Volume 20 / Issue 3 ucd.ie/tribune 17th October 2006 Member of the Michael nuclear club O'Leary North Korea Analysis Page 12 Exclusive Interview Page 8 This week "Reputation damaged" & Students "disappointed" l UCD Veterinary School could miss out on US accreditation l American Veterinary Association take issue with UCD restructuring

UCD’s veterinary degree programme (MVB) is in WITH danger of not being recognised as a degree in the Ronan Dempsey United States as a direct result of changes made during the restructuring process. would like of us. But, when they came back to us MUSIC The American Veterinary Medical Association recently and said they were postponing their visit it FILM (AVMA) has raised concerns about the integrity of the was because of our organisational status.” programme as a result of structural changes. If these American Students Leave HEALTH concerns are not properly addressed the five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) - the only rec- Since the AVMA issue came to light, ten American FASHION ognised one in the country – will not be recognised in students have left UCD to attend a Veterinary College the United States, a goal the college has been work- in Glasgow that already has AVMA accreditation. One CULTURE ing towards in recent years. of these students explained that it wasn’t the decid- The AVMA – following what Dean ing factor in their leaving but that it did ARTS Boyd Jones described as a ‘very “The accreditation motivate them to seek alternatives. positive’ preliminary visit two years issue was not “The AVMA decision was a precipi- ago were set to assess the degree caused by tating event in our leaving but wasn’t this year and make a judgement restructuring.” the actual reason why we left. We left on whether to award recognition, UCD Communications Officer because we found that we could get but as a direct result of structural a better situation financially. It was a changes that have been implemented since that visit, little disappointing.” they postponed the assessment, pending clarification One sympathetic senior academic in the vet col- of the details of the new structure. lege commented on the student’s leaving and effects Students this would have – both financially and in international standing. Students in the vet college have voiced their con- “They’re all paying E26000 a year in fees I believe, cerns to the Students’ Union and the college regard- so there’s big money gone out the door with them. As ing this issue and have found school staff both helpful well as the damage that’s doing to the reputation of and supportive. the school so it’s not good at all. UK schools are won- However, as of yet - five weeks into dering what’s going on that the American the academic year - they have failed “There was students are leaving.” to secure a meeting with any of the concern about Accreditation with the AVMA would senior administrators in the university the restructuring entail a number of benefits for students to discuss their worries. process.” of the MVB programme, as well as raising One student explained her frustra- American Veterinary the international standing of the veteri- tion with the process, considering the Association nary school. amount of work that has been direct- Veterinary graduates from UCD seek- ed towards AVMA accreditation in the past few years. ing to practice in the US would no longer have to “Our whole curriculum has been restructured. join waiting lists and pay upwards of E5500 in order “We now have a lecture free final year where you to sit proficiency examinations at both national and just do rotations in the veterinary hospital and all regional level. this is just to come more in line with what the AVMA Continued on page 4 Vet Student: Hanging in there College Tribune  WHAT’S ON  news 17th October 2006 SU President October 17th “undecided” about Shell to Sea l Students commandeer Shell Headquarters l Students’ Union president calls for review of support Representatives of UCD Students’ Mark Canavan Union (SU) last week infiltrated Shell headquarters as they dis- Motion passed played their continued support for the Shell to Sea campaign, but Pres- The motion that was passed last Editor Colin Gleeson ident Dan Hayden is “undecided” September by the SU specifies that Deputy Editor Simon Ward about SU support of the campaign. it “Condemns the jailing of Willie The SU delegation of the Shell to Corduff, Micheál Ó Seighin, Brendan Design Editors Tara Phelan & Simon Ward Sea campaign stepped up their ef- Philbin, Philip and Vincent McGrath Sports Editor Ben Blake forts after a renewal of protests out- for over 100 days without charge.” Features Editor Matthew Parkinson Bennett side the Shell Corrib gas terminal site It also “condemns the operations Health & Fashion Editor Caitrina Cody at Ballinaboy in recent weeks. of the Shell - Statoil companies off The main demonstration last week the coast of County Mayo, as it has Arts Editor Barra O Fianail involved a large group of protesters, occurred without a transparent proc- Music Editor Hugh Fowler most of whom are current students ess.” It also “Calls on the Irish gov- at UCD, picketing the Shell E&P head- ernment to immediately release Contributors: Jane Horgan-Jones, Deirdre Flannery, quarters on Leeson Street. these five men who have wide public Paul O'Donnell, Susan Cahill, Harry Smyth, Deirdre Protesters are reported to have support in their campaign to protect Daly, Ian Mahon, Eoin Delap, Jack Horgan-Jones, gained access to the main thorough- their community.” Ronan Dempsey, Bryan Sweenety, Enda Duffy, Linda fare of the building and were also Hayden continued, “I would say O'Halloran, Mark Canavan, Maree Rigney, Karen Doyle, Bernadette Scott, Paul Dillon, Eoin Mac Aodha, Daniel able to climb onto the roof. that the situation has changed a little O'Neill, Conor Doyle, Fionn Dempsey, Aidan MacGuill, bit and I think if there is to be con- Barging in: Commandeering Shell headquarters John O'Flynn, Frank Clune, Owen Priestly, Morgan Undecided tinuing recognition by the SU there Sheehey, Suzy Cody, Rory O'Halloran, Cian Taaffe, would need to be another motion list of clients. concerned we’ve taken any reasona- Robert Hanly, Merran Hulse The UCD SU banner was present proposed.” However, in relation to these al- ble steps over the last four months.” at the protest but the extent of their legations, a Shell spokesperson said However, Scully insisted that the Special Thanks To: Gary, Stephen & Billy @ involvement is unclear. While it was Independence “the government and an advisory group’s immediate aims were, “to Spectator Newspapers, Eilis O'Brien, acknowledged by SU President Dan committee in the department, were stop the refinery being built where it Dominic Martella, Alan God. Hayden that individual members of When asked if Shell’s adherence aware of that [Shell’s place on the is and to be built off shore. We don’t the Executive Council were involved to the recommendations set out in list] at the time and they took that what to be seen any untreated gas Contact Us: in the protest, and continue to be in- the Advantica and Peter Cassells’ into consideration.” being pumped through residential volved in the Shell to Sea campaign, Independent Review report, Hayden “There would be no engineering areas.” E: [email protected] he stressed that there involvement replied “We called for it and as far as company in the country who wouldn’t Regarding the picketing of individ- T: 01-7168501, was largely on a personal capacity. I’m concerned that is fulfilling it.” have, at some time or another, done ual petrol stations recently, the Shell LG 18, Newman Building Hayden denied that Shell to Sea However, members of Shell to work for Shell because, of course we spokesperson said, “I mean they got Box 74, Student Centre, Belfield, D4. could be seen as an umbrella UCD Sea have questioned the independ- operate in a hundred and forty five their facts wrong there, Shell don t SU are under. He added, “There cer- ence of the Report. In particular, countries across the world in a whole actually own those petrol stations tainly is some of our executive coun- prominent Shell to Sea activist and range of businesses”. that were sold last year. cil who are very well content to be former SU President, Fergal Scully “They’ve nothing to do with shell but I don’t think the SU has a strong said “I don t think the report by Peter Legitimate worries anymore. In fact most of those petrol enough mandate. I’m not saying we Cassell was very independent at all. stations are owned by individual en- don’t support it, we just haven’t de- The report was commissioned by the When asked if Shell felt that the trepreneurs.” cided yet.” government and obviously they have protestors had any legitimate con- Scully replied to these claims, Hayden acknowledged that the a vested interest in seeing that this cerns, the spokesperson replied, “The “This is classic marketing. They have Triboku SU have approved a motion to sup- goes ahead.” issues originally weren’t anything to owned those garages and while they port the Shell to Sea campaign. He The Shell to Sea group officially has do with the terminal, they were to do continue to use those brand names MEDIUM stated, “It is quite a specific mandate concerns over the report’s independ- with the safety of the onshore pipe- associated with Shell we will use actually, it is not unqualified or time- ence. These concerns relate primarily line. We’ve since said we will move that publicity that those brand names less support.” to Shell’s positioning on Advantica’s the pipeline route, so as far as we re garner.” Students still clueless l Early Irish students still don’t know what their degrees will be in l Students’ Union on the case

Nienke van Etten whose Early Irish course was dropped this year, still has no clue what Maree Rigney her degree will be in, it has emerged. week. I have been in contact with the Irish At the beginning of September, it Department over the last three days and emerged that Early Irish was to be dropped have been told that there will be a meeting by the college. Five weeks on, nothing has within the school next week to discuss the DIFFICULT been done to accommodate the 3rd year stu- issue.” dents who have been studying this subject Doyle went on to explain the situation, for the past two years. “Basically the first day back at college this A fortnight ago, Van Etten, a Dutch stu- year, major and minor students in Early Irish dent who came to UCD in order to study the got an email stating that the school were course, stated, “I came to UCD to do Early dropping Early Irish as a degree due to the Irish. And now I don’t even know what my huge decrease in people studying the sub- degree will be in.” Van Etten is still unaware ject. Therefore, only three modules in Irish In the dark: Ninka van Etten as to whether her degree will be a Bachelor of would be taking place. to a modularised system - which he told he Arts or a Bachelor of Celtic Studies. “This led to students doing the subject as never agreed to take, “now I can only take She explains, “Nothing has been done a minor being affected as they had no choice three modules in Early and Medieval Irish since. I don’t know what the story is. All I but to study the three modules offered, when six is the required amount.” know is that the Students Union and Educa- where usually they would have a choice of Van Etten was also sympathetic towards tion Vice-President Brian Doyle is looking six. One student was seriously affected course lecturer, Gerald Manning, who was into it.” as they planned to study Early Irish as a released by the college earlier this year. Brian Doyle, who is currently in discus- major.” Brian Doyle agreed that this decision has sions with the college regarding the case, This student, Ian Lynch, two weeks ago seriously affected many 3rd year students, told the College Tribune, “ The Students Un- told the College Tribune that he had taken “At the very least these students should be ion were only contacted about this issue by Early Irish as a full course since first year. given answers to why their course has been students studying Early Irish within the last But that he has now been forced to adapt dropped.” College Tribune 17th October 2006 NeWS 3 Mystery solved l Societies Officer cancels Mystery Tour l B&L & Qsoc left in ruins

Students and event orgainisers were left up the creek last week as Societies’ Officer Richard But- Linda O'Halloran ler cancelled the Mystery Tour. The Business and Legal Society spearheaded the society last year,” claimed Qsoc Public Relations event with Qsoc, but it was officially cancelled last Officer Eoghan O’Duinn. “He changed his mind a Wednesday 11th October when Butler refused to sign week before Freshers week and now we’re on pro- his name to the final ‘go-ahead’, less than 24 hours bation for a year. before the event was due to kick off. “We’re therefore without sponsorship for the Speaking to the College Tribune, Butler declared, moment. QSoc aren’t in a position to absorb the “The Mystery Tour was cancelled due to concerns cost. I might have to take the fall for this out of over the safety and event management structure for my own pocket.” the event. The extent of the financial damage is as yet “On appeal by one of the societies concerned, and unknown. “The damage investigation will com- following a long meeting with them, the organisers mence on Monday, October 16,” said Sugrue. were then given an extension of time of a fur- “The costs have to ther 24 hours to be split 50/50 allow them make between the two final efforts to societies, and no resolve the out- small cost that standing issues, is. Over 8000 however given the texts were sent time constraints out in an effort to caused by their inform patrons of late submission the cancellation, this proved im- 3000 to all Qsoc possible.” members and The Event Man- 5000 to both agement Report this year’s and was submitted least year’s B&L before lunchtime members. The tour that never was: The promised mystery tour as advertised on Tuesday the 10th of October, Cost only two days before the event. T h e This did not allow cancella- much time to rec- tion was tify problems that particularly dis- may have arisen. appointing to The reports for the B&L and the previous two QSoc organis- tours were sub- ers alike, due mitted closer to a to the mas- week prior to the sive amount event. However, ac- of planning cording to B&L So- and cost in- ciety auditor Stephen volved. “It costs in the region Quinlivan, the format of this event was like those in of €30,000 to organise an event of this scale”, the past and to this regard the timing should not according to B&L treasurer Brian Sugrue. have been such a problem. And, according to O’Duinn, it was “the guts of 1,000 hours work.” The organisers have been Late planning since last June and the event had met all the criteria set out by past Mystery Tours, The reason this report was submitted later than according to Quinlivan. others was due to the problems they were encoun- The 40-page Event Management Report tering with buses, problems Quinlivan claims Butler detailed the insurance cover of every par- was aware of. “We have been communicating with ticipating venue and organisation associate, him since the summer and we’ve been in to him a the combined cover of which came to over lot over the last few weeks.” €43,000,000. Butler, on the other hand, claims that the organ- Butler admitted that the plan was more isers had “numerous requests for information and impressive than those that preceded it, ac- warnings about the requirement to submit these cording to Mr. Quinlivan. All 1,000 tickets were details well in advance, which were first pointed out sold, 20 buses, laboriously sought from all to organisers in June or July.” over the country, had been booked, and three He understood that there were “some booking dif- stops around Ireland had been planned. ficulties encountered by the organisers, nonetheless a final plan for the event was submitted unaccept- ably and inexcusably late.” Basic minimum standards Security clause in an effort to rectify this concern and “cov- However, Butler confessed his dissatisfaction Having negotiated the first two problems, B&L er all eventualities.” in spite of the ‘better plan’. “While the organisers and Q soc were told after close of business last The only main difference with this, the 3d Mys- Reputation have indicated that they felt they were meeting Tuesday, that for the event to be allowed to tery Tour, apart from the bus company and the “I understand that he had a job to do”, admitted the minimum standards required for a safe event, proceed, four security guards would have to be events manager, according to Quinlivan is the in- Quinlivan. “But Richard Butler is faceless as far as it would in fact be correct to say that they were hired. crease in planned attendance. the regular UCD student is concerned. It’s very easy falling far short of these basic minimum stand- It was stipulated that these had to be from the to look at a report in his position and dismiss it.” ards.” Butler failed to respond to queries from the ISS, the security company that staffs UCD’s securi- Taking the fall Quinlivan was particularly mournful of their repu- College Tribune as to what exactly these stand- ty personnel. Given the short notice the company “We’re hoping that some of the costs, particu- tation. “It’s really damaging to our reputation. Our big ards were. were unable to facilitate the tour and the tour was larly those relating to the student bar, will be ab- thing was that we wanted to do something differ- According to Mr. Quinlivan, Mr. Butler did not sign officially cancelled at 4.30pm on Wednesday. sorbed by UCD”, said Quinlivan. “We had sold all ent and distinguish ourselves from other societies. off on the event because he was unhappy with Four security guards may have been the stated the tickets by Tuesday. We were either going to Anyone can put on an event in a nightclub. You just three things. The first was the change of events reason, but Mr. Quinlivan believes, “He had been break even or profit. I don’t think we should have throw up a few posters and sell the tickets. This took manager, as the person with whom they dealt sceptical of the management of the event in that to take the fall financially when it was UCD that so much more work. To be told to cancel last minute previously was otherwise engaged. To rectify this there was no older authority figures that stood pulled the event. was absolutely devastating.” problem a different events manager was hired out.” “I think we’re just going to have to take the fi- at the last moment, which Quinlivan felt cleared 40 stewards had been appointed from the nancial hit in the future with the busses and more them on this front. B&L and Q Soc committees, two per bus, as had security”, said Mr. Quinlivan. “We’ve learned a lot of Qsoc in danger of extermination Secondly, the bus company that had been used been the arrangement in the past. However, be- lessons.” The societies plan to do it all over again Not only have reputations been tarnished, but Q in the past upped its price substantially and there- cause the management was younger this year it next February when the event manager that ran Soc particularly face potential extinction after this fore was not used. This too made the event prob- seems, Butler felt it was too student-run. There- the previous tours is available, and with the bus event. “Richard Butler banned our 3,000 strong lematic according to Butler. fore, Quinlivan believes he added the extra security company of UCD’s choosing. College Tribune  news 17th October 2006 UCD vets likely to miss out on US accreditation Accreditation Ronan Dempsey Future Reviews The AVMA states that a college may A further potential concern of the stu- only be accredited when it is “a ma- hospital must also be a veterinarian.” dents lies with the fact that the vet col- jor academic administrative division of The new structure, however, sees non- lege - which currently enjoys recognition the parent institution and is afforded veterinarians take chief administrative of the MVB programme in Ireland with the same recognition, status, and au- positions over both the vet college and the IVA, in Europe with the EAEVE and tonomy as other professional colleges the hospital. Although the faculty is still in Australasia with the AVBC – will face in that institution.” The AVMA also re- headed by Dean Jones, who holds vet- similar problems with those accrediting quires that accredited colleges have erinarian qualifications, he is ultimately bodies when they return to UCD to renew control of their own budget. answerable to a non-veterinarian ad- their decision in years to come. Last year, the previously independent ministrator who presides over the entire This worry arises from the fact that School of Veterinary Medicine was incor- School. the AVMA – who were previously positive porated under a new organisational struc- about the vet college during their prelimi- ture: the School of Agricultural, Food Sci- The School Reacts nary visit two years ago - is the first body ence and Veterinary Medicine. The Head Having held meetings with the stu- Vet Hospital: Scene of the alleged crime to perform an assessment under the new of School, Maurice Boland is a Professor dents to re-assure them; Dean Jones vis- system. The university communications of Animal Husbandry, an agricultural qual- ited the Council of Education (COE) of the Dr. Don Simmons, a senior member time hasn’t been requested at this point. officer - when asked if the university ification. AVMA three weeks ago to ‘clarify’ the new of staff at the AVMA commented on the It was requested earlier and because of felt that more problems could arise with The other professional faculties in structure with Professor Boland and the visit paid by UCD two weeks ago. the concern we didn’t go but if that con- other accreditation bodies - responded UCD retained their singular status, which Registrar Philip Nolan. Since that meet- “A delegation came and they made cern has been relieved at this point then decisively; “No.” means that the veterinary college – in a ing the AVMA have agreed to perform an a presentation to the accrediting body they’ll make a request for that.” Dean Jones was also confident that school with two non-professional colleges on site assessment at some time in the which is the council on education and When questioned whether the issues this prospect was not a likely one. “I think - is no longer of an equal standing with future. I guess verbally we understood what the AVMA had with the governance of the EAEVE is seven years away, I don’t think them. This also raises doubts about their Dean Jones was positive discussing the they’re doing but a letter was sent to college have been indefinitely resolved at it’s going to be an issue.” financial independence from the other situation. “I think the issue is largely dis- them as to what the expectation was. the meeting and so will present no fur- As it stands, the AVMA will be making two colleges included in the school. solved and I think it would be a shame to I’m assuming they’re going to move for- ther problems to the evaluation of the de- a visit ‘probably in the new year’ to review The policy also stipulates, “The chief rekindle it because everything is on. The ward.” gree, Dean Jones simply responded, “We the vet college and make a judgement of executive officer or dean must be a veter- bottom line is they postponed subject to “What happens in the accreditation clarified the points that they wanted clari- whether or not to recognise UCD’s MVB inarian, and the officer(s) responsible for clarification. We made the clarification, process is it’s totally voluntary and so fied, the accreditation visit still comes. If in the US. In the meantime, the students the professional, ethical, and academic the visit is back on and now of course we we respond when an institution says ‘ok we hadn’t satisfied them and clarified the are still seeking consultation with senior affairs of the veterinary medical teaching have to meet the criteria.” we’re ready for you to come now’ and that position they wouldn’t come.” administrators regarding their concerns. ‘People working in the Veterinary School and hospital just don’t feel appreciated’ The problems the vet college is currently experi- encing with the American Veterinary Association Ronan Dempsey speaks to students and academics regarding the problems (IVMA) adds to a long list of university-wide issues raised by the comprehensive overhaul of UCD dur- in the vet college and argues that there is serious need for change ing the last year and a half. Unfortunately for the vet college, which practices able to have their say, we don’t have that anymore, an educational system unique to its subject matter, so now there’s no real forums for people to hear the problems are many. our views.” In issue four of last year, the College Tribune ran Top down administrative structures can cause an article detailing the many problems experienced problems on either end of the scale though, as by the veterinary college which arose from structural seems to be the case with UCD’s communications changes. Central in this article was the issue of re- office this week and what seems to be a miscon- search-intensive evaluation. ception regarding the cause of the problems with The ethos imposed on every faculty in the univer- the AVMA. sity since ‘rebranding’ strongly correlates the value Requested to comment on the dealings with the of academic staff with the amount of research they AVMA over the past few weeks, the communications perform. Aside from obvious problems with prioritis- office stated unequivocally: “The accreditation issue ing quantity over quality and research over educa- was not caused by restructuring.” tion - there are more subject sensitive issues to be However, the AVMA were in a position to confirm considered here. last week that issues with restructuring were ‘cer- The veterinary college is required to maintain a The Vet College: Staff and students need change tainly part of the discussion’ and went as far as to hospital in order to fully provide for student’s edu- say that “there was concern about the restructuring cation. This means that employees solely concerned recognition in the new regime.” undergraduate student. There’s less hands-on work process.” with the running of the hospital and clinical staff who Academics, staff and students alike feel that their for them: a very important part of veterinary medi- are required to lecture, perform labs and routine hos- concerns have not been dealt with and issues have cine and the students are not getting the hands-on Deteriorating pital duties are put under immense pressure to do not been resolved. One concerned student explained, training that they should be getting because of the The sympathetic senior academic, questioned research in order to be recognised. “The way promotion was working and is working staff numbers. about possible action that disgruntled students and Unfortunately, one year on, academics, staff and at the minute in the vet college is on the amount “Basically as I see it, under the new regime; re- staff could take to deal with their problems respond- students alike still feel that their concerns have not of research you’re doing but most of our clinicians, search comes before the undergraduate students. ed simply: “I don’t think there’s anything we can do been dealt with and the issues have not been re- surgeons and just regular vets down in the hospital; Now I think that, within a university, within a vet- about it, I’m not sure where it’s going to go in terms solved. that’s their job. erinary school like this one here, there aren’t enough of what can be done about it. A senior academic; one of many sympathetic to “That’s a full time job and they teach us. They come staff around. The staff numbers I would think are “All the things that came up last year are basically the concerns of the students explained the issues up and they give lectures as well as physically teach- much lower than other veterinary schools so if re- still going on and probably have deteriorated since, raised by an impetus on research in a comparatively ing students, mainly final years, in the hospital.” search comes before the undergraduates then I think got worse since then I would think. The thing about small vet college. that the undergraduates have suffered.” the American students leaving, they’re voting with Surgeons lost This academic explained that the new organisa- their feet and with their chequebooks. There are a Unappreciated “We’ve lost an awful lot of surgeons that we tional structure in the university contributed to the number of them gone and there might be more. “It’s basically that veterinary people working in brought with us from Ballsbridge that were just top fact that these issues have not yet been resolved. Requested to comment on progress made since clinical areas in the veterinary school don’t feel ap- class, because the money they were being offered “[The Hospital has] run out of the veterinary budg- last year in dealing with the problems raised in the preciated, people doing hospital work don’t feel ap- now was just abysmal. An awful lot of the surgeons et. I don’t know what it’s costing anymore because Veterinary College by the impetus on research, the preciated. There was a recent round of promotions in that have left are now earning phenomenal money. we don’t see figures anymore. When we were a sepa- Head spokesperson for the School of Agricultural the university and none of the people working in the It can’t just be based on the fact that they haven’t rate faculty of veterinary medicine we used to see Food Science and Veterinary Medicine stated, “The hospital areas got promotions. published a paper all year long.” figures, now we don’t see figures at all. School has pursued an active research programme “That’s in line with the research ethos that people The senior academic continued, “We’ve lost about over the past year and has been very successful in who are getting promotions are people who are in- a dozen people or so from the clinical area. It’s not Top-down administration attracting research funding across a wide range of volved in research. The people that are keeping the just the situation here of course but that has helped “It’s very top down to be honest it’s kind of a disciplines indicating the strong interdisciplinary re- hospital on the road and getting involved and are them. You choose your time. It’s not the only issue top-down administration which isn’t the way to go search programme. committed to helping the students and training the that they have but it’s certainly a major factor in their forward. I don’t think the staff know [who to go to] “As a result of the increased research funds there students to be able to do the job they’d have to do leaving, it would have encouraged them to leave. either. There used to be faculty meetings and there’d will be an increase in the numbers of postgraduate when they go into practice, they’re not getting any “The main thing is it has an adverse effect on the be a lot of things thrashed out and staff used to be students and postdoctoral fellows in the School.” College Tribune 17th October 2006 news  ‘Evening students are getting a raw deal’ l Evening students dropping out after being ‘sold short’ l Lack of communication highlighted as a major issue The College Tribune has learned that a Bernadette Scott significant number of evening students in this college feel they have been is- how much the college values evening sued “a raw deal” by the college. students other than for their cheque Denis Ryan, the representative for books. We are basically funding the col- evening students in UCD, stated, “There lege and the standard of care that we is a general feeling that we don’t be- receive for the fees we pay needs to be long. We are being treated like second- reconsidered.” class citizens and we have gotten a raw Ryan confirmed that communication is deal.” a major problem. “A number of evening Students’ Union Welfare officer Barry students didn’t know they were due to Colfer agrees with Ryan’s sentiments, return back to college on the 11th Sep- stating; “the needs of Evening students tember. They had not received a letter of aren’t nearly being met.” notification. Unless by chance they had Ruth Thornton, an evening student come across the information, they were who agreed to speak to the College Trib- left in the dark, resulting in some stu- une, pointed out, “by virtue of the fact dents missing the beginning of semes- that you are coming in the evening time ter. Communication is a major problem.” means you’re either working or have a family and therefore find it difficult to get to college during the day to access Dropped Out all the facilities. Some students have not yet managed “It is very difficult if you want to ac- to collect their student cards due to ad- cess things, like if you want to pay fees, ministration hours not suiting them. “If or collect your student card or if you we don’t have our student card by the want to enroll when the relevant build- end of September, we of course can’t ings are closed in the evening time.” access the library.” Colfer has said that Another student, Cormac Doyle, de- the college “obviously can’t be a 24-hour clared, “there is the feeling that we’re administrative place but there is a gen- Discontent: Evening Students eagerly await a class to begin not getting the same service. There is eral sense they’re not being served.” discontent there.” Another student, Cathy Whelan, wasn’t. The facilities are purely and sim- manager” Liam Fitzgerald declared. recalled how “one guy in particular ply for day students.” Socialising Other students highlighted a “lack of dropped out. It all got too much for It has also been highlighted that not Ryan has commented that socialis- moral support” as a key issue. Communication him.” The student in question went from all of these students are computer ing is yet another factor on the agen- Some students have enrolled in a On average, evening students are studying in UCD four nights a week to literate. This proves to be yet another da. Speaking of societies he states, course simply for “intrinsic satisfac- paying triple the fees paid by daytime dropping half of his subjects, and due to struggle for such students as they gen- “we didn’t get targeted to join. Stu- tion.” But as Mary Kelly has illustrated, students at approximately E3100 annu- overwhelming pressure, “backed out of erally missed the office hours of their dents didn’t feel encouraged to join.” A “there are a hell of a lot of people ally. Colfer believes, “students who are the exams.” school’s staff. large number of these students share here doing it for the sake of a career. most deserving of free fees are paying Speaking of the induction she at- They are left clueless when it comes this opinion but have said in addition, They’re paying a huge amount of mon- the most.” tended in first year student Mary Kelly to course information as a result of no “times scheduled for meetings of so- ey; they’re coming at times that are ex- Evening student Maeve Burke was described how undergraduates were in- contact with lecturers and not know- cieties clash with our timetables any- tremely awkward and they get no help also critical of the lack of communica- formed of the “study courses they were ing how to access elearning facilities way.” from the college.” tion with evening students to this re- going to run and all the facilities that such as blackboard. Students told the These students who spoke about Responding to queries from the Col- gard. “Fees went up this year and no- would be available. There were a few College Tribune, “We haven’t had proper the issues affecting them all highlight- lege Tribune to this regard, the college body told us they were going up. They of us there that were starting the night access to computer the programs. We ed the difficulty they face hurrying to stated, “The services to evening stu- jumped significantly.” courses and we all looked at each other want to be able to use them but we college after work. “Its hectic, you re- dents here are in general more exten- Another student stated, “its not clear and said, ‘he’s not talking to us’ and he cant.” ally do have to become a better time sive than elsewhere.” UCD falls short l UCD fail to make top 200 universities l Trinity College ranked 78th

