls, Kenny Dalglish needs a summer of wise investments if Liverpool are to make a return to the Champions League anytime soon. It seems likely that these teams will all be rejuvenated in the next few years, but it seems difficult to think that anyone could reign in Europe while the current Barcelona team are together, functioning with the remarkable form they currently display.
STUDENT CAPITAL FUND Students are invited to apply now for a grant from the Student Capital Fund. The Capital Fund is a sum of money arising from surplus funds generated in the operation of a number of student facilities – particularly the student bars - and is administered by the Student Consultative Forum. Applicants are not confined to recognised clubs or societies but grants are available strictly for capital projects and not for current funding. (Applications for funding for current expenditure may be considered by the Newman Fund). Already this year, the Fund has provided support for:
Furniture for the student area in the Agriculture Building Equipment for Sports Clubs Replacement computers for student media Disability access facilities All applications or queries can be emailed to: Elizabeth.cronin@ucd.ie or sent by post to the Forum office, Student Centre, UCD, to arrive not later than Thursday, 5 April 2012, 5pm.
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The University Observer · 27 March 2012
Wins remain elusive during climactic week of hockey at UCD
Inside... We take six lessions from the 6 Nations, but no silverware
After a season of highs and lows, UCD Marian fall to the remarkable form of UL Eagles, reports Colm Lakes
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ockey has never been at the forefront of Ireland’s sporting culture, but last week the eyes of the country turned to Belfield to witness Ireland’s last gasp loss to Korea in the Men’s final of the Olympic qualifying tournament. With a rare berth on prime-time television, and a packed stadium, the game can only be a good advertisement for Irish hockey, despite the result. Coming off the back of a big win against Chile and a 12-0 demolition of Ukraine, which included a hat-trick from Timmy Cockram, Ireland faced Korea, the world’s sixth ranked team. Goals from Peter Caruth and Cockram were cancelled out by Nam Young Lee and a Hyun Woo Nam penalty. As the game seemed to be ticking towards extra time, Korea struck; with just two seconds remaining on the clock, Nam Young Lee got the vital touch to the Korean Hail Mary shot into the Irish ‘D’. Although the referee consulted the video umpire about the goal, the atmosphere of both the fans and players gave a feeling of inevitability to the goal being confirmed. Ireland’s Men’s Olympic dream had ended. The following day, it was the turn of the UCD Men to try and upset the odds in Belfield, against table-topping Glenanne. The differences between the two teams were stark; while the Students went into the game knowing that the relegation play-off game was all but an inevitability, Glenanne have been fighting off stiff competition from Pembroke and Monkstown at the top of the table. UCD shocked their visitors when Shane
page 17 On the sixth day, God created The Badger; and saw that he was all right
Photographer: Caoimhe McDonnell
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O’Donoghue made a well-timed run to knock in UCD’s first goal of the afternoon. Nick Burns made it 2-0 just before halftime, but Glenanne soon struck back. A two goal salvo from Eddie O’Malley, one from a corner, drew the sides level and it seemed as if Glenanne were starting to pull away from their less experienced opponents. In the final minute of the game, Paul Fitzpatrick latched onto the ball from a corner, sending it into the back of the UCD goal, giving Glenanne a 3-2 lead. With little time left on the clock, UCD
attempted a shot straight from the restart, which eventually resulted in a corner for the home team. Shane O’Donoghue got enough of the ball to send it into the back of the Glenanne net for 3-3, to conclude another exciting end to a game in Belfield in the space of two days. UCD made the short trip to Serpentine Avenue in Ballsbridge on Saturday to face another title chasing team, Pembroke. They will not have such pleasant memories from this encounter, going down 5-1 to a very impressive opposition side. The Glenanne game was a fitting
highlight to what was an exhilarating week of hockey in UCD. Breaking out of the bottom two is now an impossible task for UCD at this late stage of this season, with just one game remaining. Clontarf sit three points behind the Students, with six points separating UCD and Fingal, who are in eighth place. While UCD will be pleased to have taken a point from the league’s top team, a win would have been a welcome relief for them, and following the weekend’s loss to Pembroke, UCD have now failed to win in their last ten games.
