The Jist by Tom Felle

UL Journalism Society

Issue 1 • December 2012

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH THE AMERICAN DREAM COMES TO DUBLIN

LOOKING OUT FOR THEMSELVES SELFISH STATES

A WHOLE NEW WORLD The evolution of journalism and the apocalypse of print

A TALE OF TWO ENDAS

Our Taoiseach or the joker in disguise?

THE CASE OF SAVITA Plus MICHAEL SCHUMACHER THE TARNISHED LEGACY

THE BIG, FAT, HEALTH-FOOD LIE: LOW-FAT FOOD IN A HIGH-FAT SOCIETY

Content Primary Care Centres | Are they necessary?

The Case of Savita Halappanavar page

page

Selfish States? Of course they exist

Gaelic Football | A great day for the parish page

14 Did Michael Schumacher ruin his own legacy?

The Imperfection of perfection page

A Whole New World page 8 2 | The Jist

December 2012 Skyfall | Is this the best Bond yet?

page

Abercrombie & Fitch | Americana comes to Dublin

THIS MONTH

R贸is铆n O gig review Dolans Limerick page 22

Editorial

Editors Rebecca Maher Jane O’Faherty

Sub Editor Michael Brophy

Assistant Editors Pam Ryan Fiachra McKermott

Graphic Design Derek Bowler

The Jist aims to place itself at the forefront of student journalism and the changing world of media.

Editorial

For the UL Journalism Society, a magazine of our members’ work was always a priority. However, we wanted to do something different. We could have sold hard copies, we could have set up a blog, but we chose instead to publish an e-book. In a world where more and more people read from mobile devices, we wanted to break the mould and truly publish in a new medium. Looking back, it’s been a great semester for news. We had the debacle over primary care centres that almost toppled our Minister for Health. Wayne O’Connor tells us more about how primary facilities are coping in Limerick. We were also lucky to receive an article from Catherine Halloran, political correspondent for the Irish Daily Star. Catherine gives her view on Enda Kenny’s appearance on the cover of TIME Magazine, ahead of what could be the biggest PR drive this State has ever undertaken – The Gathering 2013. We also look at Formula One’s most successful driver, Michael Schumacher, and how his return to the sport affected his legacy. Michael Brophy looks at selfish states, while Karen O’Connor Desmond gives her opinion on the case of Savita Halappanavar. We’d like to thank everyone who contributed and worked on making The Jist possible. We hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as we did. Jane O’Faherty & Rebecca Maher, Editors, The Jist

All pictures within this publication appear courtesty of Wikimedia Commons

On the cover The ‘UL Living Bridge’ is a newly constructed pedestrian bridge on the campus of the University of Limerick in mid-western Ireland, designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects and Arup.The bridge is a key component of the University of Limerick’s expansion from its established campus on the south bank of the Shannon to its new annexe on the opposing bank in County Clare. The north bank had been opened up for development in 2004 by the 150m ‘salmon–tail’ road bridge, also by Arup with Murray O’Laoire Architects. 420m further upstream, the Living Bridge is placed at the heart of the campus to provide a direct pedestrian route between academic faculties and student residences, spanning across the river and its floodplains at relatively low level.

All articles are of the authors own works and do not represent the opinions of the Univeristy of Limerick The Jist | 3

Primary

Care Centres Are they necessary? One would assume that our primary care centres are at their capacity, if new buildings are being planned but it may not be the case. BY Wayne Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

4 | The Jist

The Jist | 5

Primary Care Centres

Are they necessary? BY Wayne O’Connor

inister for Health James Reilly came under fire in September for adding two potential primary care locations in his own constituency to an extensive list of newly proposed sites. The Minister said: “competition, GP co-operation, health facilities already in existence in the potential area and accessibility” were all considered for the primary care locations when drawing up the list. However, should new primary care facilities really be a priority for the minister, when other primary care sites are under-used? In Limerick’s Moyross/Ballynanty primary care centre, a lack of traffic through the doors is a major issue. Up until the current debate about the issue, some people were unaware of the existence of a primary care centre.