In spite of President Hugh Brady’s international in numbers and our radical restructuring of UCD, the Karen Doyle reach. college has failed to feature in the “Although UCD is not listed in top 200 universities in the world. However, it is important to note the top 200, we have confidence The Times Higher Education that the Sunday Times exclude that in time, we will. We have Supplement League Tables have Trinity College from their rankings, already congratulated Trinity on ranked Trinity College (78th place) as they concede that otherwise, its achievement, as it is important as the only Irish university in the Trinity would take the award every that Ireland becomes recognised as top 200. year. a place of learning. Harvard was once again voted Students’ Union Education “UCD moved up in the rankings the world’s number one university, officer Brian Doyle remarked that in the other international rankings followed by Cambridge and Oxford due to the recent restructuring of study published by Shanghai Jiao University in Britain respectively. the college and regeneration that Tong University in August and we Brady has made no secret of his is visible, he believes that UCD is look forward to doing the same desire to break into the top 30 uni- “creeping up the scale”. in the Times Higher table in the versities in Europe during his time Speaking to the College Tribune, future.” in office, and the latest tables have a spokesperson for UCD stated, “It A total of 3703 academics from come as a major blow to this goal, is important to generate aware- around the world were surveyed on as UCD must now wait another ness of the work of our research- their disciplines and these views year to move up the table. ers and academics among peers in account for 40% of the score. Having recently been voted The the increasingly global university In addition, 736 international Sunday Times University of the environment. employers were surveyed and their Year 2006, and with a ten percent “Among the strategic objec- views count for 10%. The other increase in student applications to tives of UCD is internationalisa- half is made up of staff : student the college this year, many have tion, and although our motivation ratio (20%), citations of major speculated that UCD may be mov- is not driven by ranking lists, we papers (20%), international staff Trinity College: Ireland's top ranked university ing in thee right direction. will move up as we become more (5%) and international students OPINION Shell to sea campaign deserves an honest hearing Paul Dillon argues that the Shell to Sea campaign deserves objective media coverage

There is a widespread assumption that the media covers issues in an impartial and neutral manner. The big media players assure of this much. On the basis of this commonly held assumption, much of what appears in the media is accepted at face value. The coverage of the events unfolding at the present time in Ballinaboy in co mayo might cause those who hold this assumption to re-consider. The Gardai have been forcing through workers to begin work on Shell's inland refinery so feared and despised by local people. The media coverage, with some noticeable exceptions, has neither been fair or neutral. Some of it has deliberately tried to damage the cam- paign that been fought by local people. Take an article written by crime correspondent Paul Williams in the Sunday World of 15th of October last. The campaign was smeared with accusations of violence and intimidation. The article implied there was something sinister at the heart of the Shell to Sea campaign. In happier times: Kim Jung II and US envoy Madeleine Albright in 2000 Williams did not trouble to speak to anyone who might be able to refute his accusations. There was no report of the unusual circumstances in which Shell was warded its exploration rights. No mention of the compulsory purchasing orders the government has granted to shell, the first ever warded to a private corporation. No Gama, who applied some of A nuclear axis the most ruthless means of exploiting workers yet uncovered in Ireland, was In light of North Korea’s recent testing of a nuclear allowed get away scot-free. No bomb Eoin Mac Aodha assesses the implications one charged, no one fined. No Gardai investigation of any kind. of an axis of evil with nuclear capabilities mention either of the massive tax exemptions that shell has ben- Nuclear bombs are scary bastards. Korean troops acts a buffer between the two seen on the ‘Arab street’ as too secular and efited from with regard to the corrib gas field. It’s no wonder therefore that George Bush losers of the Korean War. too in thrall to America. This pattern has repeated itself all over the print media. The and co. are worried by North Korea’s recent Having aided the separation of the coun- Despite being a predominantly Shiite Irish Independent of 10 October for example, covered the sit down testing of a nuclear weapon. Ally this with try in the 1950’s America retains a military country, up to 90% of Muslims are Sunni, the protest that took place in Ballinaboy the previous day. There were Iran’s claims that they now have similar ca- force to ensure that it continues. Include US recent ‘victory’ of Hezbollah, a Shiite organi- quotes from Guards and Shell spokespeople but no coverage of the pabilities and you get a scared American For- installations in Taiwan and North Korea is sation, has shown that Islamic divisions don’t message the protestors are trying to get out. eign policy elite. pretty much penned in. matter when the opposition is the West. At Both the Sunday World and the Irish independent have printed In fact you get a scared Western elite. Their decision to build a nuclear bomb the moment Iran is a source of pride for Mus- full page ads from Shell in recent weeks. Tony O'Reillys' Independ- Both North Korea and Iran are members germinates from this isolation, its condem- lims who feel that the West is an oppressive ent News and Media own both of these publications. O'Reilly has of George W’s much-vaunted axis of evil. nation by Bush and the insipid megalomania force anathema to their religion. economic interests in every sector of the Irish economy including The other ‘member’, Iraq, has most certainly of its leader Kim Jong il. The problem remains that there are a the energy sector. come to regret never obtaining the deterrent In terms of Iran, whole newspapers could number of variable and scary possibilities in The protests in Ballinaboy have also called into question the way power of a nuclear weapon. be given to their rationale behind building a this new nuclear hierarchy. the Guards work. It seems that in Ireland, laws are only made for The denouement of this is uncertain and bomb but here are a few. One is that Kim Yong il might just be crazy little people. Contrast the treatment of the Multinational Gama and its’ pretty difficult to ascertain the interna- enough to launch a nuke at America. The the people of Rossport. tional implications but it certainly changes other in terms of North Korea is that any Gama, who applied some of the most ruthless means of exploit- the way international relations is conduct- The crux is that possibility of US intervention significantly ing workers yet uncovered in Ireland, was allowed get away scot- ed. countries that recedes. It is desperately unlikely that a US free. No one charged, no one fined. No Gardai investigation of any The ‘War on Terror’ has dominated head- president, even a Republican, would sanc- kind. Meanwhile the Balinaboy protestors face a massive deploy- lines when it comes to international rela- America has publicly tion any action on purely anti-communist ment of Gardai, up to 200 every morning, to protect a multinational tions. Most international events are tinged condemned and ideological grounds. corporation whose plans for an inland refinery are unprecedented. with its legacy and viewed through its With respect to Iran the matter is far This sort of deployment comes at a huge financial cost. prism. publicly refused to more complex. If Iran is to continue and ac- There is a concerted effort now to portray the Shell to sea These developments, thankfully, cannot. rule out attacking tually manufacture a bomb before an Israeli campaign as something that does not enjoy broad support outside They are independent and while reactionary pre-emptive strike then the geo-politics in a small number of people in Rossport. This line has been repeated and scare mongering elements will forward now have nuclear the Middle East will be radically different. consistently in the media and a survey commissioned by Shell is its the argument that the threat of a terrorist capability. It is unlikely that the political make-up source. organisation attaining nuclear capability is will change in coming years. Iranian presi- Another poll carried out by TG 4, showed clear majority in sup- now increased that is not the central issue. - that's a pretty dent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has nailed his port of the demands of the Shell to sea campaign. Six out of ten The crux is that countries that America scary thought. colours to the nuclear mast and his cred- people in Mayo want the Corrib Gas terminal located offshore at sea. has publicly condemned and publicly refused ibility depends on his ability to see this Two thirds of those surveyed supported the stance taken by the to rule out attacking now have nuclear ca- Firstly, Iranians as the successors to the through. five men from Rossport in their defiance of a court order in relation pability. Persian Empire are a proud people. They ob- Iran is in the driving seat. America has to the Corrib Gas pipeline. That’s a pretty scary thought. viously don’t ascribe to notions of Western enough on its hands in Iraq to convince it The massive solidarity campaign, which was responsible for the And while there is a temptation to view dominance and feel that a nuclear threat that intervention in Iran would not be a good public pressure that eventually secured the release of the Rossport these developments somewhat concurrently would force the West to take it seriously. idea. The only other option is the already five, a little over a year ago, is now falling back into place. UCD Stu- it is perhaps most instructive to view them It will. mentioned pre-emptive Israeli strike, some- dent Union council last year lent its support to the campaign and separately. Secondly, the Iranian regime is not demo- thing that could not be considered beneficial UCD students have organised several pickets of the Shell stations North Korea is a bit of an anomaly in inter- cratic. It is a theocracy based on a strict and for regional stability. in Donnybrook, the next of which takes place on Wednesday the national relations. During the Cold War the restrictive interpretation of Islam. Regimes Thus, the likelihood is that North Korea 17th of October. US always had bigger fish to fry and since like this need unifying forces. Nuclear capa- and Iran will join the nuclear club, whether The least the Shell to sea campaign deserves is an honest hear- the fall of the Berlin Wall fighting commu- bility thus becomes a symbol of Iranian will or not they are entitled to, is a separate ar- ing. So far, at least, the mainstream media has not provided it with nism just isn’t sexy anymore. and power over Western oppression. gument. one. Therefore North Korea has been allowed Finally, the Middle East is in need of a Eoin Mac Aodha holds an MA in Paul Dillon is a former President of the Students' Union to remain in splendid isolation. A significant leader. Iraq obviously can’t apply for this po- International Relations and is a military barrier co-staffed by US and South sition and the other viable option, Egypt, is former editor of the College Tribune College Tribune 17th October 2006 COMMeNT 7 LETTERS

Box 74, Student Centre & LG 18, Newman Building, Dublin 4 Telephone: 01 - 7168501 E-mail: [email protected] The College Tribune reserves the right to edit all letters. The views expressed on this page are the views of the letter writers and do not reflect the views of the College Tribune. Republicans A chara,

This year has seen various celebrations of the ninetieth anniversary of the Easter rising, yet the realisa- Editorial tion of an all-Ireland parliament or a socialist programme of government appear further away than ever.

A number of republicans and socialists in UCD have expressed an interest in setting up a society that would serve as a forum for debate and a platform to get across the republican message to the wider public. University College Dublin has a long history of Republican activists such as Kevin Barry, Frank Ryan, Thomas MacDonagh, and many others. Evening Such a society would be unaffiliated to any movement or party, nor would it attempt to become one.

Anyone interested in setting up such a society or receiving information should write to indyjoe@mail. com Students Le meas, he emergence of discontent among evening students may Joe Keegan. well come as something of a revelation for the average Tday student in UCD. It is easy to forget about those who cannot avail of the things we take for granted, and the same can be said of day students The Dutch in this instance. It seems clear that there are considerable grounds for Dear Editor, discontent among evening students, with the lack of key facilities a major issue. I’d like to respond to the article on Erasmus by Parkinson-Bennett in your previous issue. Even though I understand Parkinson-Bennett tried to be funny, his article is full of flaws that can be considered seriously Once again, it would seem that the college have overlooked offensive to the Dutch. He starts of with drug dealers and madmen ‘looming towards’ him as if this is an its most crucial component – the students. every day occurrence. Born and raised in this wonderful city, I’ve had the occasional madman-run-in myself, This newspaper is beginning to tire of highlighting complaints as I have had in Dublin. He portrays the Dutch as drug addicted, immoral freaks and argues that 20% of regarding the plight of students – be they daytime or evening the Amsterdam prostitutes are victims of human trafficking, yet he fails to mention that Dutch police are – as the weeks of this academic term go by. occupied with countering their misery 24/7. He also leaves out that most of the prostitution ‘customers’ Every day that goes by seems to bring more credence to the are tourists. view that UCD is a university in turmoil. The biggest fault in his article though is that Parkinson-Bennett claims that drug use is factually criminal UCD is a great university and it’s campaign of restructuring is and that the Dutch are complete nutters not to treat it as such. He is wrong on two grounds: First, whether bent upon nothing but raising that bar, but the way it is going drug use is a criminal issue remains a political point of view. And a political argument, no matter how well established, can never be considered a fact. If not so, we’d live in a dangerous world void of any political about it’s business seems to compromise vast sectors of the debate. Secondly, if criminal still means to do fault against the laws of society and drug use is condoned by student body – something that is simply unacceptable. every Dutch authority how can it be considered criminal from a legal perspective? Yes, drug use is criminal Evening students have been complaining for years about the from an Irish perspective, but Parkinson-Bennett wasn’t in Ireland. While I’m in Ireland I respect Irish laws, I lack of facilities and the diffi culties they face as they attempt think I’m entitled to demand Parkinson-Bennett respects Dutch laws while in the Netherlands. to make their way through college. The general consensus however, remains – they are receiving very little support or Yours, help from the university. The problems with students seem to stem from a lack of Nienke van Etten communication and understanding between the college administration and the students. One evening student highlighted a “lack of moral support” from the college, as a problem. This is a real issue that needs Car Parking to be addressed if discontented students are to be appeased during this time of radical change in the university. Dear Sir, One of the most topical issues around campus today is car-parks and car parking. This was highlighted in the article in the last edition of this paper. Will motorists have to pay to park their cars on campus? Is parking a right or a privilege? What’s more important: conserving green spaces for students to participate in sports and other activities, or ensuring motorists can find a place to leave their cars? Does the situation Vet's College underline the bigger problem, that transport from several parts of the city to Belfield is non existent or not good enough? Most students will have an opinion on these issues. UCD is a busier place than it has ever been, and the his newspaper highlighted major problems in the vet’s situation is likely to get worse before it gets any better, with Belfield finally welcoming our brothers and college this time last year. Further investigation in recent sisters from Earlsfort Terrace back full-time in the not too distant future. What’s going to happen when Tweeks has revealed that little has changed. there are even more people coming and going to Belfield on a day to day basis? The American Veterinary Association has highlighted UCD’s restructuring process as a signifi cant reason for suspending its Issues such as the cost of living in Dublin, finding a place to live while studying on campus, and getting assessment of this university’s vet college for accreditation in in and out to college are as important to many students as anything else. The experiences students have the United States. while here are not peripheral to their education but intrinsic. If you can’t get to campus, you’re not going to be able to get the most out of being here, nor will you be in the right frame of mind to get the most This has culminated in ten American students leaving UCD out of your studies. for fear that the degree fails to acquire accreditation. Reaction from academics and students in the vet college is One thing is for sure, students should have their say. The Students’ Union has been in discussions with riddled with discontent. The reputation of the school and the the University to try and tackle this problem. To help generate Union policy on this subject, there will be welfare of the students seem to have been compromised, at a general meeting of the Students’ Union (of which every student in the University is a member), this least in the short-term, by the university, in order to continue Wednesday 18 October, at 5pm in Theatre O in the Arts Block. Anyone who has anything to bring to the the restructuring process. discussion is invited and encouraged to attend. It is crucial for all parties that matters in the vets college be resolved as quickly but as steadily as possible, in order to Students are the biggest stake holders in UCD; let us make sure our feelings on the subject are clearly communicated to the decision makers of the university. avoid further disruption. The AVMA have provided UCD with the necessary criteria to Is mise le meas, achieve accreditation in the United States, and the students of this college will be hoping such criteria is met sooner rather Barry Colfer than later. UCDSU Welfare Officer FEATURES

Come fly with (*Because it's me* cheaper that way) Divide and conquer is the advice that maverick Michael O’Leary gives to Irish students in the wake of the controversy surrounding Ryanair’s recent takeover bid for Aer Lingus, as he speaks exclusively to Caitrina Cody Michael O’Leary - a name that can Known for his colourful language better punctuality, fewer lost bags in 2003. The company seems to be inviting but pack too much into your inspire admiration or disgust among and impatience with bureaucracy, he and fewer customer complaints than synonymous with low-budget service overnight bag and you face a substan- the Irish public depending on whom plays a dangerous game. One thing the high fare airlines like BA, Air Lin- and customer complaints but despite tial fine. There are credit card fees you talk to. is for sure: in person, O’Leary comes gus and others, then I suspect we’re its bad reputation, the public persist based on each individual transaction For some, he is a pioneer of the across as the epitome of reason and doing the right thing. And the travel- in buying Ryanair tickets. that often increase the price of tick- aviation industry, challenging the sta- seems mildly puzzled but not sur- ling public seems to be supporting One comment by a passenger was ets and also the added inconvenience tus quo and rocking the boat while prised about the uproar caused by his our version, our offer.” particularly revealing, “I’ve never re- of arriving at airports miles away from for others he is the devil incarnate. financial offer to Aer Lingus. How does the public argue with ally had a problem with Ryanair, the the city that you intend staying in. A master of show business, he takes Responding to the accusation that this statement? Certainly, the sta- fares have always been cheap but just Recent weeks have seen the man- apparent delight in confounding the Ryanair has brought down the stand- tistics do not argue - in an industry make sure you stick to their rules or aging director of Ryanair come under expectations of his industry rivals and ards of air travel in Ireland, O’Leary with a survival rate of one in ten, you’ll get stung.” That seems to be fire for what some have seen as his is irreverent in his approach to the retorted, “If bringing down the stand- Ryanair has seen consistent profits a common experience when dealing ‘stealthy’ takeover bid for Aer Lingus. media. ards of aviation means lowered fares, from E48million in 1998 to E239million with the airline - the cheap fares are In the media frenzy that has sur- College Tribune 17th October 2006 features  rounded him in the weeks since Oc- tober 5, O’ Leary has been painted as FEATURES a ruthless mercenary, the bete noir of Irish aviation, bent on destroying all competition. Certainly, he has struck fear into the hearts of Aer Lingus manage- ment and SIPTU members as his daring plan to become the major stockholder in the rival company has unfolded. With the shares that Ryanair now hold in Aer Lingus increased to 19.6%, there have been gasps of horror from many directions and many fear that the move will threaten healthy competition in the common market. Now that the Government has con- firmed that they will not be buying back any of the shares that they sold, Ryanair’s position seems even more threatening. However, O’Leary seems to shake off these fears with a bemused shrug. “No I think it’ll be good for competi- tion and consumers, because our offer confirms that Aer Lingus fares will be reduced by 10 percent over the next four years and we’re also committed to reducing their fuel surcharges.” He pauses to reflect. “Whereas Aer Lin- gus’ business plan is all about increas- ing fares - they last week refused to confirm that they would give back any of the fuel surcharges. Lower fares and lower fuel surcharges are obvi- ously good for competition.” Known as the no-frills airline, Rya- nair has its devoted fans but also its vehement detractors. Some applaud the fact that it is now possible to visit the UK for under E50 and believe that O’Leary has opened the doors of Eu- rope’s capitals to those who simply couldn’t afford the higher fares of Aer Lingus. However these low fares mean that certain sacrifices have been made and these are all too evident on a Ry- anair flight - less baggage allowance, no complimentary drinks and small cramped seats are the norm. Many claim that low prices are meaning- less if the experience of flying must become an unpleasant one. Regarded Michael O’Leary: A man of many faces, all of them delirious as a luxury before the Ryanair era, fly- ing was once the preserve of the well comment comes from a misunder- tion of our business. Ireland now people and believes they have a “As long as it puts bums on off and from take off to landing it was standing of the terms of the offer. accounts for only about 16% of our duty to make something out of seats, then its fine but I think an industry that valued the comfort “I don’t think that Denis had actual- business.” themselves. “Well-educated Irish there’s a difference between my and satisfaction of its customers. ly read the offer document, which In other words, O’Leary has big- kids going through college at the public work persona which is high- By eliminating what he sees as says that if it should succeed, Aer ger fish to fry. Clearly, he feels that moment could and should go and profile and my private life which is unnecessary luxuries from Ryanair’s Lingus’ fares will fall. Anyone who the world is his oyster and intends conquer the world. If they’re sat- subterranean. Hopefully anyway.” service, O’Leary maintains low fares has read the offer document can Ryanair to become a major world isfied with a small piece of Dub- Ultimately, the bottom line and attracts a certain market niche: see that the fares will clearly be player through its incorporation of lin or Ireland then they’re letting of the issue is whether Michael backpacking students on a budget, lowered and overall costs lowered. Aer Lingus. And what about the themselves down because they’ve O’Leary is wrong to cut down on frequent visitors to the UK and fami- If the offer succeeds it can only be fears that the public has expressed been educated to do better than expenses including staff in order lies availing of affordable package good for Ireland.” about possibility that Ryanair will that.” He impresses one as a man to sell more seats and to make holidays in the Mediterranean. When O’Leary claims that costs one day offer a transatlantic flight who despises laziness and inac- Ryanair a world player in the avia- Those who bemoan the lack of com- will be lowered, it’s pretty cer- service? An immediate vision tivity, whose intense energy often tion industry? Many believe that fort and customer tain that he emerges of passengers crammed leaves others in the quest for service have stuck will follow into tiny seats, unable to recline or bemused. profits the Rya- Come fly with resolutely with Aer “I would say they through on to afford the pricey snacks served Throughout nair Empire has Lingus in the past have a much that promise. on board, with no video to keep his career as lost the human but is that all about Does that them occupied during an eight- managing di- “Ryanair’s offer element of to change? Will pas- better future mean that hour flight. O’Leary dismisses this rector, O’Leary compassion. Or sengers now find Aer Lingus notion: “I think Air Lingus’ transat- has retained confirms that have the cus- themselves without as part of one staff should lantic business will be significantly his sense of tomer’s own (*Because it's any available option worry about upgraded and improved if the Rya- humour, of- we’ll retain needs changed but no-frill travel? strong Irish air losing their nair offer succeeds. But Ryanair ten using it to as O’Leary be- Described as a jobs if Rya- will never go transatlantic.” his advantage the Air Lingus lieves so that ‘disaster for Ireland’ group than as nair gains The eldest in a family of six, against the they are will- cheaper that way) by Denis O’Brien, employees of a c o n t r o l ? Michael O’Leary went to school o p p o s i t i o n . brand in a ing to forego me* the public seems O’Leary fails in Clongowes Wood College and One famous the luxuries in separate stand to have been taken small regional to deny or then to Trinity, where in his own example was return for low completely by sur- confirm that words he studied, “Business stud- the controver- alone company – fares? Should prise by the invest- European airline.” there will be ies, drinking and girls.” When asked sial advertising air travel be a ment and possible job losses if he believes that his college edu- campaign that commodity or future takeover of but concen- cation helped him to reach the featured Minis- should it be- Aer Lingus. Seen as a national insti- trates on the positive. “I would say heights of success he replies, ter Mary O’Rourke in the bath, af- come merely a means of getting tution, the Irish public feels that Aer they have a much better future as “Education helps you no matter ter disagreements over Aer Rianta from point A to point B as cheaply Lingus is a source of national pride part of one strong Irish air group where you finish up in life. I’m not imposed tariffs on Ryanair. as possible? and fear that it will be swallowed than as employees of a small re- sure everyone attending college Known for his high-profile The answers to these ques- up by the brash image that Ryanair gional European airline.” will finish up running an airline.” stunts, recent media pictures tions can only ultimately be an- presents to the world. O’Leary rejects So, what will the future hold for And not everyone would wish to show O’Leary dressed as a flight swered in the future when the this idea stating, “Ryanair’s offer con- Ryanair in Ireland? “The future of follow in the footsteps of O’Leary attendant complete with blond consequences of Aer Lingus’ pos- firms that we’ll retain the Air Lingus Ryanair isn’t really in Ireland. The who commutes to his office in wig to raise money for a charity. Is sible absorption into Ryanair be- brand in a separate stand alone com- future of Ryanair at the moment, Dublin from Mullingar everyday and there any such thing as bad public- come apparent. In a perfect world, pany - though I suspect that the Air the immediate future, will be to often works late into the night. His ity for the man who doesn’t shirk fares would be lowered and ef- Lingus brand will have a stronger and double in size from forty million advice to aspiring business people from confrontations with both ficiency increased but not at the brighter future under Ryanair owner- passengers to eighty million in is simple: “Get up early and work politicians and union leaders? In sacrifice of human compassion ship than it would as a stand alone five years time. This will mean hard.” And he certainly seems to response, he invokes his famous and customer service. Let’s hope regional European carrier.” lower fares both in Ireland but also follow his own advice. ‘bums on seats’ catchphrase that that the charismatic manager will Responding to Denis O’Brien’s com- across Europe because Ireland re- He is emphatic about the pos- seems to underpin his business apply his seemingly endless ener- ment, O’Leary states simply that the ally only accounts for a small por- sibilities in store for young Irish strategy. gy into realising that ambition. College Tribune 10 FEATURES 17th October 2006 ‘Where is the right to vote for those who can’t read in your country?’ Jane Horgan-Jones visits Cuba and finds a very different country from the one the media would have us believe