page 18 Shane Byrne talks to Observer Sport about sports injuries
Students fall to third straight defeat in Dundalk Despite a late fight back, UCD AFC left Dundalk with no points on Friday night, writes Aaron Kennedy
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UCD AFC Mark McGinley, Daniel Ledwith, Ciaran Nangle, David O’Connor, James Kavanagh, Paul Corry (Hugh Douglas 84), Paul O’Conor, Barry McCabe (Mark Langtry 62), Robbie Benson (Cillian Morrison 62), Graham Rusk, Chris Mulhall
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t Patrick’s weekend proved to be a frustrating time for UCD as they lost to Bray Wanderers at the Belfield Bowl. Two second half goals from captain Danny O’Connor helped Bray to their first victory of the season in a 3-2 win over the Students. Veteran striker Jason Byrne headed Bray ahead on the half hour mark after an error by UCD defender David O’Connor. Two penalties were awarded to UCD, both for fouls by Conor Butler, and were converted by Graham Rusk either side of the half. However, this was not enough for a college win, as O’Connor’s second half double proved to be the Students’ undoing. The Belfield outfit’s poor run of form continued this week with a 2-1 loss to Dundalk at Oriel Park. The Lilywhites picked up their first win of the season in a tense encounter under the lights at Oriel Park. The home side netted their first goal of the season in the fifty-first minute when Chris Shields nodded home from a Nathan Murphy free kick. Shane O’Neill made it two for the home side, when his looping header beat Mark McGinley and doubled the Louth team’s advantage. A late penalty from UCD’s Graham Rusk, twenty-two minutes from time, was not enough to secure a point as Dundalk came out the victor.
Dundalk Peter Cherrie, Ben McLaughlin (Cian Byrne 71), Derek Foran, Liam Burns, Nathan Murphy; Paul Walsh, Chris Shields, John Mountney, Stephen McDonnell (Dan Cunningham HT); Michael Rafter, Shane O’Neill (Chris Reilly 65)
Photographer: Ed Scannell
The game was slow to start, with both sides creating few chances. The first real signs of play came in the twenty-first minute, when chances at either end came about in quick succession. Intricate passing play between Michael Rafter and O’Neill saw the ball fall at the feet of Stephen McDonnell in a promising position in the penalty area. His neat chip flew over Mark McGinley’s head, but hit the bar and was eventually cleared by a combination of Ciaran Nangle and McGinley.
UCD then pressed their opponents at the other end, almost catching the Lilywhites’ back four out. Chris Mulhall ran through on goal but had his shot saved by Peter Cherrie. Dundalk pushed for an opening goal, and McGinley reacted well to deny a powerful shot on goal from Rafter. Dundalk came sprinting out of the traps for the second half, scoring the vital first goal of the match in the fifty-first minute. Murphy whipped in a fantastic ball from a free kick and captain Chris Shields headed home confidently for his,
as well as Dundalk’s first goal of the season. Dundalk did not hesitate to punish UCD further as they went on to double their tally four minutes later. O’Neill found himself at the back post and scored with another headed goal for Dundalk to make it 2-0. The Students did not go out without a fight however. In the sixty-eighth minute, referee Phil Caschera awarded a penalty having adjudged that Nathan Murphy fouled Rusk in the box. The striker calmly stepped up and put the ball past Cherrie to set up a very interesting final
twenty minutes. Dundalk fans sat nervously on the edge of their seats as UCD continued to fight. The Students pushed for a late equaliser but failed to capitalise on their momentum, most notably a glorious headed chance for Rusk. Dundalk gave themselves a much-needed win which, in truth, they deserved on the balance of play. The Students have been in poor form since their opening day win over Cork City. They need to start picking up wins if they are to improve on last season. Currently in eighth place in the Premier Division, they play Monaghan United on Friday in the Belfield Bowl.