The Trouble with Health

“People don’t know what goes on in the Health Centre. Some people don’t even know the buildings are health centres, don’t know how to access services and if you have to get a referral from the GP,” said Antoinette Yelverton, from Moyross Community Enter-

“A recent visit to the M oy ro s s / B a l l y n a nt y centre showed waiting rooms sparsely populated and resources not being utilised fully.” prise Centre, about the primary care centre in Moyross earlier this year. “Clients that would have had to travel to Limerick Regional Hospital to avail of a service no longer need to. They can be treated here,” stated Alice McGinley, Primary Care Development Officer for HSE Mid-West. Primary care certainly sounds like a progressive form of health care. Surely it would be easy to attract people to the alternative of the Limerick Regional Hospital, a place once compared to “Fawlty Towers” by former Health Board Chairman Jack Bourke. “Referrals are easy”, explains Niamh O’Mahony, a social worker on the Primary Care Team. “A lot of people come from their GP. Say, if somebody injures their arm and attends a local GP, the doctor may recommend physiotherapy and say ‘I sit on the PCT and can refer you for physio’. The doctor can then contact Karen [a local physiotherapist] to make the referral. It’s easy to access but people don’t know how to access it,” she admitted.

Brian Cowen Minister for Health (1997–2000)

Had to deal with problems of bed shortages and overcrowding in hospitals, as well as a prolonged nurses’ strike in 1999. Michael Noonan

Micheál Martin

Minister for Health (1994–97)

Minister for Health (2000–04)

Embroiled in a scandal at the time regarding blood products contaminated with Hepatitis C virus, caused by the negligence of the Blood Transfusion Service Board.

Introduced a ban on tobacco smoking in all Irish workplaces, including pubs and restaurants in 2004.

The 64| |The JistJist

6 | The Jist

This is not helped by incidents such as the one described by Ms O’Mahony. “Somebody called down to Moyross [Health Centre] one day, making a referral for themselves for counselling but didn’t know what to do, didn’t follow it up and was very disappointed not to get an appointment,” she said.

ill community members with respite centres to provide much needed breaks from often mundane routines. One regular client stated: “I find all the services so useful to me. They [the PCT] are all good to me. I really couldn’t lose any of them. Without them I would be in a hospital or a home.”

Referrals may be easy but the truth is, people do not just walk away from or avoid good health care, yet the PCT cannot get “trade” to provide their service to. Instead, potential clients are waiting in the hospital, where Bourke points out: “So many people are on trolleys, while they are closing down wards.”

With money being spent by Minister Reilly on new facilities to meet the needs of the people living in the community, be it in his own constituency or elsewhere, one would assume current centres are at full capacity. This is not the reality. A recent visit to the Moyross/Ballynanty centre showed waiting rooms sparsely populated and resources not being utilised fully.

This should not cast a shadow over the great work the Primary Care Team undertake; they simply just do not do enough of it. They provide Universal Maternal, Child Health and Child Welfare services as well as providing School Health Screenings. There are services for the elderly and people with disabilities and nursing services. They help clients go about their daily lives, helping people do necessary tasks to remain independent and present

There is a new nationalised focus on health in the community, taking people out of hospital waiting rooms and providing greater access to a variety of services. However, some current primary care centres are not living up to their potential. Maybe Minister Reilly should consider these underperforming centres before he goes about creating new ones.

Mary Harney

Dr. James Reilly

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin tabled a motion of no confidence in Reilly on 3 September 2012 after more cuts in the health service.. Róisín Shortall resigned as Minister of State for Primary Care over the matter.

Minister for Health (2005–11)

Brought risk equalisation into the Irish healthcare market, forcing BUPA out of the Irish healthcare market Mary Coughlan Minister for Health (2011-11)

Lost her Seat at the 2011 General Election to Thomas Pringle after only 2 months in the job.

The Jist | 7

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

There is no point in complaining about the problems which new media has created, traditionalists must look at the positives.

BY Peter O’ Dwyer

he tolling of the bell on the age of traditional journalism will now ring louder in the minds of many. Newsweek, the media institution that once held an enviable position in the lives of millions of Americans, has announced it is to cease publication at the end of the year. Rather than slip quietly away however, it will instead reincarnate itself as an all-digital publication in early 2013. To some, this represents an unthinkable treason.

Since 2001, Newsweek has seen its paid circulation fall by more than 50 percent to a meagre 1.5 million readers in June of this year. Its fall is undeniably and intrinsically linked to the rise of

digital media in the last decade. Simply put, it has failed to maintain its relevance to the modern news consumer. Tina Brown, founder of The Daily Beast website (which Newsweek merged with in 2010), pinned the magazine’s demise on the “enormous disruptive innovation” of the media industry, stating that “no one single person can reverse that trend.” Should this development worry those of us that care about quality, accurate and insightful journalism? Are we now moving towards a free-for-all type of environment where the decaying of old journalistic values is unavoidable and the

consequences able?

unpalat-

While those who harbour fears over the evolution of journalism fret with the best of intentions, their beliefs are perhaps somewhat misplaced. For every moronic tweet that makes one doubt about the value of technological advancement, there exists a counterbalance of good; a link to a well-written opinion piece or a breaking news story that traditional media will not break until the turn of the hour. Social media and digital news sites are not bound by the constraints of the clock. They tap into one of the very core essences of news; briskness of

reporting and in doing so put the consumer at the heart of news like never before. If this ability to process and produce news in real-time is prudently harnessed within the constraints of accuracy, why should we not embrace it? Poor journalism has always existed, slipped through the cracks and been hoisted on undeserving readers. The new world of digital media is no different. What we should not forget though is that an abundance of fine journalists also ply their trade for these new sites. After all, the audience has not gone away, they have simply altered how they access news.