“I do not harbour the slightest doubt we were befriended by Santiago, a uni- that our people and our Revolution versity lecturer. will fight until the last drop of blood “In Cuba, we do not pay for the school. to defend the ideas and measures that We do not pay for the hospital. We do are necessary for safeguarding this not pay.” Santiago’s emphatic extolling of historical process.” - Extract from Fidel the virtues of the Cuban health and edu- Castro’s statement on Cuban televi- cation systems was common to many of sion as he ceded power this year. the people we met. He spoke about the On August 1st, the world learned that opportunities he felt he had been given Cuban President Fidel Castro had tem- by the regime. “I went to pre-school. I porarily relinquished power to his broth- went to school. I went to university. And er, Raul, for reasons of ill health. As the now, I teach. My mother does not have first incident of its kind since the suc- to work. She worked, and she raised us, cess of the Cuban revolution in 1959, the and now she can relax.” announcement sparked immediate reac- Cuba is one of the first countries in tions from around the globe. Critics and the world to completely eradicate illit- Unmistakably Cuba: A world away from the west supporters of the Cuban regime alike eracy. Education is free at all levels, as were vocal in their commentary and pre- is healthcare. Even the World Bank, an terrorism in itself and consistently con- anywhere, who, without the authorisa- tiago gave us examples of how the latter dictions for how the country might cope institution intrinsically associated with demned by human rights organisations), tion of the US government, “directly or convention’s protections that people of without its iconic leader, and the world capitalism and all Cuba stands against, Cuba has been the target of over 680 indirectly take up or maintain any kind of the West are often denied are afforded watched on to see how the traditional has conceded that Cuba is topping virtu- terrorist attacks. The total number of correspondence with any foreign govern- to Cuban citizens. opponent, America, might react. ally all other “poor” countries in health recorded deaths resulting from these ment official or agent in connection with “In your country, people sleep on the As the corporate media bombarded and education statistics, and continues attacks stands at 3,478. These have in- any dispute or difference with the US, street. People cannot read and write. the airwaves with footage of Cuban ex- to improve despite the stifling embargo cluded bomb attacks, assassination at- shall be fined in accordance with that People have to pay for their healthcare. iles dancing in the streets of Miami and the country has endured for almost half tempts, hijackings, the introduction of provision, jailed for up to a period of 3 Where are the democratic rights of reaction from US authorities, coverage a century. germs and pests in agricultural areas and years or both.” Human rights also fall by someone who cannot read? How can of any genuine reaction from inside the However, Cuba’s social and communal attacks on Cuban personnel and prop- the wayside in relation they vote? Where Caribbean island became increasingly achievements have long been contrasted erty on foreign soil. The roots of these to suspects detained at are their human conspicuous by its absence. President with reports of human rights abuses. Hu- attacks lie with Cuban emigrant groups Guantanamo Bay. rights?” It stands Bush supported “transition to a free man Rights Watch roundly condemns hostile to the socialist ideals of the It seems that identi- as a self-fulfilling Cuba”, and promised “assistance” to the regime for its “highly effective ma- country and determined to destabilise cal reasons are used in argument that Cuba should Castro die. We heard from chinery of repression” and claims that the political climate. The US government the West and in Cuba the human rights exiles, from supporters, from politicians, Cuba “restricts severely the exercise of and the CIA openly support the aims of to justify these actions. of education and and from reporters; but hardly a word these groups. That is not to suggest literacy are pos- from anyone who has lived under the Faced with similar threats to their that the geopolitical sit- sible to provide in regime for any length of time since its "I went to own national security after 9/11, the uation of Cuba excuses both developing inception almost 50 years ago. U.S. and U.K. governments imposed such behaviour, but and developed It was with this in mind that I pre-school. I went laws that might equally find their way it does go some way countries alike. travelled to Cuba a couple of weeks into critiques written by human rights to explaining it. The It remains to be after the announcement. Depending to school. I went organisations. In the UK, the 2005 American dollars that seen if the ben- on which kinds of reports I had read Prevention of Terrorism Act permits pour into propaganda efits that the Cu- beforehand, Cuba was either a repres- to university. And the issuing of control orders against and destabilisation ban people have sive, abusive and totalitarian state or a now, I teach. My any British or foreign nationals on the exercises are at least experienced will socialist paradise affording all its citi- basis only of a suspicion stated by the partly responsible for survive the end zens the dignity and respect neces- mother does not intelligence agencies. These orders in- the sometimes-harsh of the Castro era, sary for a just society. It seemed that clude the powers of house arrest for nature of the Cuban Castro: Unwell recently and if the post- the only way to bypass the malaise of have to work. She an indefinite period, without trial or response to internal dis- Castro era will be propaganda infecting the media was worked, and she knowledge of the charges preferred sent. able to manage the difficult task of ex- to go and visit the country itself. against the individuals concerned. What is most notably absent in the tending human rights without putting in Cuba maintains a certain sense of raised us, and now The proposed legislation following Cuban case study, however, is the hypoc- jeopardy all that has been achieved. If it nostalgia, perpetrated by the throw- the London terrorist bombings is even risy and double standards that character- is to do so, it can perhaps be helped by backs to 1960s culture, architecture she can relax" more draconian and includes the right ise Western attempts to “democratise” sympathetic and intelligent, but not un- and cars that characterised every city to hold a suspect without trial for up Cuba and rid her of human rights abuses. critical, support from other small nations we visited. Most notably absent, however, fundamental human rights of expression, to three months. It must be considered whether American such as Ireland. are the advertisements that the Western association, and assembly.” As a response to complaints that such concern for Cuba is born out of distaste Santiago was firm in his belief that, world is accustomed to seeing on every While measures like these are un- measures infringed human rights, the for the economic and political ideology “Democracy is more than just a vote in blank space available to public eyes. Bus doubtedly indefensible in themselves British Home Secretary, Charles Clark there, rather than any genuine interest a ballot box every few years, re-electing shelters, toilet doors, ashtrays and bins and are abhorrent in their nature, they referred to the need to act in this way in the advancement of human rights corrupt politicians over and over again. It all combine to ensure that at home, you cannot be viewed or understood outside in an “emergency threatening the life of worldwide. is about providing equality of opportu- never forget your status as a consumer. of the context of the Cuban reality; that the nation…” The head of MI5, Dame Equally, Cuban human rights cannot nity and equality of access, which sup- In Havana, both tourists and locals alike of a consistent, premeditated, malicious Eliza Manningham-Buller, affirmed that be viewed only in the narrow perspective posedly democratic countries support are spared the ignominy of being treated programme of interference pursued by civil liberties might have to be eroded to taken by Human Rights Watch. There are in their words but never in their actions as a mere component of an ever-avail- successive American administrations for prevent future attacks. two major international instruments and policies.” able market. the past forty years. Similarly, the U.S. has recently intro- on rights under the UN system; one on And if Castro dies? “Castro is the sym- In Cienfuegos, a town of about Since 1959, in addition to the US eco- duced legislation to protect national se- civil and political rights and the other on bol, and Castro is my president. But the 150,000 residents just south of Havana, nomic blockade (arguably a form of state curity. Under the ‘Logan Law’, US citizens economic, social and cultural rights. San- revolution is the people.” College Tribune 17th October 2006 FEATURES 11 Bin Laden holds that sucker down TERRORISM VS malaria

osama ‘murderer’ bin laden the ‘nibbler’ mosQuto A recent survey discovered Irish travelers are more afraid of a terrorist attack than contracting malaria when traveling. Deirdre Flannery investigates the foolishness of this supposition A recent survey carried out by Phar- on this matter was emphasised further we don’t have in our own country”, Fry maceuticals Company GlaxoSmithKline when it emerged that one in five travellers explained. discovered that Irish travelers are more disagreed that malaria was a fatal disease Fry concluded that the main source of afraid of the unlikely threat of a terrorist and that, worryingly, one in information on the subject among Irish attack than contracting malaria when three disagreed that ma- travellers is often travelling to areas on high malaria alert. laria could kill within 24 through contact This is in spite of the fact that the first hours without treatment. with friends that 36 weeks of this year had 75 reported Perhaps the most have travelled to cases of malaria in Ireland, which is an shocking fact uncovered the same areas, increase of over 125% on the same pe- by the survey is that half rather than more riod in 2005. of intending travellers reliable sources It may be that Irish tourists are more believed malaria could within the medi- inclined to think that malaria is an Afri- be contracted from wa- cal world. If the can holiday destination rather than a po- ter, 16% from food, 13% travellers they are tentially fatal disease. The survey, carried from cockroaches, 11% advised by haven’t Hotspots: Malaria is common south of the equator out among 155 Irish travellers to malaria from dirty accommoda- suffered any bites, to peanuts. “The vast majority of people the liver for months or even years. hotspots, revealed that the risk of con- tion and 7% from dog they assume that it nowadays can find a malaria drug that will So, if malaria is such a big deal, why tracting malaria only ranked ninth on their bites. The fact is that will be safe for oth- suit them very well”, he assured. do we know so little about it? Dr. Fry felt list of holiday concerns. none of these views ers to travel without Fry also quashed any doubts over the ef- that more could be done to make people We are all perhaps vaguely aware that are correct, leading taking any precau- fectiveness of the drugs, stating that they aware of the dangers. “There’s no central- the malaria parasites, for the most part, to the disturbing con- tions against the are all at least 95% effective. However, the ised government support with regard to reside in Africa, Asia and South America, clusion that the Irish potentially deadly UCD medical centre spokesperson added setting down policies for people travelling but the hard facts are a little more disqui- abroad are sitting ducks when it parasite. Fry admits that certain strains of the plasmodium overseas”, he explained, adding that a na- eting. One million children under the age comes to contracting malaria. that this ignorance can have tragic con- are building resistance to medication. For tional advice centre would be beneficial of five die every year from contracting ma- A spokesperson from the UCD medical sequences: “There have been deaths in example, Mefloquine, one anti-malarial to the travelling public. Travel companies laria. 95% of those cases are in Africa. centre suggested that the increasing per- Ireland”, she continued, “Unfortunately, drug, has been conquered by the South- also have a responsibility under an EU hThere are four strains centage cor- the symptoms can often be hard to spot, east Asian parasites directive to inform of the malaria parasite that responds to as they are similar to those of a common and rendered almost the customers to affect humans, spread by "Irish people the increasing flu, often experienced after a long-haul useless in prevent- Unfortunately, seek medical advice the bite of blood-sucking don’t understand number of flight.” ing malaria. Another the symptoms but the survey sug- mosquitoes. Malaria para- Irish travelling Even when made aware of the fright- reason suggested gests that very few sites can remain dormant the seriousness to malaria- ening facts, many Irish tourists still refuse for people’s reluc- can often be of them bother to in the liver for up to four of a disease like ridden desti- to avail of the readily available malaria tance to take the hard to spot, as do so. years before they manifest nations each medication. This can be put down to the required medication And as for all the themselves. One particu- malaria, nor any year. From her perceived expense, inconvenience and un- is the inconvenience. they are similar Irish home birds, set- lar strain of the correctly other disease experience in wanted side effects. Perhaps this is the Many backpackers to those of a tling for Dublin rather termed ‘plasmodium’ is a dealing with reason why the most comical answers are unwilling to lug than Dubai is not fast little worker though, that we don’t student back- were in relation to possible methods of jars of pills across common flu, often necessarily a safe the parasite going straight have in our packers, she preventing malaria, 10% citing gin and countries, and stu- experienced after bet either. Recently to the brain causing cer- agreed that tonic as a reliable deterrent. “It is an ex- dents in particular cases of “airport ebral malaria. If left un- own country" the survey pensive issue,” admitted Dr. Fry, referring aren’t too keen on a long-haul flight malaria” have been treated, this strain can kill was very ac- to malaria drugs, but he brushed aside Mefloquine, which reported in Britain. within 24 hours of entering curate. complaints of nauseating side effects. curtails alcohol It seems mosquitoes the body. Unfortunately, the new genera- The College Tribune also spoke with Dr. “People only know the bad news and consumption. The UCD medical centre have managed to stow away on aircraft tion of jet-setting Irish is more susceptible Graham Fry, the Medical Director of the information, they don’t know the good spokesperson also expressed concern that bound for London resulting in malaria to the parasite than those who live in the Tropical Medical Bureau Ireland, who was news”. He went on to explain that the travellers don’t bother continuing their being diagnosed in families living in the malaria-ridden areas, having built up no of the same opinion. “Irish people don’t only way to discover how you will react course of medication when they return vicinity of the airports. So, it’s insect repel- immunities to it. understand the seriousness of a disease to medication is to try it, in the same home, possibly a fatal error when remind- lent at the ready for those of you living in The depth of our the apparent ignorance like malaria, nor any other disease that way one discovers if they have an allergy ed that the parasite can remain dormant in Swords it would seem. College Tribune 12 features 17th October 2006 ‘If they feel North Korea can launch nuclear warheads then they will use force’ Paul O’Donnell investigates the ramifications of North Korea’s detonation of a nuclear bomb in an underground facility last week

North Korea confirmed last famines that have ravaged the coun- Monday via its state news tryside and impacted significantly agency, the KCNA, that it on the population and its growth. had carried out a success- Amnesty International highlights ful test of a nuclear weap- many denials of basic human rights, on in an underground facil- and there are reports of labour ity reported to be at Gilju camps in existence. In a similar way in the Hamgyong province to the past regimes of Mao’s China in the northeast of the and Stalin’s Soviet Union, it seems country. government spending is devoted pri- The international com- marily to the military and as a result munity’s response indicates the population suffer from a lack of the perceived severity of the basic provisions. action. The United States said Dr. Tobias Theiler of the UCD the test was a “provocative School of Politics and International act”. Britain said it was “irre- Relations points out “The problem is sponsible”, and China, normally that nobody really knows what’s go- seen as an ally of the reclusive ing on inside North Korea because Asian state, said the test was “bra- it’s a very secret place in a com- zen” and that it would “resolutely pletely desperate shape. The people oppose” any such actions. Japan’s are starving.” new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe felt The problem, it would appear, is a that the test was “unpardonable”. North Korean regime that is becom- South Korea was quick to place its ing less manageable than before. Dr. troops on a heightened state of alert Theiler makes the point that “most vowing to act “sternly and calmly” the Republic of Korea (South) as The 1970s and 80s saw a people would interpret it [Monday’s to the situation. Although analysts they are today, came into exist- severe decline in economic test] as a kind of diversion tactic highlighted the fact that the explo- ence in the post-World War II "Nobody really development and a sharp fall by the regime, that’s what regimes sion may not have been that of a period. The whole of Korea had knows what’s going in the standard of living. The often do when they feel they are fully developed nuclear weapon, the been occupied by Japan during international economy was under threat: they kind of try to pro- threat still remains. the Second World War. As a re- on inside North becoming more open, and voke confrontation with the outside Speaking to the College Tribune, sult of the latter’s defeat in the Korea because it’s whereas some countries that world, they don’t actually want to Sheila Paskman of the American war, the country was divided called themselves communist carry it all the way but they hope to Embassy in Ireland exclaimed, into two parts with the Soviet a very secret place adapted in part to the liberal rally people around them. There is “The testing of a nuclear weapon Union overseeing the North and in a completely reforms taking place generally also an interpretation that Kim him- is always extremely serious, we the United States overseeing (for example China), North Ko- self maybe under threat from within [the United States] and the partici- the South. Supposedly tempo- desperate shape. rea continued with its ideology his own regime, his own colleagues, pants of the six party talks have rary, it soon became clear that The people are of ‘Juche’ (self-reliance). Over and that he uses the nuclear card as all warned North Korea that the this division would remain per- time this proved to be enor- a way of proving he is still in con- testing of nuclear weapons would manent. starving" mously detrimental to any sort trol.” de-stabilize or would have a bad in- As the 1950s dawned upon Dr. Tobias Theiler of sustainable development, Some have suggested mental in- fluence on the security of the whole the world, a new era of “East - UCD School of Politics thereby pushing North Korea stability in trying to explain the out- region.” versus West” situation arose. & International Relations further away from the world at landish actions of the North Korean The six-party talks referred to are Whereas previously Europe had large. leader. On this matter, Dr Theiler talks between the United States, been the battleground for con- Since 1948 North Korea has feels “A lot of people would argue North Korea, South Korea, China, flicting ideologies, it was now Asia in fighting and a return to the divide, effectively been a dictatorship, with that Kim’s mental state reflects on Japan and Russia, which began in where the major clash between cap- with Soviet influence remaining in the present leader, Kim Jong-il, tak- how he looks at the world, others 2003 as a way of resolving the is- italism/democracy and communism the North and the American remain- ing over from his father Kim Il-sung would argue that he can’t be that sue of North Korea’s development would take place. ing in the South. in 1994. His father had ruled since dumb, he has been in power for a of nuclear weapons. At present the Heightened tensions between In the following decades, the 1948. Owing to constant propagan- long time. Although he did inherit talks are stalled. Paskman contin- the North and the South in 1950-53 South, firmly on the American side da, both leaders are widely vener- power from his father.” ued, “When it moves beyond the culminated in the Korean War. Some of the Cold War and guided by this ated within the state, and a “cult of The key question now is how the control of that [the six-party talks] historians feel that rather than this ally, developed into a prosperous personality” surrounds them. international community should re- you do need the U.N. Security being a solely ‘Korean’ war, it was economic entity. Conversely, the Over 37% of children are malnour- spond to the situation and how it Council to become involved.” in fact a proxy war in the larger bat- North fell under the strain, as did so ished in present-day North Korea, should deal with the reclusive state. To gain an insight into this current tlefield that was the Cold War. Either many communist countries, of mod- according to the UN’s World Food Should the U.N. impose harsh sanc- issue we must look at the history way, the result of the stalemate of ernisation and the development of Programme, and over half of its pop- tions on North Korea to act as a de- of North Korea. The Democratic Peo- 1953 (interestingly the war is still the free market in the international ulation of 27 million face food short- terrent? Dr. Theiler makes the good ple’s Republic of Korea (North) and not officially over) was a cessation community. ages. There have been numerous point to this regard,

Korean Central TV - Delivering propaganda to the Korean nation College Tribune 17th October 2006 featuresfeatures 13 ‘If they feel North Korea can launch nuclear warheads then they will use force’ Paul O’Donnell investigates the ramifications of North Korea’s detonation of a nuclear bomb in an underground facility last week

North Korea confirmed last famines that have ravaged the coun- Monday via its state news tryside and impacted significantly agency, the KCNA, that it on the population and its growth. had carried out a success- Amnesty International highlights ful test of a nuclear weap- many denials of basic human rights, on in an underground facil- and there are reports of labour ity reported to be at Gilju camps in existence. In a similar way in the Hamgyong province to the past regimes of Mao’s China in the northeast of the and Stalin’s Soviet Union, it seems country. government spending is devoted pri- The international com- marily to the military and as a result munity’s response indicates the population suffer from a lack of the perceived severity of the basic provisions. action. The United States said Dr. Tobias Theiler of the UCD the test was a “provocative School of Politics and International act”. Britain said it was “irre- Relations points out “The problem is sponsible”, and China, normally that nobody really knows what’s go- seen as an ally of the reclusive ing on inside North Korea because Asian state, said the test was “bra- it’s a very secret place in a com- zen” and that it would “resolutely pletely desperate shape. The people oppose” any such actions. Japan’s are starving.” new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe felt The problem, it would appear, is a that the test was “unpardonable”. North Korean regime that is becom- South Korea was quick to place its ing less manageable than before. Dr. troops on a heightened state of alert Theiler makes the point that “most vowing to act “sternly and calmly” the Republic of Korea (South) as The 1970s and 80s saw a people would interpret it [Monday’s to the situation. Although analysts they are today, came into exist- severe decline in economic test] as a kind of diversion tactic “If you just have across the board this is a kind of crazy last ditch highlighted the fact that the explo- ence in the post-World War II "Nobody really development and a sharp fall by the regime, that’s what regimes sanctions you just punish the civilian “When it moves effort for the regime”. If not, he sion may not have been that of a period. The whole of Korea had knows what’s going in the standard of living. The often do when they feel they are population who are starving already points out that “if they [the inter- fully developed nuclear weapon, the been occupied by Japan during international economy was under threat: they kind of try to pro- as it is.” He continues, “What the beyond the control national community] seriously feel threat still remains. the Second World War. As a re- on inside North becoming more open, and voke confrontation with the outside Americans are really worried about is of that [the six- that Kim has the capabilities to Speaking to the College Tribune, sult of the latter’s defeat in the Korea because it’s whereas some countries that world, they don’t actually want to not so much stuff getting into North launch nuclear warheads, if they Sheila Paskman of the American war, the country was divided called themselves communist carry it all the way but they hope to Korea but stuff getting out of North party talks] you judge North Korea will go that far, Embassy in Ireland exclaimed, into two parts with the Soviet a very secret place adapted in part to the liberal rally people around them. There is Korea. I think the Americans are and if they judge Kim to be suf- “The testing of a nuclear weapon Union overseeing the North and in a completely reforms taking place generally also an interpretation that Kim him- genuinely terrified that the North do need the U.N. ficiently unstable then it’s not en- is always extremely serious, we the United States overseeing (for example China), North Ko- self maybe under threat from within Koreans are trying to export some Security Council to tirely unimaginable that they will [the United States] and the partici- the South. Supposedly tempo- desperate shape. rea continued with its ideology his own regime, his own colleagues, of their nuclear technology to use force.” pants of the six party talks have rary, it soon became clear that The people are of ‘Juche’ (self-reliance). Over and that he uses the nuclear card as rogue states or terrorist groups.” become involved.” Dr. Theiler warns, “What re- all warned North Korea that the this division would remain per- time this proved to be enor- a way of proving he is still in con- Another fear for the Bush admin- gimes like that normally want to testing of nuclear weapons would manent. starving" mously detrimental to any sort trol.” istration, according to Dr. Theiler, is do is they want to stay de-stabilize or would have a bad in- As the 1950s dawned upon Dr. Tobias Theiler of sustainable development, Some have suggested mental in- not just what North Korea may do, Sheila Paskman in power, that’s re- fluence on the security of the whole the world, a new era of “East - UCD School of Politics thereby pushing North Korea stability in trying to explain the out- or be capable of on it’s own, but how - American Embassy, Dublin ally the crux of region.” versus West” situation arose. & International Relations further away from the world at landish actions of the North Korean this affects other so called ‘rogue’ the thing. The re- The six-party talks referred to are Whereas previously Europe had large. leader. On this matter, Dr Theiler states. For example, “The American’s gime has proven talks between the United States, been the battleground for con- Since 1948 North Korea has feels “A lot of people would argue don’t want Iran to get the impres- that it doesn’t, or North Korea, South Korea, China, flicting ideologies, it was now Asia in fighting and a return to the divide, effectively been a dictatorship, with that Kim’s mental state reflects on sion that countries can get away with we will be able to negotiate some sort he [Kim] doesn’t care Japan and Russia, which began in where the major clash between cap- with Soviet influence remaining in the present leader, Kim Jong-il, tak- how he looks at the world, others it [nuclear warhead development]. I of settlement to bring North Korea about anything else, he 2003 as a way of resolving the is- italism/democracy and communism the North and the American remain- ing over from his father Kim Il-sung would argue that he can’t be that think what the Americans will do, with back to the six-party talks.” Dr. Theiler doesn’t care about sue of North Korea’s development would take place. ing in the South. in 1994. His father had ruled since dumb, he has been in power for a respect to North Korea, is actually in- feels that “the big country to watch is his own popula- of nuclear weapons. At present the Heightened tensions between In the following decades, the 1948. Owing to constant propagan- long time. Although he did inherit tended at Iran and Iran ideologically China. China is North Korea’s ‘friend’. tion or any ex- talks are stalled. Paskman contin- the North and the South in 1950-53 South, firmly on the American side da, both leaders are widely vener- power from his father.” is more of a threat to the Americans The Chinese were seriously annoyed at ternal factors. ued, “When it moves beyond the culminated in the Korean War. Some of the Cold War and guided by this ated within the state, and a “cult of The key question now is how the than North Korea. North Korea has no that (Monday’s testing). They are able He just wants control of that [the six-party talks] historians feel that rather than this ally, developed into a prosperous personality” surrounds them. international community should re- regional power what so ever but Iran is to use leverage, first of all because to stay in you do need the U.N. Security being a solely ‘Korean’ war, it was economic entity. Conversely, the Over 37% of children are malnour- spond to the situation and how it a powerful regional state, it’s got influ- they are obviously very big and they power, he will Council to become involved.” in fact a proxy war in the larger bat- North fell under the strain, as did so ished in present-day North Korea, should deal with the reclusive state. ence.” share a border with North Korea. The do whatever To gain an insight into this current tlefield that was the Cold War. Either many communist countries, of mod- according to the UN’s World Food Should the U.N. impose harsh sanc- A peaceful resolution is obviously Chinese are interested in there being he thinks is issue we must look at the history way, the result of the stalemate of ernisation and the development of Programme, and over half of its pop- tions on North Korea to act as a de- the desired outcome but it will not be no instability [in the region].” most likely of North Korea. The Democratic Peo- 1953 (interestingly the war is still the free market in the international ulation of 27 million face food short- terrent? Dr. Theiler makes the good easy. Paskman hopes that in the end For Dr. Theiler it is possible “that this to keep him ple’s Republic of Korea (North) and not officially over) was a cessation community. ages. There have been numerous point to this regard, diplomacy will prevail: “My hope is that is the end game for the regime, that in power.”

Satellite of Yongbyon Kim Jung II, nuclear power station CHINA his family have - Where enrichment dictated North of Plutonium occurs Korea since 1948 NORTH KOREA EAST SEA P’YONGYANG

SEOUL

SOUTH KOREA College Tribune 14 FEATURES 17th October 2006 Media plus politics equal disaster Susan Cahill takes a look at the emergence of ‘Indie media’ and examines the objectivity of such news sources

Seeking to challenge the dominance editing of pieces, which involve “unsub- of the mainstream, ‘mass’ media, are stantiated allegations [or] general abuse an increasing number of ‘Indie media’ of people”. However, there is no practice websites and Independent Media Cen- of background checking of the truth of tres (IMC). stories on the part of the moderators; These include the ‘Indymedia’ web- rather, they rely on a system known as sites (including www.indymedia.org, the “peer review”, whereby all articles are age. Since its launch in 1998, AlterNet Media: Chomsky’s quest for main site, and its Irish branch, www.in- open to responses from anybody who has grown considerably to keep pace dymedia.ie) and the online encyclopedia, reads them. “If [a news piece] is abso- with the public demand for independent objectivity begins and ends ‘Wikipedia’, which runs a news service, lute nonsense, it will be found out very news and now provides free online con- at independent websites, to ‘Wikinews’. The content of an IMC is quickly. We get something like 300,000 tent to an average of 1.7 million readers avoide stories like this (right) determined by its participants, both the individual hits a month.” every month. In a contemporary culture most to people and wasn’t representing users who post content and those who This, however, raises the question, are often described as suffering from ‘infor- the opinion that meant most to people. moderate, edit, and administer the site. we to believe and take as truth the word mation overload’, AlterNet serves as a You had the same economists wheeled- There are currently over 150 Independ- of unidentified people? Are these sites filter, keeping hundreds of thousands of out week-in, week-out. And that’s what’s ent Media Centres around the world. reliable sources of information? Further readers informed, in a manner they feel you get with mass media. They decide Each IMC is an autonomous group that complicating the issue is the fact that is preferable to the methods of the main- who’s going in, they decide what is im- has its own mission statement, manag- the removal or censorship of articles stream, ‘mass’ media. portant, most people are left out of the es its own finances which are written To many, Rupert equation, but they and makes its own from right-wing or Murdoch, the me- "There was a stick it on anyway in terms of structural economic causes. decisions through "There is conservative per- dia mogul who because they want Herman and Chomsky argue that since its own processes. spectives is in prac- dominates much need for a voice something in the mainstream media outlets are either The Independent no escaping tice in some IMCs, of the mainstream car going home or large corporations or part of conglomer- Media Institute while some have media, has be- for the voiceless, whatever. They’re ates, the information presented to the (IMI) is a network Murdoch’s editorial policies to come derided not really given public will be biased with respect to of collectively run remove articles pro- by many as too because that much choice, these interests. Since the mainstream media outlets. The influence, and moting hierarchical powerful, thanks the mass there’s the illusion media depends heavily on advertising IMI seek to offer a thinking or systems to his worldwide of choice.” revenues to survive, the model suggests democratic news it is moguls of any kind. Sinnott, newspaper and media wasn’t In the United that the interests of advertisers come source. They seek however, explains TV interests, and States, where the before reporting the news. Chomsky and out real stories, like him that that indymedia.ie is a far too influential representing rise of indie media Herman also argue that, as a business, a news, and opin- theoretically open to figure in world pol- has reached vaster newspaper has a product that it offers to ions from around Indie media all political persua- itics and culture. the stories that levels than any- an audience. the globe. It is a sions, “There might His News Corpora- where else, there In an industrialised economy where collaboration of in- are fighting be a perception that tion owns 23 US meant the most are also numerous consumers demand information on nu- dependent media it’s an anarchist thing. television stations, organisations who merous worldwide events unfolding si- organisations and against" It probably could be cable and satellite to people" are working togeth- multaneously, they argue that this task hundreds of journalists offering grass- in that, it’s about free media and equal operations in Australia, China, Europe, er to highlight the flaws of the mass me- can only be filled by major business and roots, non-corporate news coverage. media, and, in so far as that is political, and Latin America. This tycoon controls dia. An examples of these institutions is government sectors that have the nec- Indymedia.ie, an affiliate of the global indymedia is political, but otherwise it’s a large proportion of the world’s media, Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR), essary material resources. In America, indymedia.org, is the primary Irish-based not at all. It’s open for everybody.” including The New York Post, The Times, a progressive American organization that these are mainly The Pentagon and Indie Media website. The College Tribune AlterNet, another such independent The Sun, BskyB (which includes the Sky documents what it perceives as political other governmental bodies. Thus main- spoke with a member of the indymedia. source, is news magazine and News television station), Fox News and or ideological bias in media censorship, stream media becomes reluctant to ie “collective”, Robbie Sinnott, who online community that cre- even Myspace.com. There is no escap- and erroneous reporting. Describing it- run articles that will harm corporate declared, “Indie Media is about ates original journalism ing Murdoch’s influence, and it is moguls self as the “national media watchdog”, interests that provide them with the re- getting the people to be the me- and amplifies the best like him that Indie media are fighting FAIR works towards greater diversity in sources that the media depends upon dia, so the media is not some- of dozens of other against. the press while scrutinizing media prac- - it is on these assumptions that the thing you consume, but some- independent me- Asked his opinion of the mainstream tices that marginalize public interest, mi- indie media thrive. Independent media thing you produce.” dia sources. It has media in Ireland, Sinnott responded, “In nority and dissenting viewpoints. stand alone, free from the influence of Sinnott explained his role won awards for Best 2001 [indymedia.ie] was set-up in Ire- Another of these regulators is, Ac- commercialism and refuse to have their on the site as that of “mod- Web Magazine and land because it was decided that there curacy In Media (AIM), an organization voices muffled. erating” the content, which several Independent was a need for a voice for the voice- that monitors the news media. AIM de- Sinnott agrees with this vision of the includes Press Awards for best less, because the mass media wasn’t scribes itself as a non-profit, grassroots, mainstream media: “It’s impossible that the online political cover- representing the stories that meant the citizens’ watchdog of the news media advertising won’t shape what they put that critiques botched out in some shape or form. For example, Moguls: Rupert and bungled news sto- the need for oil. It’s taken for granted Murdoch (left) and Sir ries and sets the record that everyone needs oil, well, up until Tony O’Reilly (Right) straight on important is- recently anyway. If you were getting car sues that have received manufacturers advertisings regularly, slanted coverage. you’d be less likely to push that line A major supporter [that oil might not be so necessary].” and believer in Indie me- He concluded with an estimation of dia is renowned Ameri- the true revolutionary potential of the can academic Noam Indie media, “The Internet will tear Chomsky. He has, along down mass media as we know it. That’s with Edward S. Herman, my view. I don’t think here will be room developed ‘The Propa- for them to live side-by side. Because ganda Model’, which we’re far more flexible. Instead of being alleges systemic biases told what they’re watching on the televi- in the mass media and sion every night, people will choose and seeks to explain them are choosing what they’ll watch.” College Tribune 17th October 2006 features 15 Get the shell out of here Matthew Parkinson-Bennett explores the reason behind the protests at the Corrib gas pipeline, after weeks of heavy protest in Rossport and at Shell Headquarters Last Wednesday’s protest at the Shell’s inland refinery site about 9 kilometers Dublin Headquaters was the latest ac- from the shoreline within an area that tion of years of reaction by Irish citi- is populated.” zens against the proposed Corrib gas As well as the safety concerns, there pipeline. Local residents and the Shell are significant environmental concerns. to Sea organisation have been spread- Broadhaven Bay is an area of Special ing awareness, and attempting to dis- Conservation under EU regulations, rupt the construction of the pipeline. where breeding and rearing of dolphins They have been processing/refining a and whales takes place. Carrowmore complex in the Rossport area of Co. Lake is on a list of UN protected conser- Mayo since permission to build was vation areas. Both are to be affected by first applied for in 2000 by a group pollution in the form of wastewater used known as Enterprise Energy Ireland, in the processes of refining gas. which later became Shell E&P. Furthermore, with this approach there So why has this story provoked such will necessarily be a large industrial strong reactions from locals and such complex built for the processing and re- widespread concern across the country? fining of the gas. Garavan has an envi- And why were five local men willing to ronmental concern connected with this take such measures in their opposition not related to the endangering of animal to the project that in June 2005 they or plant-life, but to the disruption of the were given a gaol sentence by the High landscape in a rural area, he described as Court? “pristine”. He continued, “It is going to be With this project, Shell are proposing a building covering twenty-two acres of to bring onto the land processes that ground. This is a massive intrusion into normally take place at sea. So unprece- an area that is entirely rural and non-in- dented is this approach that the relevant dustrial.” existing legislation presumes its non-ex- Garavan cites four alternative (and On the outside: Protesters converge on Shell HQ istence. Whereas at Kinsale, gas arrives more commonly used) approaches that onshore in pipes pre-odorised, that is, Shell might have chosen. None of them Garavan is adamant that it is not Shell Consents were granted by the Depart- ter many appeals to both Mayo County supplied with the distinctive smell we involved the building of the type of po- who are solely to blame, but that the re- ment of Marine even in advance of Council and An Bord Pleanala) to build recognise as gas, the gas contained in tentially dangerous, high-pressure pipe- sponsibility for the situation lies with the things like planning permission and so their refinery, Shell have not yet received the underground pipe in Rossport is to lines used in what he calls “the fifth Irish Government. “I think the Irish gov- on. Compulsory acquisition orders were all the consents required to complete be odourless, and hence potentially un- method”. “The fifth method is to proc- ernment are more to blame [than their project. “They have [yet] to get detectable should a leak occur. Perhaps ess the gas inland, and it’s that method Shell] because they’ve created the consent and agreement from the less probable, but nonetheless possible, that Shell have selected. That’s the one conditions that have allowed shell “I think the Irish Department of the Marine to install is that the pipe may explode. It is to we’re opposed to. We can except any of to operate in the way in which they government are more and operate that pipeline so they’re a be four times more highly pressurised the other methods, so it’s we are. The Irish government should be long way short yet”, Garavan stated. than existing onshore pipelines. It would who have the mod- establishing a very rigorous regula- to blame [than Shell] Interestingly, however, Garavan traverse boggy land where landslides erate position tory regime governing this project. because they’ve continued, “They also do not have have occurred in the past. on this, Shell They have clearly failed to do so an agreed pipeline route yet they The College Tribune spoke with Dr. are stuck on from the start. The Irish government created the conditions say that they want to get that only Mark Garavan of the Department of this one have been the co-architects of the that have allowed shell with the agreement of the local Nursing, Health Science and Humani- specific p ro j e c t with Shell. people affected by it.” He is not, ties of the organisation Shell to m e t h - “After all, the to operate in the way however, convinced that this appar- Sea, who co-ordinate the protests od of site on which the in which they are" ent show of concern for the locals against the Shell project both at process- project is be- is genuine: “[While] they appear to the site and around the country. He re- ing the ing built was giv- given by the state to a private company, want consent for the pipeline, they ap- marked, “The primary concerns of the gas.” en to them by the the first and only time this has happened pear indifferent to whether they get campaign are centred not on the princi- semi-state forestry in the history of the state. The Irish gov- consent for the processing plant or the ple of the Corrib gas or indeed on bring- company ernment are not intervening to try and refinery. The worry that we have is that ing gas ashore but the principle concerns Coill- solve the problem, and they’re not inter- they’re only saying they want consent, at all times have been on the methods te. vening to try and protect the safety of but ultimately they will push it through by which shell are processing the citizens.” with the same methods they’re using gas. The primary difficulty we Although they have now, in other words deploy very large have is that they’re planning received planning per- numbers of gardai and simply put down to process the gas at an mission (and that af- the pipeline.”

Defiant: Some of the Rossport 5 - (l-r) Vincent McGrath, Wil- lie Corduff, Micheál Seighin and Philip McGrath College Tribune 16 features 17th October 2006 with owen pub talk priestley this week: female etiquette

It wouldn’t be fair on the boys if Pub Talk was to go into male etiquette last week and not grace the pastures of our lady loves as well. Since the beginning of time men (and some women) have fallen, be it lustfully or otherwise, at the feet of the fairer sex. Women for centuries were given the cross of beauty, emotion and elegance to carry upon their ever so gentle frames. So now the question must be asked Where did it all go wrong? Before this goes any further let it be known that Pub Talk is an equal oppor- tunities criticiser and would admit under the influence of a few er- dingeroos that we are quite fond of the fairer sex. Now as you read this and look at your undoubtedly stunning girlfriend beside you and say, “not my girl, never. She is like a angel sent from above to make my existence worthwhile” and maybe yes, she is one of those not sent from below but spare a thought for the rest of us. Classy: One socialite has had a little too much to drink Pub Talk is not one for generalisa- tions. The specific women that we are talking your floors a free wash.” Please excuse the Pub Talk is not advocating just ditching your about have been documented many times crudeness but Pub Talk witnessed this not so friends when they are drunk. (Although if before. They are best known for their starring long ago. you hide from them and attatch a camera to roles in the hit tragedy The Good, the Bad and the So what is the solution? Is there one? The their head the result is normally hilarious). Ugly Drunks. first thing we must all understand that the But if you don’t say it to them (preferably Week after week after week the student fault is not with them. It is with ourselves. when they are sober or not holding anything bar is littered with girls who, were it not for We let them get so drunk that they could, in the words sharp) then they will go on thinking that their friends would find themselves out on of Baz Lurman, dance the funky chicken like it was their 75th there is nothing wrong with what they are their proverbials. Why do they do this? Is it wedding anniversary as you only hope that its sunscreen on doing and the only person that you will be all not just harmless fun? the side of her face. hurting is yourself. Yes it is a bit of a laugh. The guys point- They get that way because we let them. So will this Pub Talk make a difference? Will the ing and laughing by the bar definitely think They know subconsciously that they can do girl that everyone knows stop throwing her- so as your mate tries (and gets desperately whatever they like and you will always be self at every Tom, Richard and Harry when close) to stripping off on the dance-floor. there to pick up the pieces. there is no snakebite left behind the bar? Of course it is really just a floor now that They know that you will carry them home. Honestly, probably not but for every she has scared off all the other punters. They know that you will be the one to deny time you’ve been left waiting beside a bush If it is just a laugh then try laughing at that they kissed a bus stop poster the night as your friend vomits, then scores some yourself when you’re stuck outside in the before. scummy 14 year old, then vomits again it cold. You are without your bag and jacket They know that you will be there no mat- was worth being said. because the bouncers wont let you back. ter what. You think you are only being a good You wonder to yourself as your friends friend but in the long run you are doing more screams “I need to pee, let me in or I’ll give damage than you thought possible. doctor . hugh College Tribune 17th October 2006 WHAT’S oN 17 with owen paralysis priestley sis analyPART THREE

This issue our interview took a bit of a Don’t ask me questions. darker turn. It was strange as we were (Angrily) What? (Expecting a punch or two wor- Oh very funny, enjoy your ambulance guys (we turn and struggling to find someone up to our thy of the ultimate fighting championship, our (At this point, we considering pulling down walk away frustrated) drunken standards on a mild autumn subject clutches his stomach as if trying to his trousers and leaving him there, but one evening in our dirty old told. Then out of bring forth his fighter within) scream later we knew we couldn’t leave, we Fuck you guys. (They shout after us as the am- nowhere this guy grabs one of our inter- get on the phone and call an ambulance) bulance pulls up by the curb) viewers by the arm and begs us literally You alright? (Now looking quite concerned) to come interview his friend. Our potential Help is on the way Unfortunately for them, they had at- interview guest didn’t take much of a lik- I told you not to ask me any more questions. (A few minutes later and his friend returns shouting at tracted a lot of attention and the crowd ing to us asking him questions and then For fuck sake what have you done to me? him and then believe it or not kicks him in the gut. We was none too impressed at being led along things took a turn no-one expected. stood there in complete shock, as soon as we realised for the ride. The last thing we saw was a (Now not knowing really what to do) what happened we grabbed him to see the biggest, evilest black coated pair of bouncers lifting the Have you ever heard of Paralysis Analysis? Should I call an ambulance? smile on his face) two jokers by the neck and forcing them to explain why they needed an ambulance so Oh no, no way there is no way I am talking to Go on, I dare you ask me one more question What the fuck are you doing? (A siren is heard in the urgently. you guys. and my mates will kick the fuck out of you, you distance, and then from just behind us a rather familiar We then laughed as the police rounded the c**t. (As he collapses to the ground clutching voice whispers) corner towards the fray. Moral of the story, Ok so no problem!!! (We get up to walk away) his sides) if you are going to be sober don’t pretend to You’ve just been punked. be drunk you’ll just end up with a caution I mean it, don’t ask me again. (Our very es- (Looking around for these friends who are obviously and none of the fun or having an ambulance teemed friend then proceeded to front up to either non-existent or have abandoned their friend) Oh What? to play with. our interviewers) shit hold on. Don’t tell me what to do. Ha we got you, you thought you were interview- Ok relax we won’t, I just wanted to say you had nice hair Are you serious right now? ing drunks but we were sober all along. (The for a girl (in retrospect not the best thing to have said) sounds of the ambulance gets closer)

you happenIf to fi nd yourself in a position like this, feel free to send it in to us. If its your mates, then even better. We can make a good show of them, expose them for the drunken tyrants that they are. Send any ideas into the best [email protected] sent in every issue wins a half-price e copy of the College photo of the fortniGht Tribune. THETHE VOLUME XX ISSUE III TTuurrbbineine super IT’S SATIRE, STUPID! STILL ONLY 31P league inside travel: Stan Staunton – I’m north korea - it’s the bomb! good enough to manage Ireland The Turbine has learned that wear, frolicked on the banks of film review: Steve Staunton believes he the River Lee in Cork, waving is good enough to manage Irish flags and splashing on- united 93 - Ireland’s international soc- lookers as ecstasy took hold cer team. of natives and tourists alike man u’s best The claims come in the around the people’s republic. wake of Ireland’s dropped Staunton could be seen points at home to the Czech afterwards grinning like a ever season Republic last week. Speak- Cheshire cat as he lapped up ing afterwards, Staunton the adulation. “I’m the gaf- immortalised declared, “We’ve done it. I’m fer,” he stated when quizzed the gaffer, and we’re off the on his team selection for the mark.” game. Supporters outside the Staunton had been hailed ground were euphoric as after the performance, with GEORGE George Hamilton contemplat- some going as far as to say ed a historic point won. “Dub- that it was his inspired sub- lin will erupt in a burst of joy, stitutions of Alan Quinn and GALLOWAY: firecrackers, flags and tearful Alan O’Brien that baffled the embraces tonight. We’re cel- Czechs. Dunphy stated, “Well ‘I’M GONNA ebrating a home draw after it was the two Alans really a nail-biting game against a wasn’t it. Those Czechs have team who are fairly good, to fuck all English so when they GIVE THEM be fair.” saw two guys with the same Supporters flocked to the name, they got mixed up. They BOTH centre of the capital to vent didn’t know who to mark. And their delight and relief, scenes hey presto.” BARRELLS’ echoed in villages across Ire- Staunton responded to land from Derry in the north praise outside the ground, to Kerry in the deep south. stating, “I’m the gaffer. I’m the Hundreds of young people, boss,” before adding, “I’m the Irish fan: Looking for Stan Staunton gaffer.” CONFUSION AS many stripped to their under- DIRECTOR FAIL TO CONNECT WITH YOU Louis Walsh

rolling gay for men The Turbine can exclusively reveal A spokesperson for the Or- stones knock that Louis Walsh is gay for MEN. ganisation For Gays who like Men It had been previously thought welcomed the revelations about that Walsh was just gay but one Walsh. people over previous lover has today declared Speaking in a camp and girlish that it is in fact men that he’s gay voice he stated “ this is just fabu- for. lous news, absolutely fabulous, I One music industry insider stat- can’t overemphasise how fabulous ed “ It’s come as a bit of a shock it is.” really. I just can’t understand this. One of Walsh’s protégé’s Brian Or- We all knew he was gay, but men, monde was reluctant to comment weather: we never saw it coming.” but did say that he owes all his At the time of going print Walsh success to Walsh. dry shite was unavailable for comment. It is Ormonde presents a children’s probable that he was with a MAN at television show and is a failed pop the time. star. Louis Walsh: Attempting a cover up SPORT super down the line league with Jack Horgan Jones A true master lost

As the second and third weeks of Superleague Paul Hunter, one of the most rolled around, it became evident that many of gifted snooker players of his the teams’ selection policies and tactical ap- proaches had been influenced by the superstar generation, tragically lost his managerial tenets shown every week across the channel. eighteen month battle with Many selections showed adherence to the Rafa Benitez approach, constantly chopping cancer last week. Harry Smyth and changing in an effort to keep their charges on their toes and avoid complacency. examines the achievements of Other teams dropped the Allardyce ap- proach of risking big name players following an extraordinary man the revelation that the gruff old bear himself was implicated by family connections in the hitherto undetected ‘tapping up’ scandals. In a story which shared many characteristics with Sam’s fall from grace, a shit was found in the woods this week, with Pope Benedict sought for questioning.

"Also, it has emerged that the 89% of statistics used in student newspaper sports columns are never independently verified. This leaves their authors to use the Paul Hunter: A fighter 13% of the surface area right to the last of the paper given over to them free to say more or less what they want"

So with all the grace of Paul Robinson’s To see such a great champion taken in the illustrated by his famous tongue-in-cheek It is often said that there is an absence of horrendous swipe at machismo, UCD again prime of his career is a devastating blow, remark about resorting to “plan b”, during characters and entertainers on the snooker subjected itself to the spectra of youths gaily not just for snooker but the sporting world the interval. This referred to him seeking in- scene today but that clearly didn’t apply to chasing the leather across Belfield. It is, in fact, as a whole. Leaving behind a wife and ten spiration from his future wife Lindsey before Hunter. He was admired by all snooker fans estimated that the average dogger can expect month old daughter, it can only be hoped the evening session. It clearly worked as he for his fun personality, infectious sense of up to 34% of prime campus hunting grounds to that they have felt some degree of comfort stormed back to eventually triumph 10-9 in a humour and modesty in victory. be taken up with this activity at any point over from the massive outpouring of grief his truly compelling sporting occasion. His courage when he was first diagnosed the weekend. many legions of fans have shown. His fondness for the Masters continued the with cancer in April 2005 shone through as Also, it has emerged that the 89% of statis- Tributes from his fellow players were quick following year as he managed to successfully he continued to compete at the highest level tics used in student newspaper sports columns to follow in the immediate aftermath of his defend the title by staging a similarly aston- for the love of the sport and his fans. He put are never independently verified. This leaves passing. “Paul was just a really nice guy and ishing comeback, this time at the expense of in an extremely brave performance that same their authors to use the 13% of the surface a great player”, said seven-times world cham- twice former world champion, Mark Williams. month in the World Championship, battling area of the paper given over to them free to say pion Stephen Hendry. Ken Doherty echoed The icing on the cake for Hunter in the event all the way before just losing out 10-8 in the more or less what they want. this sentiment by saying, “We’ve lost a great first round. The featured match this week took place on character, champion and a great friend. It’s a Despite feeling very weak from his on- the curiously inclined Old Merville pitch. What shocking loss.” "Paul was a great going bouts of chemotherapy and suffering initially looked to be developing into a highly Respected pundit and former player Willie player and I’m from numbness in his hands and feet he cou- competitive occasion between feisty newcom- Thorne was in no doubt that Hunter would rageously elected to participate in both the ers ‘the Posh’ and the ‘Superfriends’ descended have gone on to claim snookers most pres- sure that he would Masters and World Championship earlier this into a fraught, disjointed rout of the former tigious prize if cancer had not struck. “Paul have been a future year. It really is a great testament to Hunter after some questionable refereeing decisions led was a great player and I’m sure that he would that in spite of obviously being very ill in to a good fight. Posh defensive lynchpin Brian have been a future world champion, without world champion, April, he continued to play with a smile on Kennedy was later hospitalized after receiv- a doubt.” without a doubt" his face and never once complained about ing what was, by common consensus, a lucky Early on in his amateur career, there were the gruelling hospital treatment he was re- punch. signs of the immense talent that Hunter Wille Thorn ceiving. Superfriends captain Mark Ryan was unfazed would develop into. He turned professional at Sadly we will never see Hunter again on by the rough and tumble afterwards, “It was the age of 17 on the back of two victories at came in 2004 when he defeated arguably the the big stage but at least people can cherish a good physical game, and we’re glad to have the Pontin’s Star of the Future event. His first best snooker player of all time and certainly the memories of the many special moments come away with such an impressive result. ranking event title came at the Welsh Open in the most talented, Ronnie O’Sullivan. that he managed to provide in such a tragi- We’re aiming to mix it up with the top this 1997 when he beat John Higgins in the final. O’Sullivan was in imperious form early on cally short space of time. season and win the league. It’s hard to imag- This helped him to establish a position in the and established a 7-2 lead. Hunter was not A decision by the World Snooker Associa- ine talking about any negatives after such a lucrative top sixteen of the world rankings and about to give up but surely it was impossible tion on a lasting tribute to Hunter has yet to thumping result." he rose to a career best of number four. to fight back from this position. However for be reached. Many of his fellow players have The task of surmising the Posh’s awful The Masters is the tournament that he will Hunter, no task on the snooker table was be- already given their support to the idea of performance fell to defender Eoin Delap, “it’s be best remembered for with his three titles yond his capabilities and he managed to hit naming the Masters trophy in his honour and the same story every week, it’s not a matter all achieved in the most dramatic of circum- top form just when he needed to as only great this does seem fitting given that it was his of ability, individually we’re capable of pushing stances. His first victory came against Irelands sportsmen can. With the tension in the arena favourite tournament. Perhaps the greatest anyone. Where we’re falling down is the basics, Fergal O’Brien in 2001, which required a tre- almost unbearable, Hunter stayed cool and tribute that can be paid to Paul Hunter is the our fitness, and unfortunately, our effort." Su- mendous fight-back from a 7-3 deficit. finally came out on top after an engrossing fact that in many people’s lives, he will never perfriends midfielder John Butler was keen that His great sense of humour was perfectly final frame decider. be forgotten. his hat-trick be noted. College Tribune 20 SpoRT 17th October 2006 Let the games begin The IFIUS World InterUniversity soccer tournament. class facilities and almost 1500 Games graced the playing fields of It later branched out however, competitors from just under 30 UCD, DCU, IT Blanchardstown and and now consists of Men’s and nations touched down in Ire- the National Basketball Arena, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Basket- land to take part in the four-day Tallaght all last week. ball, Men’s and Women’s Volley- event. In its eighth year running, the ball and an indoor soccer game UCD entered sides in all but Games were originally founded to known as Futsal. the Futsal group, and had var- facilitate a competition in which Held in the Netherlands last ied degrees of success. Here is a universities from around the world year, officials chose Dublin be- closer look at some of this week’s came together to compete in a cause of its abundance of top- action. College crash out at the first hurdle PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRYAN SWEENEY Ian Mahon provides a round up of the escapades of UCD’s men’s soccer team in the World Intervarsity Games

A valiant effort from the UCD freshers’ team in from their group, they were also waiting on MESI Mos- crushed the same opposition 7-0. Yet UCD went out the Intervarsity games last week was not enough cow to stumble at the final hurdle. The unlikeliness in the second half a different team, and made it 1-0 to see them through their group. of this happening was magnified by Moscow’s results shortly after the restart through Art O’Connor with a Things looked bleak on Tuesday when they were so far; 4-0 against UCD, 5-0 against Helsinki and 7-0 good finish following poor defending. Ian Fitzsimons completely outclassed by MESI Moscow in a 4-0 drub- against Santarem. made it 2-0 shortly after with a mazy run from the bing, yet they regained some pride the following day Yet, what’s admirable is that UCD never gave up, right wing following which he slotted the ball into the with a comfortable 3-0 win over ASC Bucharest. Goals despite knowing they were up against it. First up was bottom left corner. from Fitzsimons, Wilson and D’Arcy ensured they re- Helsinki, There was some re- stored some pride to take with them to the final day where the lief for Santarem when of the group. constant Helder Baiao converted What UCD lacked against Moscow was composure, s h r i l l a penalty, but this was yet it was seen in abundance screams short lived and the following their opening of “Pres- UCD onslaught con- day defeat. Shane Nolan, s u r e ” tinued. Peter Clinton UCD’s central defender, from the resurfaced memories proved instrumental in the Helsinki of Ronaldinho vs. Sea- maintenance of a p l aye rs man in 2002 with a clean sheet with a were as cross-cum-shot that commanding dis- annoying looped over the hap- play. Their hard to the less Santarem keeper work in gaining crowd as and into the goal. And a clean sheet they were Paul O’Connor finished was nearly all in vain however useless to the 4-1 rout with the when Bucharest’s striker Juzcun the intim- last kick of the game, Isma scored a scissors kick from idation of neatly placing the ball roughly twelve yards, only to have it the UCD high into the right side cruelly disallowed for offside. t e a m . of the net. College went in search of a posi- W h e n Despite Moscow tive goal difference after earning - Dwayne Wilson struck the post with a penalty won by defeating Bucharest on the final day as expected, 4 on the opening day, so in order De Verehunt, the excuse of ‘It wasn’t our day’ appeared UCD’s never say die attitude was admirable. They to achieve this they approached to be looming. knew they were waiting on other results in order to each game with a refreshingly Yet, when De Verehunt went down again in the box progress, yet they didn’t let this get in the way of their attacking attitude. Despite in the second half, he decided to keep penalty tak- football. Coach Diarmuid McNally, despite UCD’s failure leaving them slightly exposed ing duties to himself, calmly striking the ball to the to progress, can hold his head high as he knows his at the back, the style of football keeper’s right. Sean O’Connor then made it 2-0 with troops fought as hard as they could. being implemented was very pleas- a sweet left foot shot from the edge of the area that It’s an encouraging display that bodes well for the ing on the eye. went in off the post to cap off a victory margin that future. Some of the players on show throughout the UCD went to the final day with two failed to show the dominance UCD possessed in the week look capable of breaking into the UCD first team matches, the first against Helsinki and the game. in the future. And nobody would be more jubilant second against Portuguese outfit Santarem. The final game against Santarem reached half time about this statement than McNally himself, who is Whilst knowing they had to win to progress at 0-0, and was a shock considering Moscow had highly involved in youth development. College Tribune 17th October 2006 SpoRT 21 MESI Moscow clinch world title Eoin Delap MESI Moscow 0 Sth. Russian State 0 Total football wins Moscow win 3-1 on penalties out in ladies final The all-Russian final of the World Interu- niversity Games Men’s Football tourna- UCD fielded a strong side going ment was decided by a penalty shoot- into the Women’s Soccer section Ben Blake out after the sixty minutes of regulation of the games, and by the second Germans. An intriguing battle time failed to separate the ultimate win- day, it showed. Thumping local was witnessed, as the teams ners MESI Moscow from South Russian rivals Trinity College 13-0 in a obviously drained from the com- State University. Dublin Derby, they were sent at mitment showed en route to Both sides had copious opportunities to an outrageous speed back down the final, seemed to cancel each snatch the win but were prevented by poor Russian had imposed on the game as the effort with only moments left on the to reality when eventual winners, other out. Not for the first time finishing and outstanding goalkeeping. half wore on. Their two front men Sou- clock. Kaputhin, who had taken a heavy The Hague University, put five in the week (or the last, as the The Muscovites can thank their ‘keeper lin Eregny and Aragyan Sragis linking up knock earlier in the second half and made past the hosts with only a single Men’s suffered the same faith), Kolarev Stanislow for making some excel- with their midfield through neat passing a Lazarus like recovery to play the entire reply. the cruel coin-toss of penalties lent saves and ultimately securing the sil- caused problems for their opponents. On game, shot towards the upper left hand The German sides involved decided the winner. verware with two penalty stops. one such occasion winger Matreer Kon- corner of the goal. It seemed destined caught the eye from the early It was now down to who The contrasting styles on show, with stantin crossed after making an incisive to be a sensational goal when Stanislow stages and when two of the three could hold their nerve, and on a MESI playing a passing orientated game run to the by-line, his pass found Eregny rose majestically to beat the ball away for met in the semis, an enthralling historically based presumption, and South Russian utilising their physical- who sent the ball well over the cross bar. a corner. battle followed. University of the odds would have seemed to ity, produced a fantastic sceptical and kept Again Rudakov was involved shortly be- By the time the referee blew the whistle Karlsruche and Munich Univer- be stacked against the team the crowd enthralled throughout. fore the break, beating Stanislow in the to conclude the second period MESI were sity of Technology locked horns from Holland. Down the years, The southerners had the best opportu- Moscow goal only for it to be disallowed fortunate to still be within reach of the for an hour without let-up. A German’s thrived on the pressure nities of the opening period as they domi- as the linesman had his flag raised for off- title. It was Stanislow in goal, combined grueling penalty shoot-out then such circumstances provided. nated possession and pushed forward side. with some cool penalty execution that en- took place, and although the two The Hague’s charismatic through their playmaker Alexey Rudakov. The second half followed a similar pat- sured them the accolade. A hundred per- show a characteristically steely keeper had other ideas, however. It was Rudakov who fed forward Ezigozy tern to the first, as South Russian State cent conversion rate of three spot kicks determination even in their spot- As her team mates did their bit Gukasyan for their first attempt on goal, dominated the early period but failed to for the Muscovites meant that two saves kicks, Karlsruche eventually pre- by coolly slotting away each and which travelled marginally left of the Mos- score. Zenis Golobozodik in the South Rus- by their keeper and a third sent wide by vailed victorious to earn a place every one of the spot-kicks put cow post. Again Rudakov was involved sian goal saved well from Mesi midfielder South Russian Alexander Belyavcky decid- in the final with The Hague. before them, she managed to shortly before the break, beating Stanis- Bolshekov Denis, as the Muscovites came ed the outcome. Kazbek Geteriov’s saved The Final at Belfield Park guess the right way on two oc- low in the Moscow goal only for it to be into the game. penalty clinched the title for MESI, and saw brains meet brawn as the casions, overcoming Karlsruche disallowed due to an offside. MESI ‘keeper Stanislow produced a sent the victorious side hurtling euphori- Dutch’s ‘Total Football’ faced 4-2 and winning the prestigious MESI broke the stranglehold that South breathtaking save from a Kazbek Kaputhin cally towards their keeper. the physical efficiency of the prize for her side. College Tribune 22 sport 17th October 2006 Dublin championships in chaos

UCD’s Evening Herald Dublin Senior tors’ needs and especially those with Football Championship semi-final clash Ben Blake children, as one would do well to return with Kilmacud Crokes due to take home before 11:00 that night. place last Thursday, was called off the versial situation, Kilmacud Crokes then UCD on the other hand would gladly day before. decided to make a complaint with the benefit from the midweek game, as The second last four meeting in a Dublin County Board over the time-span many of the players return home to oth- double-header scheduled for Parnell Park given between the quarter-final and er counties on a Friday. that evening was even given the green semi-final. The Stillorgan side met Lucan What these developments mean is light after the other tie between Na Fi- Sarsfields on the Saturday and were due that the Dublin SFC has been effectively anna and St. Vincent’s was postponed. to play College on the following Thurs- thrown into a state of chaos. The Final Following the lodgement of St.Oliver day. The Board believes that the fixture was scheduled for the last weekend Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh’s objection into complies with their five-day rule, how- in October, but with the two semis as the eligibility of Na Fianna player Gary ever. of yet unplayed, the odds are stacked Mullins, the fixture was ‘put on ice’ until The day of the week the match was against the county having their cham- the procedure of a Gaelic Administration penciled in for has also been objected pions ready to enter into the Leinster Committee (GAC) hearing took place. to. Seeking their third successive Dublin Championship. The GAC have since rejected Plunketts’ Championship, Croke officials had previ- The winners in Dublin are due to face case and allowed Na Fianna to progress. ously hoped that the tie land on a week- the victors of Meath or Louth on Novem- However, the Navan Road club may yet end evening, and claim that their play- ber 5th, but at this rate the current Lein- decide to take their argument to the ers would otherwise struggle to make ster champions Kilmacud Crokes may be Leinster Council. it from work. They also believe the 8:30 forced into giving up the defence of their In a highly complicated and contro- throw-in time is detrimental to specta- title. Called Off: UCD will have to wait for another day to face Kilmacud Crokes For Pete’s Sake... Exclusive to the College Tribune

I was gutted by the outcome of league. Saturday’s game in Drogheda. I At the end of the game in think for periods, we battered particular, I thought Drogheda them. First half however, were very cynical. There were a lot we gave them far too much of elbows being used throughout room. Then we got the the match. Without a doubt, the boys in at half time and referee left a lot to be desired. sorted a few things out. I He sent our coach Eddie Wallace thought after the break off out of the technical area for we were much better. simply throwing a bottle of water Okay, you can turn on the ground. Stephen Staunton around and say Dar- kicked his bottle of water across ren Quigley kept us the pitch; Eddie threw it on the in the game with a ground. I thought that if he had save from O’Brien, have been watching what was go- but that’s what ing on on the pitch, he would have he is there for. served both teams better. It doesn’t sur- I mean, Darragh Ryan was prise me that victim of an elbow from Damian he made that Lynch early in the match, and stop because that is what caused the goal. He Darren is the had blurred vision; he missed the best goal- tackle when they broke on us. keeper We were set up well to deal with in the any counter attack, but he’s got a bang in the eye. We had to take him off. He will be alright, but he’s had a bit of a concussion. After that then, we changed things by bringing on Paul Byrne and putting Ronan Finn out right. Paul Doolin: Pete isn't expecting a Christmas card We did get more crosses into the box, but it wasn’t to be. Their ers they have, and the amount of a million miles away really. I’ll be goalie made a great save from money that they spend, I’m sure quite happy if we can strengthen Tony McDonnell, and that was they’re raging about their current the side by getting in the three it really. I was so disappointed; situation, deep down. They can players that I’ll be looking for in I went home dress it up all the off-season. and ate three they like. Six Obviously, we’re going to try Danish cakes. "I was so months ago, our best to hold on to all our cur- Talk about binge disappointed, I it was about rent lads as well. It’s not going drinking, I was winning the to be easy, however. If I was a binge-eating. went home and league. Now betting man, I would say there I’m just re- they’re on as are a couple of our players being ally upset to be ate three Danish if finishing tapped-up already. I’d have no beaten by them. cakes. Talk about third will be a doubt about it. This is something As everyone success. we are going to address very soon. knows, there binge drinking, I have no As I’ve said before, I’m from the is no love lost I was binge- doubt that old-school whereby, if the lad there. That if we can get wants to go, we won’t stand in his little man eating. I’m just the three way. UCD are looking for people Doolin has a really upset to be experienced who are committed and willing to problem with players that battle for the cause. me, big time. I beaten by them" we need for Take a look at Sligo Rovers and think looking next year, their achievements this season for at them on Saturday night we will go places. We are not far example. We honestly believe that though; there is definitely an away. We have been beaten by this club can at the very least underlying problem in that the odd goal a couple of times this emulate their progress if not bet- club, but I don’t know what year by the likes of Cork City and ter it, by having in place a number it is. For the number of play- Drogheda, and I don’t feel we’re of small but significant changes College Tribune 17th October 2006 sport 23 Kicking for Club and UCD and Ireland Under-19 out-half Ian Keatley speaks to Jack Horgan-Jones about winning the Leinster Schools Senior Cup and progressing on both Country the club and international stage The rise of professionalism in rugby went was incredible. Of all the activi- both U-19 and U-20 level, with his fine has given birth to a path of maturation ties in school, participating in the SCT kicking, both out of hand and for goal, from schools player to professional. is without doubt the most time-con- becoming a feature of the Leinster Nearly every single player who would suming. The bonds you form with the team’s game plan. Couple this with comprise a full strength Irish XV has other lads in the team go very deep, considerable skill with ball in hand graduated from the schools system and to win the cup after it becoming and formidable distribution abilities into provincial and international un- such a monkey on the backs of various and the picture of Keatley’s influence der age teams, and finally on to the teams over the years was very spe- over the game becomes clear. full international scene. cial.” “Obviously I was pleased with my The only real exceptions to this rule Having been something of a surprise boot recently, but I’m working hard are John Hayes, Simon Easterby (who selection at 10 the previous year, pro- on other areas of my game too. It’s was exposed to a different brand of the vincial schools honors evaded Keatley, important not to rest on what you’ve same system, being educated in and it was not until after achieved and I’m always looking to the UK) and Geordan Murphy, the Leaving Certificate improve other aspects of my game” who was plucked by Leicester that he got his initial Keatley was part of the Irish U-19 Tigers before coming to the at- chance with the Lein- team, which played in the World Cup tentions of his province. ster U-19 squad. Impres- in Dubai earlier in the year. Although One player in the crux of sive performances at an out-half by trade, he was mainly all these professional machi- various trial games, in- employed in the centre. ‘I do prefer nations is Ireland U-19 repre- cluding representing Lein- to play ten, but at 12 I’m comfortable sentative out-half come centre ster A in a game against too. I think it’s important to introduce Ian Keatley, a rising star with Ireland U-21, led to Leinster versatility to your game.” province, country, and the UCD awarding him an academy con- While he was impressed with the AIL first team. Keatley followed tract. It is with the academy standard of coaching in Dubai, he al- the emerging natural route of that he mainly plies his trade ludes to a little frustration, possibly schoolboy rugby, including play- outside of UCD now. born of the failure to yet saturate ing a pivotal role in the return All across the world of rugby, Penalty: Ian Keatley splits the posts to win for Leinster U19s (Left) Irish rugby entirely with the profes- of the Leinster Schools Senior the increasing physicality of the sionalism seen in other nations. “You Cup (SCT) to Belvedere Col- game is coming to the fore. The best examples of rugby union in the and ball handling, and while the lads got the impression the lads on the lege in 2005 after an absence professional game has diffused northern hemisphere. are obviously fairly massive in some other teams were with each other a of 32 years. from one whose charter was spe- “While we do three weights sessions cases, the idea is not to run at each lot more in training camps, whereas It is this memory that still cifically designed to accommodate a week, the emphasis is on developing other and see who the last one left we only were in camp once every three ranks among his favourite people of all shapes and sizes to power to avoid contact and play the standing is.” weeks. That’s not to slag off the train- in the game. “The feel- one where the Guinness premier- ball out of the tackle. The field ses- To date Keatley has won the inter- ing methods or coaches; it was a little ing when the final whistle ship is considered to be one of the sions have a strong emphasis on pace provincial competition with Leinster at niggle at the time though.”

Student Assistance Scheme 2006/2007

The Student Assistance Scheme 2006/2007 is funded by the Department of Education and Science with assistance from the European Social Fund under the National Development Fund 2000-2006. The scheme is administered by UCD’s Student Welfare and Assistance Committee.

Applicants should note that funding for the scheme has been significantly reduced from that of previous years. This is due to a change in Government policy whereby funding for the Local Authority Top-up grant has been increased. This reduction in funding means that successful applicants will not receive the same level of assistance as was allocated in previous years. Eligible Applicants The Student Assistance Scheme is open to students who are currently registered for a course at UCD. The course must be of at least one year’s duration and must lead to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.

This scheme is targeted at those disadvantaged students most in need.

Application Forms are available from Closing Date Thursday October 26th 2006 at 2.30pm l http://www.ucd.ie/advisers l Chaplaincy and Student Adviser Offices l All students will be notified of the result of their Welfare Officer, Students’ Union application in November 2006 DOWN THE LINE - THE TRAGIC LOSS OF PAUL HUNTER WORLD PAGE 19 INTER- VARSITY GAMES COVERAGE SpoRT PAGE 20 Dogged Drogs keep students at bay

UCD Sweep forward: Conor Sammon’s best chance of the game is saved by Drogheda goalkeeper Dan Connor Photo: Ben Blake UCD were left kicking themselves over free-kick but his low drive could only down the other end the same player however. three points dropped as they failed to Ben Blake force a corner. The energetic midfielder tracked back excellently to snuff out Zayed was given little time to make make the most of second half domi- then turned provider, ending a weaving O’Brien’s powerful run. The ex-Dublin his mark on proceedings, but a thun- nance, going down to a single strike Drogheda Utd 1 run with a flick to Damian Lynch, who City man has adapted with ease since derbolt from Shelly after a determined in the eircom League Premier Divi- lacked accuracy in his attempted lob. his arrival, and is becoming a decent as- surge from the backline nearly put the sion at United Park last Friday. UCD 0 Both sides were hit with injuries and set both at the back and going forward. result beyond doubt. Quigley was again Getting caught flat-footed by a tre- made the respective alterations. Ryan UCD seemed to be finding a degree on-form to make himself big and keep mendous early Drogheda break resulting Eamon Zayed warming the bench. was left with blurred vision after catch- of luck down the left flank through the Sami Ristila at bay when Lynch’s chip in a Declan O’Brien finish, College found And it was the combination of the front ing an elbow from Lynch, and in his place understanding of the two Doyles: Keith to the back was met by the ex-Finnish themselves chasing the game after just two with a neat finish from the former, came Derek Doyle. Glen Whelan also and Derek. When they won a throw-in, International. four minutes. While Darren Quigley un- which provided the opener. Paul Keegan suffered a knock, causing Paul Doolin to Sammon was first to react to latch on doubtedly kept them in the clash on a ended a UCD attack with a well-timed shift Lynch forward to right wing, send- to a long one. Deciding on accuracy over Drogheda United: Connor, Lynch, Grey, Gartland, Robinson, Whelan (Gavin 21’), couple of occasions, Conor Sammon and interception before surging up field. Slic- ing Brian Shelly to right-full and inserting power, College’s top scorer this season Bradley (Zayed 88’), O’Brien (Ristila 75’), Tony McDonnell both saw their efforts ing open the heart of College’s defence, Jason Gavin into centre-half. side-footed goalward, but saw the out- Fitzpatrick, Shelly, Keegan. Subs unused: superbly saved. he offloaded to Fitzpatrick wide on the The midfield pairing of Gary Dicker stretched Connor scramble it away, and Treacy. A high-tempo encounter was pre- left, who teed-up “Fabio” to sweep home and Paul Crowley struggled to stamp eventually clear after several attempts. UCD: Quigley, Kenna, K Doyle, Crowley, dicted as the two sides headed into the comfortably from eight yards. their authority on the game in the first Now on the ascendancy, Mahon took McNally, McDonnell, Kavanagh (P Byrne 72’), Dicker, Sammon, Finn, Ryan (D Doyle 15’). match off the back of morale-boosting Conceding so early on had not been half, meaning the away side created little Kavanagh off for striker Paul Byrne and Subs unused: Shortall, Hussey. victories. While the Students disposed in the plan-books and going a goal down going forward. Sammon and Finn were reverted to 4-4-2, with Finn pushing out of Bray Wanderers with a 4-0 drubbing was a stinging setback for the Students. left to feed off scraps consisting of long, right. The playmaker found more last week, United got the better of Derry Pete Mahon had aimed to pack the mid- high balls sent mainly from Quigley. Al- success out there than before, now Shelbourne 24 31 52 City to keep alive aspirations of a top- field in a 4-5-1 with Ronan Finn dropping though the two worked the line tirelessly, launching in crosses long and short, Derry City 22 19 45 two finish. deep during Drogheda possession, keep- they caused Gavin et al. little concern. whereas before he couldn’t manage Cork City 25 16 44 Darragh Ryan returned to the line- ing a clean sheet and hopefully nicking a Indeed, the closest chance arrived when to impose himself on the tie. Drogheda Utd 24 8 44 up for UCD, whose only other injury winner in the process. All that was now Derek Doyle stormed in to close down an When the ball fell to McDonnell Sligo Rvrs 24 1 39 concerns are the long-term lay-offs of out the window. over-elaborate first touch by Dan Connor. on the edge of the opposition’s box, St Pat’s A 26 1 33 Pat McWalter and Stephen Hurley. For The hosts, accompanied by a boister- The game opened up after the restart, the skipper show great composure UCD 26 -2 29 Drogheda meanwhile, Declan O’Brien and ous home crowd, dictated much of the as the Drogs weren’t content to sit on to step inside onto his left, and then Bohemians 26 0 28 Glen Fitzpatrick were handed the task of play in the early stages, without creat- a narrow lead, while the Students were let fly with a dippy strike. An agile Longford Tn 25 -4 27 infiltrating a strong visiting backline, with ing too many clear-cut chances. Stephen desperate to level the terms. Keith Doy- dive and strong fist of Connor were Bray Wndrs 26 -28 14 Tony Grant and James Keddy still out and Bradley latched onto the end of a quick le’s free-kick wasn’t too far away. Then on-hand to push it around the post, Waterford Utd 26 -22 12 College Tribune Entertainment Supplement the

inside... sirenfilm books music fashion health books charlie bird We talk to Ireland’s great communicator - Page 6

music the frames the go! team Exclusive Interviews - Page 3

film superman vs batman Who would win in a fight? - Page 10

zidanea genius’ many faces hit the big screen Page 11 the 2 3rd October 2006 Music College Tribune siren inside October 17th Electrical storm music Daniel O’Neill previews the highly anticipated DEAF festival

The Dublin Electronic Arts Festival, or D.E.A.F. as it’s more commonly known, is celebrating its fifth birth- day this year and is looking like be- ing one of the best since it began in 2001. It has been acknowledged both as a groundbreaking step in developing the electronic arts in Ireland, and as the Kitt’s voice is often definitive first chapter in the cement- criticized as being ing of Ireland’s reputation as a creative centre for the digital arts. monotone, but here it You might be wondering what the is lifted and given a hell is meant by electronic arts, and no, it has nothing to do with a compu- whole new resonance. ter company that made the game Fifa Aural Examination: P4 soccer. Eamonn Doyle is head of Dublin record company D1 records and one of the main organisers of DEAF. “We take books a very broad view of the electronic arts”, he explains, “we’re open to in- cluding any art-form that incorporates electronic elements from indie guitar bands using electronics sequencers, through to electronic sound art instal- lations, video work etc.” D.E.A.F. was established in 2001 in order to give Irish artists a “platform to showcase their work to Dublin- ers in the company of their inter- national peers.” And according to "They were killing Doyle, “there have been some great highlights over the years including people, they were performances from Underground Re- exploding bombs, sistance, 4 Hero, The Bug, Coil,” and this year promises to be as good, if but this is what not even better than years gone by. journalists do" Doyle himself got involved in the mu- Interview: Charlie Bird: P6 sic industry just after he finished col- lege. “I set up an indie label with some friends called ‘Dead Elvis’ in the early 90s. As my interest in electronic music started to develop, I decided to set up fashion D1 Recordings by myself. “Many different things have devel- oped out of that over the years from running our own record shop and distri- bution company, a weekly club night for the past eleven years, the D.E.A.F. fes- tival and numerous recording projects.” This year D.E.A.F. promises the very best in the contemporary electronic arts being created by artists resi- dent in Ireland. “We are especially privileged this year to be able to of- fer up a celebration of the work of Irish electronic music pioneer Roger Summer is a distant Doyle. Drawing from his numerous memory by now so adventures in early electronica and avant-synth-pop from the 1980s.” lets tone down the But how popular are the electronic orange fever. Please? arts in Dublin at the moment? Doyle Fashion: P9 reckons they’re on the rise: “Right now I Think it’s a fairly healthy scene here, that’s one of the reasons we decided year is Declan McNulty who plans to ing, gestural control interfaces and Irish music festivals” declared Doyle. to do an all Irish line-up this year. “perform half a dozen unique live music multi-channel sound distribution. A “We usually get capacity attend- film “It’s not necessarily a very large sets in as many apartments in Dublin special panel discussion is also set to ance at the D.E.A.F. events. The events scene, but many over the course of take place in the this year range more people are the festival week”. Odessa Club en- "There's a good from very small to starting to incor- "Right now I It would be great titled Digital Dis- medium size gigs”. porate electronics if McNulty decided tribution: Art, Op- chance you're With an abundance into their work Think it's a fairly to use a Merville or portunities, and gonna see of artists set to per- so it’s expand- healthy scene Belgrove apartment Ownership. The form in venues such ing all the time. for one of his per- panel will include something quite as Anseo, Uki Yo, “ Our intent is not here, that's one formances, though Nicky Gogan from different to what The Globe, The In- to project an ex- of the reasons services probably Darklight, Tim ternational Bar, and clusivity of ‘Irish- wouldn’t be too Redfern of Pixel- you're going to The Sugar Club, re- ness’, but rather we decided to keen on the idea. corp, Seamus Car- be exposed to gardless of the size to assert that it do an all Irish Other notable roll of RNG plus the events during is our shared ex- acts set to attend lots more. at other Irish D.E.A.F. are guaran- Chiefly, they seem perience of living line-up this year" this year’s festival “I think it’s an music festivals" teed to be a lot of to expect him not together, which include a special exciting overview fun. makes us what we are. Thus, as Irish, multimedia performance written by of what’s happening in the Irish scene This year the festival takes place to head-butt Italians we have asked our friends, associ- Mike Liffey. right now. Because we try not to be between Wednesday 25th and Bank who insult his seri- ates and contemporaries to come up Taking place in Trinity College, this held back by commercial constraints, Holiday Monday 30th October. For with something special for DEAF 06. combines traditional aspects such as there’s a good chance you’re gonna more information on D.E.A.F, visit their ously ill mother. We’re sure that they won’t disappoint.” music, film and theatre, with technolo- see something quite different to what website at www.deafireland.com. Film Review: P11 One of the stranger performances this gies such as real-time video process- you’re going to be exposed to at other Film

the 3 siren College Tribune Music 17th October 2006 Thinking outside Conor Doyle speaks to Colm Mac an Iomaire from the Frames the frame about life at the moment A few weeks ago, that ever illustrious music- The Frames decided to record their new album, bible, the Evening Herald, printed a small arti- ‘The Cost’ entirely live in the studio, without any cle entitled “What’s the bottom line on…The overdubs. “Yeah, it was definitely,” says Mac an Io- Frames”, written by a certain George Byrne. maire. The Herald does this every week; run an article “I think it’s important to recognise the actual on an event/celebrity/band and proceed to give performance and the moment and to approach the an ‘in a nutshell’ overview of something/someone whole recording process from a more photographic the average person might not know an awful lot point of view rather than resorting to layering the about. music. Capturing the spontaneity and the ether in However, this specific article tried to ‘introduce’ the room is the most important thing and I know The Frames to the reader as one of the worst with this record we’ve got closer to it than before.” bands this country has ever produced. The Frames Although The Frames have been massively suc- are a band that any de- cessful in Ireland, cent lover of music from and moderately so Ireland already knows a in America, their fair deal about, and, most “It’s taken us a long music seems to importantly, respects. have fallen on deaf Anyone who witnessed time to put the right ears in the UK. their unplanned set, clos- When asked if they ing The Big Tree stage at people in place and were content with Electric Picnic, will know now that they’re the level of suc- that in light of that per- cess they currently formance the band duly there it definitely have, or if they deserve the crown of one will giving the UK of Ireland’s greatest, past feels like the tide is more attention in or present. The hardcore the future, Mac an fans were satisfied as coming in, in America Iomaire stated, “I usual, and the uncon- think at this stage verted were enlightened. and Europe” what concerns us Georgy Porgy obviously is longevity and wasn’t there. sustainability. Also, If there is one criticism that can be levelled once you play into the way things operate in the against The Frames, then that would be the reputa- UK you’re either going to be recognised as a suc- put the right people in place and now that they’re America mostly. With the UK, the most important tion they have built over the years as a band whose cess or a failure. there it definitely feels like the tide is coming in, thing to consider about us having success there is records are less impressive than their live act. “I “It’s not that we have our feet up or are com- in America and Europe. We will be playing more at what cost” agree with you but I also have another take on that placent, it’s just things are heading along in such gigs in the UK over the next year or so but I sup- It is clear that unlike other bands who have argument,” says Colm Mac Con Iomaire, one of the a good direction as regards having control over our pose we’ve just been elsewhere, in whored themselves and their music over the years. band’s two founding members. own copyright, our own assets, and we’ve got The Frames have integrity as one of their primary “I don’t necessarily see that observation as a a few worldwide deals with people concerns. Until ‘The Cost’, it could be argued that fault. To be honest, I don’t think there are many who make our records avail- their albums failed to deliver the intimacy good live bands out there. Most bands these days able. and energy of their live shows, but try to give their audiences a note-perfect rendition “It’s taken us as Mac an Iomaire explains, of their albums. Our gigs are usually quite different a long time that is only a testa- to what we do on record; I’d like to think that we’re t o ment to the power one of the few live bands that take it seriously and of witnessing get a kick out of doing things differ- them live. ently.” a go This reputation as a band who - are more easily appreciated s e catches up w live than on record could have t’ wler ith th o e r been one of the reasons why I F G gh o! Hu The The Go! Te Go! Team are a Team's debut album “Thunder, am six-piece band based in Lightning, Strike" captured that “particular sound" and went on to which is Brighton whose sound is hard to receive huge critical acclaim includ- fit into a specific genre. good, but it ing a nomination for the Mercury is more compli- Cheerleading chants and hip- Music Prize in 2005. hop, over 70s retro mixed with cated to balance But admiration isn't what The the opinion." noisy guitars: this isn't your aver- Go! Team are after all - “we're on age band, and it's hard to capture The fruits of his ef- a quite small label and we're not forts should be available in the nature of the music in one advertising much or anything like word. album form before the middle of Ian Parton formed that, it really was two years before next year, but according to Parton, The Go! Team in the people actually vaguely knew us and those who attend the upcoming summer of 2004 we're still very cultish at the mo- performance in Dublin will get a as a means of ment. I'm quite happy with that." sneak preview of five songs which expressing Even though they're content with aren't on “Thunder, Lightning, his eclectic a moderate fan base they embarked Strike". musical style. on a tour of America during the Along with their unique sound, “I was always summer supporting acts such as The Go! Team are also noted for interested in The Flaming Lips and Sonic Youth, their exuberant live performances, the idea of a big influence of Parton's. with two drum kits and a host of in- cramming my “I'd probably say that they're struments including banjos, record- favourite things my favourite band from when I ers, harmonicas and xylophones. together. It was was sixteen or something. And I'm “There are six of us on stage and a hobby randomly still interested in them now, so if we all play lots of different instru- getting samples somebody had told me when I was ments, so it's pretty chaotic from off old records, sixteen or even a year ago, that that point of view. Literally after trying things out we'd be supporting them, I wouldn't every song we're sort of sprinting and trying to get have believed it." across the stage to get to another to a particular The Go! Team are in the proc- instrument!" kind of sound ess of recording their second album And this is exactly what we can before anyone and Parton concedes he is feeling expect from The Go! Team when else did". the pressure in trying to improve they play in the Olympia on the on their successful first album. “I'm 23rd October, chaos. in the studio every day sometimes ‘til the crack of dawn, six in the Check out: m morning [and] I'm still slugging www.myspace.com/thegotea away. [Compared to the first album] it's certainly more of a team effort the 4 17th October 2006 Music College CollegeTribune Tribune siren aural examinations which is, Nothing Else. Kitts melodic singing comes to life over soothing organs and an Air-style drumbeat. While songs like Grey Day and Sleep have classic David Kitt written all over them, they possess a musical quality and lyrical resonance which was lacking on Square One. His two rockier efforts: Don't Fuck with Me and Say No More impressive- david kitt ly show a darker side both lyrically and musically, and Say No More is a not fade away competent upbeat track worthy of nnnnp any aspiring indie band. The excellent use of backing David Kitt's latest offering is a fine vocals throughout Don't Fade Away return to form after the let down of is a defining feature of the album. his last album Square One. This fine Kitt's voice is often criticized as collection of songs definitely won't being monotone, but here it is lifted disappoint his dedicated followers and given a whole new resonance. who adore him for his low-fi melan- This is vividly heard on the brilliant choly wanderings. Up To You, where he enlists the help Interestingly the album also of Romeo and Michelle Stoddart (from features some edgier rock songs The Magic Numbers) with outstand- that work extremely well, but it is in ing results. the quieter songs where we see him Don't Fade Away is an excellent return most triumphantly. album with a good combination of The opening track, One Clear Way melodic songs with thoughtful lyrics. sets the tone for the easy listen- ing songs on the album, the best of Morgan Sheehy

oldsquarelines the ruby tailights dressing up habit of energy nnnnn nnnnp Once the above said ‘getting into it' phase is Oldsquarelines are a quintet of young “It’s first and foremost a collection of hon- complete, Regan's The End of History gets inter- Dublin jazz musicians, consisting of piano, est pop songs. It’s simply about escape esting. Some critics reckon the Bray man is the saxophone, guitar, double bass and drums. and that strange end of summer feeling. next Bob Dylan; high praise indeed, but not without They formed in 2001, intending to perform It’s just what it is” remarks Martin Kelly reason: at any point in Hey Rabbit it seems Regan their original compositions “with an em- (A.K.A. the “Ruby Tailights”) regarding his could break into Dylan's A Hard Rain's a' Gonna Fall. phasis on innovation mixed with acces- much anticipated debut. The ever-modest The track Hey Rabbit is a real gem. The lyrics sibility”. Their debut album, recorded in ex-member of nineties group Sunbear is are very abstract but they are also fun to listen to, 2003, was launched last Sunday to coin- right on the button in describing Dressing especially when he begins sentences with the likes cide with the beginning of their Irish tour. Up, a collection of lo-fi, fuzzy, feel-good of Hey Badger, Hey Rabbit, or Hey Worm. Alongside ‘Ritual’ opens the album with a strong pop. fionn regan Hey Rabbit, tracks: Be Good Or Be Gone and Put A bass groove from Dave Redmond, leading The Ruby Tailights originally started off Penny In The Slot make the top three, with the lat- into a meticulous piano solo by Greg Felton, as a one-man acoustic project before evolv- the end of history ter two songs definitely influenced by Paul Simon before the band break into a dramatic jagged ing into a full live band, but on this album nnnpp melodies. melody. Guitarist Daniel Jacobson’s ‘Peaceful DIY enthusiast Kelly makes a return to his Most good albums take some ‘getting into', and The lyrics and the melodies are what make Fionn Dreamings’ is a beautifully arranged piece, roots of sorts. He plays most of the instru- this is certainly true when talking of Fionn Regan's Regan different to his singer-songwriter coun- complex but wonderfully hum-able, and on ments on the album, with a little help from debut album. Regan fits into the recently saturated terparts. However, although promising in parts, a ‘Beam’, Jacobson and saxophone player long-time friend Joe Chester, and the end singer-songwriter category, but he thankfully pro- number of songs are lacking in originality and sound Sean Og perform a delicate dancing ballad. product is certainly impressive. vides something refreshingly different with some a little too like Damien Rice. ‘Frail Aurora’ provides another high point The opening track Bloodboy oozes sun, neat melodies and very abstract lyrics. Frank Clune on the album, a joyful, intricate melody sand and good vibrations, and along with which launches into great sax and piano so- Lighthead and Back Around, is reminiscent los, before pushing the band through a set of of the summery sounds so often associ- ingly about life “on the streets” over pilfered samples. tightly executed codas, lightly flavoured with ated with Ash or Sufjan Stevens. Title track Step Four: Repeat 14 times. electronic whistles. On ‘Upside Down’, the Dressing Up stands out as the most eerily Baby J leers menacingly out from the album cover look- band juggle with tempo shifts, anchored by beautiful of Martin’s more haunting num- ing like a bouncer that you’ve just accidentally spilled your Redmond’s bass playing. On the final track, bers, while Rocket is pick of the shoe gaze drink on. He’s an old hand at the producing game by now, ‘Channel 2’, Carpio’s drumming shines as he songs, no doubt a reminder of Martin’s Sun- having been around since he was discovered by an A&R at tears up the rhythm of the outro, before re- bear days. Wu-Tang in 1995. building it up again. Single Switch will sound pretty familiar, J is probably best known for his work with British rappers With this recording, Oldsquarelines have having already received plenty of airplay Yogi and Skinnyman, churning out passable radio-friendly established their skills both as players and when it was released as part of an EP hip-hop. Yogi pops up on FTP2, along with a host of other composers. They have recorded an album of earlier this year. The Switch EP was met Baby J British artists including Fallacy, Laurissa, Dynamite MC and contemporary music that is indeed acces- with such enthusiasm and critical acclaim Fight the Power 2 Rukus. Rukus’ track is called You Think Your Cool. sible, lively and exciting. that the demand for more sun-drenched npppp It’s a bouncy, energetic number, and the only thing worth This album captures the essence of harmonies was high. The Tailights only too listening to on this formulaic, dull and instantly forgettable their impressive live shows; as a result happily produced an album that exceeded Welcome to ‘How To Make A Hip-Hop Record In Four record. of playing together for many years, they all expectations, gentle enough to fill the Easy Steps’ with Baby J, surely Derby’s finest living hip- There’s a lot of innovative, exciting stuff coming out of display great collective empathy when background with soothing summer melo- hop producer. Britain’s burgeoning hip-hop scene right now, but instead improvising, and this is reflected in the dies but far too entrancing to ever be la- Step One: Listen to lots of good soul and R&B albums of having confidence in his own scene, Baby J tries (and coherency found throughout the album. belled background music. In other words, from the 60’s and 70’s. fails) to copy US artists like Cam’ron and Ludacris. As such Recommended. it’s perfect pop Step Two: Steal big chunks from said soulful classics. this is a big step backwards. Bad buzz. Deirdre Flannery John O'Flynn Step Three: Get a load of your mates to rap unconvinc- Aidan Mac Guill the 5 siren College Tribune Music 17th October 2006 Going directly to the top of the charts Fionn Dempsey checks out the fi rst album from Ireland’s hottest up-and-coming band From their first appearance in Dublin music-venues, makes excellent use of a modest mid-range, although alternative guitar pieces running through the work. director nigh on two years ago now, Director showed great one suspects that he is not confined to it. ‘Standing In My Way’ is a swift, eloquent lamen- promise. His voice is both sharply crisp and warmly invit- tation on estranged love. The sombre verse of we thrive on big cities A series of Temple Bar Music Centre gigs, nearly ing, yielding a rich and delicate sensitivity. He can ‘Leave It To Me’ explodes into a concert-killing nnnnn every two weeks in early 2004, brought them instant exude the suave confidence of Alex Kopranos, and refrain, in what could perhaps be the flagship attention from Atlantic Records, and presentiments yet still plunder the weighty and sonorous tones of single. of a new and distinctive force in Irish music began to Nick Cave. Consonant-perfect delivery only serves to But it is the unusual songs on WTOBC surface in diverse places. sharpen the poignancy of his lyrics, giving the lie to that really deliver the punch. Title track ‘Big Watching them play was to know the quiet tremor the belief that enunciation and emotion operate at Cities’ is an ironic, uneasy lament on loneli- of watching a grand history unfold before your eyes. opposite ends of a sliding scale. ness, the most beautifully serene vocal track By all accounts, great things were expected. More generally, the band’s sound is fastidious and on the album. Here, on their debut album, ‘We Thrive On Big Cit- refined. Normally, when a band chooses to produce The sad, shuffling rhythm of ‘Can You Take ies’ (WTOBC), Director deliver something really spe- a record on its own, this is an occasion for reserva- It?’ evokes downhearted days, swift in the cial. This is, perhaps the perfect kind of debut album. tions, but in this case it has proven to be the correct passing, as Moloney sings to an unnamed com- At 34 minutes, it is compact and precise: a statement decision. panion: “You’re filling time, and it is running out, of intent, an aural manifesto, and a consummate WTOBC reveals a band acutely aware of its own you’ve got to help yourself, you’ve got to help piece of extended song-craft. sound, of its strengths and affinities. Nothing about yourself”. A comparable debut would be The Killers’ ‘Hot Fuss’ this record is an accident. Sparse, tender lyrics are And still, after all this, what emerg- – short, fresh, innovative, and bursting with youthful, deployed in smart, catchy melodies framed by per- es, what is most astonishing about elegant vigor. Director write songs; self-contained fect instrumentation. the work, is its deliberate restraint. snappy pop-ballads, instantly likeable, and with an Crisp, simple drum rhythms inconspicuously un- What could so easily have been an emotional depth that rewards further listening. derscore the verses, with just the right amount of overreaching compendium of live Hot Press has branded them an “Irish Interpol”. rudimentary spice. Stout, clever basslines pepper the hits is instead a deftly contained This is a shallow observation, and does justice to mix, a faint echo of Talking Heads. Lean, chirpy solos masrepiece. “We Thrive On Big Cities” neither band. The comparison rests, I am sure, on lift off the record in neat, punchy tones, recalling the is only the first modest movement in the similar vocal range of Director’s Michael Moloney timeless, production-perfect quality of Steely-Dan. a longer campaign; the overture to a and Interpol’s Paul Banks, but other than this, the This is pop music in the classic sense. Not the cyni- future epic. It’s no fluke it’s at No2 in comparison falls flat. cal adherence to formula in service of marketability the album charts, and I urge you to go While Banks’ voice reverberates with a stuttering, which fills our charts, but that perfect, delicate bal- out and hear why. inarticulate angst inherited from Ian Curtis, Moloney’s ance between content and form; that sheer creativity voice visits entirely different territories, and a closer tempered by strict, economic craft with which the 5 out of 5 vocal kinsperson would be Nina Simone. Beatles became great, by which Brian Wilson became Indeed, his singing is perhaps the centerpiece of a household name. this record. At times brash and self-possessed, at Fans of top 10 single ‘Reconnect’ will find here Fionn Dempsey times smooth and crooning, Moloney’s performance plenty to please them, with a strand of comparable Gig Watch myspace artist This Week: th The Faint From 17 October www.myspace.com/thefaint Wed Oct 18 Goo goo dolls Olympia Theatre of the fortnight Fri 20 Oct Miss Kittin TBMC Andy Cato & FunkD’Void Tripod Electro-rock done properly is delightful. Americans The Faint Sat 21 Oct Zero 7 & Jose Gonzalez Olympia do delightfully proper electro-rock excellently. Signed to the Andy Smith Pod/Crawdaddy independent Saddle-Creek Records along with other credibles Sun 22 Oct Ryan Adams & The Cardinals Orenda Fink and electonica masters Schneider TM, The Faint Olympia don't prioritise popularity over their art. Mon 23 Oct The Go! Team Olympia Fortunately for them, and us, their art is writing the Liam McDemott Whelans filthiest synth-lines, the most infectious beats, with catchy Tue 24 Oct Tom Jones The Point basslines and guitar riffs. Attention grabbing lyrics - dealing John Cale Vicar St with interesting and novel reflections on the sleazy underbel- Buena Vista Social Club NCH ly of modern life - are cloaked in the most interesting vocal Wed 25 Oct Toumani Diabate’s effects this side of the 1980's to great effect. Symmetric Orchestra Vicar St? Treading the thin line between Berlin-cool and hammed up Thu 26 Oct Magda Wax synth music, they reward the visitor to their myspace page Fri 27 Oct Messiah J & with four catchy, funky and gritty tunes from their five- The Expert Crawdaddy record back-catalogue. Standout ‘Worked Up So Sexual' is a Sat 28 Oct Electric Shock TBMC perfect example of the frenzied, relentless and compelling DEAF Festival Various venues mixture of electronics and instruments that The Faint do so Sun 29 Scratch Perverts TBMC well. Steve Angello Spirit A blog posted on the page even allows fans to request the Sun 29 James Brown Olympia next songs to be added to the player on the page and to add Mon 31 We Are Scientists Ambassador to a list the bad are compiling of every show they've ever Nov 7th Dropkick Murphys Ambassador done, this is a band using myspace to actually interface with Nov 21 Christina Aguielra Point their fans. The Faint aren't to be found through the myspace Nov 22nd Tool Point ‘Search Artist' function, you have to type their URL to find Dec 10 Tenacious D RDS them or go through people they are friends with. Dec 15th MC5, David Holmes, Johnny Moy, Humanzi Nonetheless, they still enjoy a fanbase of 39531 friends Ambassador on the network. That many people can't be wrong, go and listen to them now. UCD: Ronan Dempsey November 8th - The Stone Roses Experience November 16th – Justice Dance Pig the 6 17th October 2006 Books College Tribune siren A bird’s eye view of the world Coinciding with the release of his new book ‘This is Charlie Bird’, the man himself speaks to Colin Gleeson about his secret meetings with the Provisional IRA, his time covering the Gulf War and about being a journalist He is an animal who is well and truly out of his skin. went there. In relation to the second war, my colleague troubles in the North of Ireland, but I can tell you what we Yet, he seems comfortable with this juxtaposition. “I’m Richard Downs was the person who was sent to Bagh- witnessed out there was difficult and it was bloody and getting used to the other side of the microphone,” he dad. And I’m being quite honest about it; I’m not certain, I was scared. But you go places and when you’re there, chuckles. “It does feel weird to given what’s happening there today, that I’d you’ve no choice; you just have to go with it and try to be interviewed though,” he con- have the courage to go there. You’ve make sure you’re as safe as possible.” cedes. seen the latest reports, the amount The emotional trauma of witnessing the atrocities of The irony of recent times for of death and destruction. the world can take a significant toll on the mind of a Charlie Bird lies in the fact that “But I covered the second war from journalist, and the Dubliner concedes that these were any element of celebrity status Kuwait. You’re scared. Every reporter hard times in the course of his life. “It has an effect, and that has come his way with the who goes to these places is either any reporter who says it doesn’t is a liar. I mean last year recent release of his new book scared or mad. You’re totally mad. It’s I covered the Tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake. You is as close to normality as it good to be a little scared or appre- have to do your job but it’s difficult and it’d hard. But lis- gets for the Dubliner, whose es- hensive because if you’re not, then I ten, you go there for a week or ten days, think about the capades span three decades of think you’re no use to anybody. There doctors, the nurses, and the rescue workers who have to adventure, courage and facing up are some people go at an even bigger level. to adversity. who are totally “It’s difficult to leave these This Juxtaposition is not an devoid of any "There were places you know. That’s where alien concept for Charlie Bird. He fear of anything we’re fortunate and that’s why recalls how he failed his leaving but I think it’s three of us and I’ve always given sincere praise to cert and got involved in the La- good to have a I was scared people who volunteer, be it work- bour Party, purely because there certain amount ing for GOAL, Concern or the Red was little else to do at a time of fear and ap- witless because Cross. Take even the Irish soldiers say, you know, ‘How are you doing’ and ‘Haven’t seen you to help because it was getting bigger. I put money in my when “everybody in the country prehension. But I who go to Lebanon, who went to for a couple of months, how are things going’, yeah I’d talk meter in Merrion Square at three minutes to one and at was involved in one protest or have to say that there was so the Congo. The guards who went to to them. There were four of them. I mean I got to know twenty-five to two, I was on my way to the Mater Hospi- another. there are far bet- Bosnia and Sarajevo, these people them. I got to know who they were, a little bit about them. tal. But the day you become a ter reporters, by much shooting are streets ahead. How they operated and so on. “I just walked up there, I was talking to the RTE news- journalist is the day you walk a long way, who going on" “There are missionary Irish “I describe in the book one particular guy I met, he room, and out of nowhere, an unprovoked attack hap- away from politics. And thank- have gone into priests and nuns who are working was the first guy I met, and he wouldn’t tell me the time pened. There were a couple of them I think, although I’ve fully, I was happy to walk away from politics. I don’t think I difficult situations.” all over the world in difficult places in South America, of day other than what he was supposed to tell me. But no idea. I heard somebody calling ‘Charlie Bird you orange would have made a good politician anyway. I wasn’t partic- Bird’s voice lowers slightly as he recalls his most fright- in Brazil, campaigning against slavery. Believe it or not there was one or two of them who would engage me in bastard’, and they started to rain punches down on me. I’m ularly good at it. It’s hard to look back at the time, as I say ening experience as a journalist. “I remember in the early – there are still people who are slaves today in the world. conversation but I knew I wasn’t going to change them. sure there are lots of people, lots of students who’ve gone the north of Ireland was happening, civil rights marches nineties, I went to Mogadishu in Somalia just after the civil Irish missionary priests and nuns all over Africa, who are at But it was an interesting dialogue. through the experience of an unprovoked attack, but I now were happening, Bloody Sunday had happened. The whole war. It was Easter time with an RTE camera crew. There the sharp end of dealing with helping people who are suf- The element of surprise in his voice is clear as he re- know what it’s like. country, everybody down here, was involved in some form were three of us and I was scared witless because there fering from AIDS, these are just brilliant people. So, if you sponds to a question about making small talk with these “If it happens to you once, it’s something you will never of protest. Things were going on so I was no different to was so much shooting going on. go there for a week as a journalist, you can get on your men. “Yeah of course I did. Not with all of them, but with ever forget in your life. That was the first time I was ever anybody else. “It was one of the most dangerous places in the world nice plane and come home and then a few gin and ton- some of them I did. It was fascinating. They would ask me involved in an unprovoked attack, out of nowhere. There’s “When you become a journalist, you have to do your to go to at the time. I was well out of my depth but I ics on the plane back. But these people are staying there what I thought of certain things. a legal case pending now with the job without fear or favour to anybody. If you’re a journalist was with the international committee of the Red Cross, longer, and even more importantly, the people themselves “And of all the dealings I’ve had guys involved.” and wearing a political collar on your sleeve, you’re dead, and it was scary. The cameraman was a man called who live in these countries; they will be there for many with my contacts, they never once The path Bird has chosen to you’re finished; you’re not going to survive in it.” Johnny Coughlan from RTE who’d worked in Belfast and years afterwards. told me a lie. Never once. Now, "They were killing tread in his life is one that has put Bird speaks like a metronome might. Like he is report- the soundman was Paddy McEntee, who had experienced “I think the one important thing, journalism today, twen- there were many occasions when considerable staring on his family ing the news still. He is composed, calculated, ty years ago we went to places and we never went back they wouldn’t answer questions or people, they were life – most notably when his mar- he means to say every word that leaves there, at least journalists today are going places and then say anything but when they did say riage broke down in 1998. After a his lips. His emotions under lock and going back time and time again. So we don’t just run in something, it always turned out to exploding bombs, disturbing media slur campaign key. He is modest about the courage Honoured: Bird and walk out and never go back again. I think that’s im- be correct. There were plenty of but this is what against him, Bird was reluctant he has displayed in his field. He ex- pictured with portant.” occasions when I asked a question to write about his private affairs plains, “Richard Downs who goes Michael Flatley on Charlie Bird has seen his faced his fair share of adver- and they said: ‘We can’t talk about journalists do" in much detail as he put the book to Baghdad regularly and Richard receiving an honoury sity at home as well as abroad. For many years, he has that’, ‘I’m not going to answer that’, together. Crowley who goes to the Middle degree in 2004 been the middleman between the Provisional IRA and the and so on. “I didn’t go into that in great de- East, Israel and the West Bank, Irish people. Secret meetings and covert conversations “That was the basis of the relationship. I mean if some- tail, I touched on it because I would have been a hypocrite these people really have tre- have left him with a unique insight into Irish history over body told me something that wasn’t true, then the rela- if I didn’t mention it - the fact that my marriage broke up. mendous courage. There are the past twenty years. tionship wasn’t going to last. It was built on trust. To some But it is not a central issue. In fact, I’ve been criticised in lots of reporters and organi- “It came about in the early nineties. Other broadcast extent, I was like the postman. I was collecting messages some book reviews because I didn’t give it more detail, but sations all over the world organisations, other international media had contact from a paramilitary organisation and I was delivering them I was never going to go down that road. All I could say was doing this. They are the with the IRA, and RTE felt we should do the same. I to the public. – marriages break up, problems happen. I’m sure you know true heroes of journalism was asked to do the job and I went did it. Initially it “But I did get an insight. And by meeting people and the people, everybody does, whose had marriage difficulties on an international level. I was a bit scary but it got easier. people around them, I did get an insight, there is no doubt or a break-up. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody but life goes wouldn’t even put myself “The more that you went on, the more that you that I got an insight into the peace process and what was on and things happen.” in their shadow.” become familiar with the people you meet. I mean going on and how it was developing which other journal- His book is out now, and it gives a remarkable insight put it this way; I never felt my life was in danger. ists never got. The meetings are described in the book but into the life and times of this country’s most famous jour- The truth of the matter I might get a bit scared and I went places that I they happened in the strangest places.” nalist. He is a man who is passionate about what he does. however, is that Bird has put found a bit odd and this was when their cam- It was Bird’s connections with the Provisional IRA that He explains what it means to him, and in doing so, gives his head on the block for the paign of violence was still in progress. They were made the attack on him during the ‘Love Ulster’ parade, all a rare glimpse of what drives the man, “You just have this cause on many occasions. He killing people, they were exploding bombs, but the more baffling. He recalls, “I was in Dublin, in Boswells desire. You want to do something. To me, being a good recalls covering the Gulf wars this is what journalists do. Hotel meeting a person about a story at twelve o’clock in journalist, it’s in your head. It’s like, once you get up to ride for RTE. “I was out there for It is a frightening prospect to humanise these men. the day, nothing to do with what was going on. a bicycle; you’ll be able to ride it forever. You get that feel- the first Gulf War. I went to But that’s what Bird had to do, and that’s what he does “At about twenty past twelve, I was walking out and ing. If you’re going to be a good journalist, it’s there. It’s in Baghdad on two occasions. It now. “I spoke to them,” he explains, “I’d sit down with I got a phone call from the RTE newsroom saying there your head. It’s an ability that you have. A good journalist is was after the Iraqi invasion I them for a cup of coffee, depending on where I was and was trouble on O’Connell Street and would I get up there someone who has a love for the job.” the 7 siren College Tribune Books 17th October 2006 A bird’s eye view of the world

He is an animal who is well and truly out of his skin. went there. In relation to the second war, my colleague troubles in the North of Ireland, but I can tell you what we Yet, he seems comfortable with this juxtaposition. “I’m Richard Downs was the person who was sent to Bagh- witnessed out there was difficult and it was bloody and getting used to the other side of the microphone,” he dad. And I’m being quite honest about it; I’m not certain, I was scared. But you go places and when you’re there, chuckles. “It does feel weird to given what’s happening there today, that I’d you’ve no choice; you just have to go with it and try to be interviewed though,” he con- have the courage to go there. You’ve make sure you’re as safe as possible.” cedes. seen the latest reports, the amount The emotional trauma of witnessing the atrocities of The irony of recent times for of death and destruction. the world can take a significant toll on the mind of a Charlie Bird lies in the fact that “But I covered the second war from journalist, and the Dubliner concedes that these were any element of celebrity status Kuwait. You’re scared. Every reporter hard times in the course of his life. “It has an effect, and that has come his way with the who goes to these places is either any reporter who says it doesn’t is a liar. I mean last year recent release of his new book scared or mad. You’re totally mad. It’s I covered the Tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake. You is as close to normality as it good to be a little scared or appre- have to do your job but it’s difficult and it’d hard. But lis- gets for the Dubliner, whose es- hensive because if you’re not, then I ten, you go there for a week or ten days, think about the capades span three decades of think you’re no use to anybody. There doctors, the nurses, and the rescue workers who have to adventure, courage and facing up are some people go at an even bigger level. to adversity. who are totally “It’s difficult to leave these This Juxtaposition is not an devoid of any places you know. That’s where alien concept for Charlie Bird. He fear of anything we’re fortunate and that’s why recalls how he failed his leaving but I think it’s I’ve always given sincere praise to cert and got involved in the La- good to have a people who volunteer, be it work- bour Party, purely because there certain amount ing for GOAL, Concern or the Red was little else to do at a time of fear and ap- Cross. Take even the Irish soldiers say, you know, ‘How are you doing’ and ‘Haven’t seen you to help because it was getting bigger. I put money in my when “everybody in the country prehension. But I who go to Lebanon, who went to for a couple of months, how are things going’, yeah I’d talk meter in Merrion Square at three minutes to one and at was involved in one protest or have to say that the Congo. The guards who went to to them. There were four of them. I mean I got to know twenty-five to two, I was on my way to the Mater Hospi- another. there are far bet- Bosnia and Sarajevo, these people them. I got to know who they were, a little bit about them. tal. But the day you become a ter reporters, by are streets ahead. How they operated and so on. “I just walked up there, I was talking to the RTE news- journalist is the day you walk a long way, who “There are missionary Irish “I describe in the book one particular guy I met, he room, and out of nowhere, an unprovoked attack hap- away from politics. And thank- have gone into priests and nuns who are working was the first guy I met, and he wouldn’t tell me the time pened. There were a couple of them I think, although I’ve fully, I was happy to walk away from politics. I don’t think I difficult situations.” all over the world in difficult places in South America, of day other than what he was supposed to tell me. But no idea. I heard somebody calling ‘Charlie Bird you orange would have made a good politician anyway. I wasn’t partic- Bird’s voice lowers slightly as he recalls his most fright- in Brazil, campaigning against slavery. Believe it or not there was one or two of them who would engage me in bastard’, and they started to rain punches down on me. I’m ularly good at it. It’s hard to look back at the time, as I say ening experience as a journalist. “I remember in the early – there are still people who are slaves today in the world. conversation but I knew I wasn’t going to change them. sure there are lots of people, lots of students who’ve gone the north of Ireland was happening, civil rights marches nineties, I went to Mogadishu in Somalia just after the civil Irish missionary priests and nuns all over Africa, who are at But it was an interesting dialogue. through the experience of an unprovoked attack, but I now were happening, Bloody Sunday had happened. The whole war. It was Easter time with an RTE camera crew. There the sharp end of dealing with helping people who are suf- The element of surprise in his voice is clear as he re- know what it’s like. country, everybody down here, was involved in some form were three of us and I was scared witless because there fering from AIDS, these are just brilliant people. So, if you sponds to a question about making small talk with these “If it happens to you once, it’s something you will never of protest. Things were going on so I was no different to was so much shooting going on. go there for a week as a journalist, you can get on your men. “Yeah of course I did. Not with all of them, but with ever forget in your life. That was the first time I was ever anybody else. “It was one of the most dangerous places in the world nice plane and come home and then a few gin and ton- some of them I did. It was fascinating. They would ask me involved in an unprovoked attack, out of nowhere. There’s “When you become a journalist, you have to do your to go to at the time. I was well out of my depth but I ics on the plane back. But these people are staying there what I thought of certain things. a legal case pending now with the job without fear or favour to anybody. If you’re a journalist was with the international committee of the Red Cross, longer, and even more importantly, the people themselves “And of all the dealings I’ve had guys involved.” and wearing a political collar on your sleeve, you’re dead, and it was scary. The cameraman was a man called who live in these countries; they will be there for many with my contacts, they never once The path Bird has chosen to you’re finished; you’re not going to survive in it.” Johnny Coughlan from RTE who’d worked in Belfast and years afterwards. told me a lie. Never once. Now, "They were killing tread in his life is one that has put Bird speaks like a metronome might. Like he is report- the soundman was Paddy McEntee, who had experienced “I think the one important thing, journalism today, twen- there were many occasions when considerable staring on his family ing the news still. He is composed, calculated, ty years ago we went to places and we never went back they wouldn’t answer questions or people, they were life – most notably when his mar- he means to say every word that leaves there, at least journalists today are going places and then say anything but when they did say riage broke down in 1998. After a his lips. His emotions under lock and going back time and time again. So we don’t just run in something, it always turned out to exploding bombs, disturbing media slur campaign key. He is modest about the courage and walk out and never go back again. I think that’s im- be correct. There were plenty of but this is what against him, Bird was reluctant he has displayed in his field. He ex- portant.” occasions when I asked a question to write about his private affairs plains, “Richard Downs who goes Charlie Bird has seen his faced his fair share of adver- and they said: ‘We can’t talk about journalists do" in much detail as he put the book to Baghdad regularly and Richard sity at home as well as abroad. For many years, he has that’, ‘I’m not going to answer that’, together. Crowley who goes to the Middle been the middleman between the Provisional IRA and the and so on. “I didn’t go into that in great de- East, Israel and the West Bank, Irish people. Secret meetings and covert conversations “That was the basis of the relationship. I mean if some- tail, I touched on it because I would have been a hypocrite these people really have tre- have left him with a unique insight into Irish history over body told me something that wasn’t true, then the rela- if I didn’t mention it - the fact that my marriage broke up. mendous courage. There are the past twenty years. tionship wasn’t going to last. It was built on trust. To some But it is not a central issue. In fact, I’ve been criticised in lots of reporters and organi- “It came about in the early nineties. Other broadcast extent, I was like the postman. I was collecting messages some book reviews because I didn’t give it more detail, but sations all over the world organisations, other international media had contact from a paramilitary organisation and I was delivering them I was never going to go down that road. All I could say was doing this. They are the with the IRA, and RTE felt we should do the same. I to the public. – marriages break up, problems happen. I’m sure you know true heroes of journalism was asked to do the job and I went did it. Initially it “But I did get an insight. And by meeting people and the people, everybody does, whose had marriage difficulties on an international level. I was a bit scary but it got easier. people around them, I did get an insight, there is no doubt or a break-up. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody but life goes wouldn’t even put myself “The more that you went on, the more that you that I got an insight into the peace process and what was on and things happen.” in their shadow.” become familiar with the people you meet. I mean going on and how it was developing which other journal- His book is out now, and it gives a remarkable insight put it this way; I never felt my life was in danger. ists never got. The meetings are described in the book but into the life and times of this country’s most famous jour- The truth of the matter I might get a bit scared and I went places that I they happened in the strangest places.” nalist. He is a man who is passionate about what he does. however, is that Bird has put found a bit odd and this was when their cam- It was Bird’s connections with the Provisional IRA that He explains what it means to him, and in doing so, gives his head on the block for the paign of violence was still in progress. They were made the attack on him during the ‘Love Ulster’ parade, all a rare glimpse of what drives the man, “You just have this cause on many occasions. He killing people, they were exploding bombs, but the more baffling. He recalls, “I was in Dublin, in Boswells desire. You want to do something. To me, being a good recalls covering the Gulf wars this is what journalists do. Hotel meeting a person about a story at twelve o’clock in journalist, it’s in your head. It’s like, once you get up to ride for RTE. “I was out there for It is a frightening prospect to humanise these men. the day, nothing to do with what was going on. a bicycle; you’ll be able to ride it forever. You get that feel- the first Gulf War. I went to But that’s what Bird had to do, and that’s what he does “At about twenty past twelve, I was walking out and ing. If you’re going to be a good journalist, it’s there. It’s in Baghdad on two occasions. It now. “I spoke to them,” he explains, “I’d sit down with I got a phone call from the RTE newsroom saying there your head. It’s an ability that you have. A good journalist is was after the Iraqi invasion I them for a cup of coffee, depending on where I was and was trouble on O’Connell Street and would I get up there someone who has a love for the job.” the 8 3rd October 2006 Health College Tribune siren

Alive and kicking Feeling tired and lethargic? An enjoyable way to improve your lifestyle and raise your energy levels is just around the corner. Suzy Cody explains the benefi ts of getting involved in sports Sports. Why do people bother? All that effort involved going out, what you’re wearing, the essay that was due A huge bonus of being a member of certain and for what? First, you have to drag your gym bag all yesterday and so on. clubs, beyond the obvious, is that trips and compe- the way into college. Then you have muster up the Exercise also gives you an opportunity to mix so- titions are often organised. In the Ultimate Frisbee courage to walk to the sports hall and play sports (or cially. Included in the price of joining a club, are the club, they are organising a trip to Edinburgh in Oc- in other words run around like a headless chicken) people and the friendships that come hand-in-hand. It tober for a beginner·s tournament. Traveling by train and get all red in the face and sweaty. is a unique strategy of making friends with common for an enjoyable weekend away with plenty of ban- Don’t forget, all of this in front of your peers. If you interests. There is a huge array of clubs to suit any ter and the obligatory drinking is definitely an event join the gym then you pay the exorbitant fee of 185 euro interests. For example, the range includes: archery, bas- not to be missed. For any who missed out on joining and all in principle to get fit, build those muscles and ketball, canoe, fencing, golf, kung fu, ninjutsu, surfing, a particular club back in fresher·s week, don’t despair, maybe lose some weight. because there will be another chance in Outweighing the obvious disadvan- January when the college runs the Re- tages, every expert in the health field freshers week. promotes exercise as a positive step But if a weight bearing exercise is towards living a healthy life. The most not for you, don’t worry. Every student obvious purpose of exercising is for the can exercise in his or her own person- benefit of our bodies and minds. alised way. There are many alternatives if joining a gym or team sports do not BUPA Ireland advises the public appeal. The key to any activity is find- to exercise in order to: ing the right one. An exercise that you enjoy, something that you find fun, e.g. ● Increase Levels of HDL or “good” swimming, rollerblading, skipping, rock cholesterol, climbing, cycling. It can help you to ● Lower blood pressure, relieve stress, something that can be ● Help improve body composition by very important to do in the lead up to burning fat, exams. ● Promote healthy blood sugar lev- els, If motivation is something you're ● Promote bone density, lacking then here are some sug- gestions that the UCD Health ● Boost the immune system. Service makes. Things like HDL and bone density In addition to, or in place of relaxa- mean little to the average UCD student tion exercises, you may choose to work but the conclusion of the bullet points off your stress through physical exer- is that activity is good. Those of us cise. Apart from calming you down, ex- who do partake in exercise and sports ercising also increases the rate of blood do so for other reasons then the above. ultimate frisbee etc. flow around your body, and to the brain as well. It ap- Studies have shown that regular exercise could be Archery originated as a form of hunting and was then pears that this can really help you to think more clearly just as effective as anti-depressants for lifting your adopted for use in destructive warfare. However, it then and to learn better. mood and building your self-esteem. evolved in medieval times, into a lower-class weapon It doesn’t really matter whether you cycle, swim, Exercise releases adrenaline and gets the blood due to the cheap production of bows and arrows, com- play tennis, kick box, or do anything else as long as it’s pumping, thereby producing a feel-good effect. Having pared to armour and a sword. your whole body you’re exercising. Sorry, Chess just isn’t a good work out and getting a little sweaty makes you Now it is a highly competitive and specialised sport, good enough. Try going for a brisk thirty-minute walk. feel you’re actively helping your body and self-image. requiring much expertise in the field. Luckily, in the ar- And focus on letting go of body tension. Most students This adds to a healthy mind and enables you to focus chery club in UCD there are experts at hand to help return from such walks feeling decidedly more relieved on the more pressing matters in life. What night you’re the novices. and relaxed. the 9 siren College Tribune Fashion 19th September 2006 5 Dress to impress at your debs Feeling the last minute panic? Don’t worry because its not to late to fi nd the debs dress (or tux) of your dreams and have IN a wonderful night. Caitrina Cody has some advice. Belts Its that time of year again, when the Belts are back this season hunger for the perfect debs dress but the emphasis is firmly can be seen in the eyes of every fe- on the waist- team them male first year. It is the Debutante with cosy cardigans and Ball season and having hopefully jumper dresses this winter. secured willing escorts, the next step is procuring that ‘to-die-for’ dress, the one that nobody else will have, that will set your eyes/ Jumper hair/tan off to perfection. Most of the debs’ will be taking Dresses place around this time in the various hotels in Ireland and mothers and fa- Warm, comfortable and ther across the land will be gearing up great with tights- a winter for the dreaded meeting with the par- essential. Choose from the ents of their daughter or son’s escort. vast range of high street ex- Should we serve food? How expensive amples. should the champagne be? Should we let young Sarah/Sean drink any, espe- the other hand, is an informal affair and cially as we have our suspicions that thankfully, nobody is required to vouch for they may have a naggin of something anyone’s reputation. For most first years Patent stowed away in their dainty clutch/tux and some second years it will be the so- Shoes, bags belts…patent pocket? The debutantes themselves cial event of the year - the last chance to will be big this season on will be considering many of their own party with all the school friends that have all accessories. questions, such as how much to spend been left behind and to compare notes on a dress and whether to rent or buy on college life. It’s an opportunity to force a tuxedo. your boyfriend or girlfriend to converse Where did this custom begin? with your parents and teachers, some- Why are eighteen and nineteen thing that’s always amusing and a little year olds around the country bit horrifying to witness. White forced to don evening wear and So, what sort of dress is it customary sip champagne with their par- to wear? Thankfully, anything goes at the Trousers ents for an awkward hour or debs for ladies, provided it’s not a track- However dubious they might two before the night’s festivi- suit and looks semi-respectable. Some be in the summer sunshine, ties get under way? Why are choose the full-blown ball gown approach, on the night. they are simply not meant there stiff portraits of uneasy complete with tiara and gloves while oth- The money saved by buying an afforda- for the winter months so looking young couples trying ers opt for a more toned down, casual ble dress can be spent in the hairdresser’s put them away until next to look romantic hanging on style in simple shorter dresses. One mis- or on a bag to go with the outfit. While year. Ireland’s sitting-room walls conception is that it’s necessary to spend many girls decide to get their hair or nails or hidden under beds? Why the equivalent of a down payment on a done in a salon, this is not strictly neces- do we put ourselves to such car for your dress, not including accesso- sary and often it can be more fun to get effort? ries or makeup. If you have thousands at an older sister or cousin to help you look Flip-fl ops To get the answer we must your disposal, by all means go for it, but your best for the big night ahead. look to historical tradition and for the rest of you, do not despair. There For the guys, a tuxedo is the usual Its nearly winter so lets to the examples of the old are plenty of affordable options in the choice and the most affordable option is stop fooling ourselves- get- aristocracy. It was tradition high street shops and unique dresses can to rent one out for the night. Packages ting our toes cold and wet in England until the 1950s be found in the vintage and second-hand are available from Blackties Dress Suit everyday for the sake of our for young ladies to make stores of Dublin. Hire in several locations around Dublin. favourite pair of flip flops is their debut at court, to be Monsoon is a great source of beautiful The most popular package is priced at a simply not worth it. So dust presented to the assembly evening dresses in unusual col- very reasonable E89.95. You risk a hefty off those boots. by an older lady who could ours and styles, many priced payment however if something should vouch for the reputation at under 200. There are go wrong on the night, say if you get too of the young debutante. modern strapless styles close to the guy who drank fifteen pints She would traditionally in striking colours along after the dodgy chicken he had for dinner, Fake Tan wear a formal gown and with more old-fashioned when it all became too much. would be required to lace gowns, inspired Another option is to purchase a good Summer is a distant memo- wear feathers, usu- by the 1930’s flap- tuxedo that will see you through the in- ry by now so lets tone down ally in the form of an per style. evitable weddings and college balls of the the orange fever. Please? ostrich feather fan. Alternatively future. For the fashionably adventurous It was considered thae Harlequin soul, there is the vintage suit route; com- a rite of passage shop in Dub- plete with wide lapels, flared trousers and and until her debut, lin city centre has shiny winkle pickers. Relics such as these a young lady would many once-off dresses, can be found in the Wild Child Vintage not be permitted while the nearby Jenny Emporium on George’s St at affordable at the social Vander’s stocks a prices. events of the range of vintage Whatever you wear and however much aristocracy. pieces. The ad- it costs, the most important thing is to T h e vantage of buy- have fun at your debs. Bring a camera and I r i s h ing your dress make the best of a cer- d e b s in a vintage emony that marks the b a l l store is that end of an era, the last o n you can be gathering of the friends sure that no- and classmates that you have spent years body else with. Make it a night to remember and OUT will be wear- try to get that beautiful dress or rented ing your dress tuxedo home in one piece. the 10 3rd October 2006 Film College Tribune siren

vs This question has been long debated by some and hardly ever considered by most, who would win if Superman were to fi ght Batman? Rory O’Halloran investigates The likelihood of this occurring is re- became consumed by revenge, which Steel. This substance makes Superman Of course, we must assume Bruce der strikes on a nearby spire. Batman mote, not withstanding the fact they caused him to emotionally shut down extremely weak, he loses his powers has bought as much Kryptonite as he is darting from shadow to shadow don’t really exist, as both Superman and not trust anyone. Bruce became and ‘in theory’ he becomes easily killed. could find, as he knew Superman would trying to stay hidden while Superman and Batman both fight against evil and chairman of Wayne Enterprises and cre- I say ‘in theory’ because despite coming be coming after him. This is a real prob- watches from above waiting for the are generally known as ‘good guys’. ated the identity of Batman to fight evil against this substance numerous times lem for Superman and he is not going to right moment to strike. In one of his Therefore, in order to test our hypoth- in Gotham City. his enemies have never managed to ac- rush into the situation so he will try and many sprints across the roof, Batman esis we must first decide which of our Now most people are aware of both tually kill him. lure Batman away from his stockpiles of slips and Superman uses this pause in superheroes would be likely to become Superman’s and Batman’s abilities but Batman on the other hand has no Kryptonite. movement to burn Batman’s belt off evil, and thus make the confrontation a we’ll run through them anyway, let’s be single weakness. No, his weaknesses Batman would certainly be on edge in and then destroy it with his laser eyes. reality. You can only determine their evil thorough. Superman has genuine super are much more numerous. In short, if it this situation, he isn’t normally evil and Superman doesn’t want to kill Bat- tendencies by looking into the heroes’ abilities: he can run as fast as a speed- can kill you, it’ll kill him: bullets, a se- his conscience would be telling him to man (that’s just not his style) and in- past. As the old saying goes ‘we must ing bullet; he can fly; he has unbelievable vere car crash, maybe even some ran- stop. For the first time in years, he has stead hopes to reason with him and look to the past to see our future.’ strength; ability to see through walls or dom disease etc etc. Unlike us, however, left Gotham and is unfamiliar with this eventually convince Batman to turn Superman has a very colourful past. other materials; he also has laser eyes; Batman will probably have the best car terrain. His cave of gadgets and back- himself in to the police. Of course Bat- He is in reality an intergalactic hero, and he can survive bullet hits. All in all, money can buy, the best armour, the ups are nowhere near and of course, he man has no intention of surrendering born on the planet Krypton and sent to these powers can be classed as being best doctors. We could go on, but you has gone insane as he is trying to blow and Superman’s show of superiority has Earth when his planet self-destructed. fierce handy. get the point: money + Batman = Surviv- up a city in order to resolve a business made him just a tad nervous. He begins It could happen to anyone. Jonathan ability. wildly firing his ‘bat gun’ into the air and Martha Kent from Smallville Having reviewed our Superhe- in a desperate attempt to wound Kansas raised him on Earth. His par- "We also know his roes, it’s now possible to deter- "Batman is darting Superman. Superman easily dodges ents were farmers and Clark Kent mine who would become evil. this feeble attempt and decides to (that’s Superman) had a modest up- childhood has caused The answer would have to be from shadow to end this battle by swooping in and bringing. him to have some Batman. He doesn’t have the shadow trying to grabbing Batman. Throughout his childhood, Clark clean-cut image of Superman; he When Superman tries to grab Bat- discovered his super abilities of serious mental is human and a billionaire. Who stay hidden while man his hands slip off the costume. speed, strength and both x-ray and problems and he is knows how he would react if his Superman watches Unknown to Superman Batman laser vision. His parents kept these company started to go bankrupt. rubbed ‘bat lube’ all over his body. abilities secret from the world, as a grown man who He might use all those gadgets from above waiting Superman is disturbed that Batman they knew he would just become dresses up as a bat to rob banks or kill competitors. for the right has outwitted him for once. He de- a lab rat if they were ever revealed. We also know his childhood has cides to settle this once and for all Clark eventually left Smallville and to fight crime" caused him to have some seri- moment to strike" in hand-to-hand combat. went to Metropolis where he would ous mental problems and he is As the two superheroes square keep a secret identity as Clark Kent, Batman on the other hand is a nor- a grown man who dresses up as a bat dispute. Under the circumstances, we up to each other Batman knows he journalist extraordinaire, as he carried mal man. He is, however, trained in all to fight crime. can assume he wouldn’t be the most need to use every device he has to try on the work of Superman. Now let us forms of combat and uses gadgets to Superman, on the other hand, really rational of people to deal with and Su- and stop Superman. As he tries in vain contrast this with that Caped Crusader, gain an upperhand on his enemies. In wouldn’t have a reason to turn to evil to perman could probably find a way to to think about whether he should try Batman. reality, Batman’s super ability is money, solve his problems because he actually lure him away from the large quantities the ‘Bat-arang’ or another volley from Batman was born in Gotham City as he can basically buy whatever device has super powers and is pretty much of Kryptonite. the ‘Bat Gun’, Superman closes in on (think New York but cooler) to billion- he needs for any situation. emotionally stable. Batman has left the stockpiles of Batman and with one shattering punch, aire parents Thomas and Martha Wayne. Now that we know their strengths Now to the good part. Superman has Kryptonite behind as he fell for one knocks him out cold. Batman/Bruce had a tragic childhood as lets take a look at our heroes’ weak- to take an insane Batman down before of Superman’s ingeniously clever plans Superman finds the detonator for the he witnessed the murder of his parents nesses. he blows up Metropolis with some nu- that always work, but he still has a util- nuclear bomb and quickly disarms the in a street robbing and was raised by Al- Superman has but one weakness: clear bomb he purchased on the black- ity belt full of the stuff. device. With his enemy defeated Su- fred (atypical British butler that comes Kryptonite. This material isn’t easy to market. Batman wants to destroy his For some unknown reason the fight perman brings Batman to the nearest with every billionaire household) in his find unless of course you are a Super- main rival’s business before his com- will occur on a rooftop: they’re every- mental hospital. He immediately heads parent’s mansion. Bruce lived his entire villain bent on Superman’s destruction. pany goes under and Superman is the where so why not use them for some- back to work as Clark Kent to write an childhood plagued by the memory of Then its pretty much the bog stand- only person the police believe can ex- thing. Of course, let’s not forget that it’s article about Metropolis’s latest brush the murder of his parents. He eventually ard secret weapon against our Man of terminate this bat. a black rainy night with frequent thun- with destruction. the 11 siren College Tribune Film 17th October 2006

Love Zidane, hate this People expect a lot of Zinedine Zi- The only discernable skill portrayed tious. But why not try and save the game he dane. Chiefly, they seem to expect Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait by these film-makers is the ability to That said; the film is not all bad. It fea- moves so passionately in? Why not stick him not to head-butt Italians who nnppp trawl though film archives to find relics tures an impressive score by Mogwai and a camera on Didier Drogba for 90 minutes insult his seriously ill mother. But re- impeccable cool and heroic qualities of so obscure that they can be used for the the use of sounds throughout the film is and show up that cheater for what he is? moved from that, to expect him to pro- Zidane, but it appears that he has in fact purpose of stealing material. interesting and engaging. The quality of It might just help save a game that is self- duce a ‘compelling’ piece of cinema by tricked them. Perhaps the worst aspect of this film is the camerawork is outstanding and if destructing at an alarming rate. sticking a grandiose amount of cameras However, hopefully whatever fee he the seditious undercurrent that the film- treated as a purely visual experiment, it All in all, this film offers plenty aurally on him for 90 minutes is so far beyond managed to extract from the bloated makers in question are trying to use a is fascinating and beautiful. Also, it is right and visually, but these nuggets do little ridiculous it ceases to be funny. pockets of the filmmakers has with any working class medium to con ‘the great to extol the genius of Zinedine Zidane; more than tease the viewer and ultimate- What is really dangerous here is that luck done no more than emphasise, not unwashed’. If this is true, than they may as he embodies everything that is true and ly embellish what an utter failure the main the pompous arthouse twits who assem- only how much cooler he is than them, well have filmed polo or croquet, it would beautiful, amazing, breathtaking and ad- thrust of the film is. bled this farce could have damaged the but also infinitely cleverer. be less invasive and certainly less preten- mirable about football. Jack Horgan Jones Dance, dance, A tale of confused The History Boys adolescence nnnpp I m falling in love After receiving critical acclaim since its audience alike. ’ introduction to British theatre two years Despite his occasional penchant for ago, Alan Bennet's play, ‘The History Boys' groping his male students and insisting If you love side-splitting com- has been brought to the big screen. they ride on his motorcycle you can't help edies with action and mindless Nicholas Hytner directs this tale of liking him. His faint sexual harassment is violence thrown in on top of star- a small group of gifted history students more amusing than disturbing. studded casts, well then this is preparing for the prestigious Oxford and The film thrives on the sharp and witty not the film for you. If you love Cambridge entrance exams in early eight- remarks in the discussions within the romantic chick flicks with lots ies Sheffield. Pressured by their manic classroom, which keep up the lightning of dancing and predictable sto- principal to gain entrance to Britain's elite pace of the film. rylines however, Step Up is the universities, the boys are guided by their Driving this refreshing British comedy one to watch. brilliant but unconventional teacher Hector. is a cracking soundtrack of early 80s pop It made millions on its first week- To bolster their push for admission a which is perfectly in tune with the ener- end of release in the US box office, young ‘by the book' teacher is introduced getic feature. despite fairly average reviews from which splits the students' allegiances be- Despite having a cast lacking of any the American critics and the fact tween the two masters. Amid the stress to major feature length experience the young that it had been called a poor imi- gain acceptance into the colleges the boys actors are brimming with charisma and tation of ‘Save The Last Dance’. Step Up ponder not just the whole idea of the educa- charm throughout. This is the first decent We open with bad boy Tyler tion system but their own sexualities too. Brit comedy in nnnpp Gage (Channing Tatum) breaking Tyler really begins to enjoy the What separates this from Byker Grove a long time that into a school for theatrical arts late dancing and wishes he could be wards the end of the film. or Grange Hill tripe is it avoids the clich_d doesn't have at night with his ‘homies’ and they a student in the school, but with The only truly negative thing adolescent stereotypes of education in and Vinnie Jones on completely thrash the place. his criminal record and history about the film is the terrible act- out of the classroom. Instead ‘The History the billing. Go Unfortunately for Tyler he gets of not seeing things ing. But even with a cast Boys' confronts sexual experimentation and in with an open caught and after a court hearing is through, will his wish of bad actors, the script ambiguity, leading to genuinely awkward mind and enjoy sentenced to 200 hours of com- be granted? is written so well, that yet hilarious moments. this strange but munity service in the school, where Since Step Up is the characters are still This film is strange and does not shy highly original the crime was committed. He is to of course a chick enjoyable to watch. away from anything. Sexually charged ten- movie. work as the Janitor’s assistant. flick, Tyler and Nora The choreography is sion between master and pupil dominate Robert On the other hand we have Nora obviously develop amazing and even people scenes that can at times be almost too un- Hanly Clarke (Jenna Dewan), who is a feelings for one who know nothing about comfortable to watch. This ballsy approach student at the school and is work- another, but unfor- dancing will appreciate from the writer pays off as it is highly ing on her performance piece that tunately for Tyler, it, the music is funky and different and therefore will determine whether or not she Nora already has a catchy and manages to fascinating. graduates. boyfriend. blend R’n’B with Classical, The fumbling However, Nora’s dance partner, The first thirty minutes which leads to some head- eccentric Hector, Andrew, twist’s his ankle and can of the film are mind numbingly bopping tunes. the boys' history no longer dance in the perform- clichéd and uneventful. After that, Girly girls will love this film, it has teacher, played by ance and Nora can’t find anyone however, the film becomes enjoy- everything from romance to danc- Richard Griffiths, else to take his place. able and the viewers start rooting ing and any guy who is dragged absolutely steals Enter Tyler, the knight in shin- for the lead characters to achieve along by their girlfriend will secret- every scene he is ing armour, ready and willing to their goals. ly enjoy it to, even if the chances in. His outlandish take Andrew’s place, even if it There are even a couple of ac- of them ever admitting that will be teaching methods does mean he might have to wear tion-based scenes involving gang slim to none. endear him to tights. wars thrown in for the lads to- Cian Taaffe his students and 12 the 17th October 2006 Books College Tribune siren Cult anti-hero: Paul Howard's Ross O'Carroll Kelly continues to inspire UCD folk

Annoyingly good

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightdress is the latest offering from journalist Paul Howard, a.k.a. the monstrous Ross O'Carroll-Kelly, and con- Sophie s a tinues the farcical exploits of the shallow, insensitive, ’ womanising, rugby-play- ing Southsider. Basically, Ross has found himself, yet again, in a spot of bother. His brand-new bride is bit weird looking for an annul- Who are you? Early on, the author ending is definitely a high ment, and worse, he's made a decision. He could have Jostein Gaarder point in terms of the plot; just found out he has an went with the whole drunken it gets a few pages of the illegitimate love child overly aggressive ‘who are you’, Sophie’s World book for one. Philosophy from, horror-of-hor- and it probably would have been nnnno has been a bit slow lately. rors, the north side. Paul Howard a great book. Aggression and don’t really In conclusion, if you know Could things possibly violence are terrible, but over ag- know what the hell we’re doing your philosophical stuff already get any worse for poor The Curious Incident of gression and too much violence, here, not that the thousands of but just can’t get enough, go old Ross? the Dog in the Nightdress they’re just funny. years of ‘philosophy’ has helped on, treat yourself. If you want For a start his love nnnpp What is not funny however, is much. to know your stuff, this is eas- child is (somewhat this book. Gaarder chose to take The plot as well, does help move ier to read than a text book unbelievably) an eight-year-old crime boss with the entire the philosophical path when pos- the lecturing along. From the out- would be. If it’s just a good Dublin underworld at his beck and call. ing this question to a nearly fif- set, thought provoking questions read you’re after, Sophie’s isn’t And there's the no small matter of winning back his dis- teen year old Norwegian girl at are created for us. Then basically the World for you. gruntled bride Sorcha, which involves a bizarre seal-napping our stories birth. Fair enough - let’s we walk along with our Sophie incident. Oh, and his best friend has gone all happy-clapper examine it on its merits. You do as she is taught about thinking by Barra O'Fianail Jesus-lover on him. have to mourn for the lost hilarity this mysterious character. At times Ross' exploits do stretch the boundaries of though. Who are you? Half way through, you would be believability (and then cross them, stomp all over them and What this results in, is a reason- forgiven for thinking this is all we spit at them) but that's partly where the charm of the book ably concise yet comprehensive are going to get: a little girl to ask lies. history of human thought. Remove our questions for us, but As a satire on the privileged offspring of Dublin's South- the skeleton plot and this could things do get a little bit side this is very good _ probably hitting a bit too close to be a philosophical reference book. t w i s t e d . T h e home for some, but very funny and true-to-life for the rest Most of the text is spent explain- of us plebs. ing what some Socrates or another Interestingly, Howard is also the author of The Joy, a thought about life and what not. harrowing no-holds-barred account of life inside Mountjoy It is good stuff though, the kind prison. Like the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly books, it is written from of stuff that’s cool to know. As a first person perspective, but obviously tells a very different one of the aforementioned Socra- life-story than that of Ross's. tes’ put it, ‘any man who can not Taken together the books depict two extremes of modern draw on 3000 years is living from Irish life, both highlighting the rather more unpleasant as- hand to mouth’. Probably true. pects of contemporary Irish society. In just over four hundred pages, I'd like to believe that Ross is a rather far-fetched fig- we go through over four thousand ment of Howard's imagination with only a slight grounding in years. It’s just too much to take reality, but encounters in and around the UCD campus would on board and sometimes you suggest that Ross is a bit more real than any sane person feel the effort isn’t worth it. should want. However, it’s still a good Serious social commentary aside, basically no-ones going book and if you’re into you to be particularly impressed that you read this book, but as philosophy you have a treat in word fodder goes, it's quite good, very readable, and there's store. The human species still lots of clever wordplay to keep you amused and chuckling quietly away to yourself on the bus like a crazy person. Philosophical: Sophie's world as debated by Merran Hulse Socrates