What Irish media bosses are saying...

“Through our various digital platforms we are in the process of transforming operations to serve a

growing, discerning online audience. The

old hierarchical model of ‘we

will tell you the news’ is over. We are becomin a telling presence within the realm of

social networking – acknowledging the new power of individuals and ‘the new plasticity of info.” - Kevin O’Sullivan, Editor, The Irish Times. 8 | The Jist

While those who habour fears in over the evolution of Journalism the best of intentions, their beliefs fret are perhaps somewhat misplaced.

with

Storyful, the Irish online news gathering platform, is an example of the regeneration of the industry. Where Newsweek has fallen by the wayside since the advent of the internet era, sites such as Storyful have found a niche and gained a strong footing in the industry, providing trustworthy content to broadcast, print, web and digital platforms. As Markham Nolan, Managing Editor of Storyful, recently explained, old values inform new practices. “It is old school journalism, it’s the same values, it’s the same principles in terms of vetting who

the people are, who the sources are and the information that they’re [providing]. You just have to apply it with new tools and in a new environment.” The traditional newspaper may have waned in popularity but is yet to be consumed by the new media, as some would have you believe. After all, the cohabitation of old and new is not such an absurd notion. In fact, it might just be that a broader choice of news services will appeal to a wider audience and result in a more engaged and informed society. If the print media has to increas-

ingly content itself with being the weekend choice of consumers, a phenomenon known as the ‘leanback’ experience where readers have the time to absorb and enjoy their content, then so be it. The two platforms need not be mutually exclusive. To some people the cocksure pretender that is new media, will never be anything but a subversive power. To others however, it is a cause to rejoice over. The exchange of views and informed dehbate that is the lifeblood of journalism courses through the industry at its very foundations like never before.

“I would argue that far from being diminished, professional

high quality journalism, and public service journalism in particular, has rarely been more relevant or more necessary than it is today. “

- Noel Curran, Director General, RTE.

“Management has a huge responsibility here in my view. The survival of quality

journalism will depend greatly on management’s ability to adapt their business models, to constantly learn and embrace new platforms and new technologies.”

- Ann O’Dea, CEO, SiliconRepublic.com. The Jist | 9

a n v a a p r p a l a H a t Savi The Case

BY Karen O’Connor Desmond

WHEN Savita Halappanavar’s life was turned upside down following the confirmation that she was miscarrying on Sunday, October 21 2012, one cannot begin to imagine the heart-wrenching turmoil that both herself and her husband, Praveen, fell victim to. Thirty-one year old Savita was seventeen weeks into her pregnancy when she was hospitalized at University Hospital Galway (UHG) experiencing agonising pain. It was here that doctors determined the cause of the expectant mother’s physical distress and delivered the news that every pregnant couple dreads to hear – 10 | The Jist

Savita and Praveen Halappanavar were losing their baby. The Indian couple came to live in Galway in 2008 where Praveen works as an engineer with Boston Scientific and Savita, a qualified dentist, was taking a respite while pregnant. When the young mother was taken to hospital on October 21 with severe pain, doctors told the couple that she was miscarrying. Savita’s husband told The Irish Times that “Savita was really in agony. She was very upset, but she accepted she was losing the baby”.

After realising the inevitable was upon them and they were devastatingly losing the life that they had created together, the couple was then denied their repeated requests for a termination in order to end Savita’s worsening pain and declining health over the next three days by doctors at the hospital. Praveen told The Irish Times that on Monday, October 22, while the consultant was doing the rounds, Savita asked if saving the baby was not possible, could they induce to end the pregnancy.

“ “

As long as there is a fetal heartbeat, we can’t do anything.

he consultant simply replied: “As long as there is a fetal heartbeat, we can’t do anything.” The following Tuesday when the couple raised the issue again, they were told the same thing with the consultant adding that that was the law and this is a Catholic country. According to Praveen, Savita fought back stating, “I am neither Irish nor Catholic.” However, she was brushed off again with the same reply – there was nothing the doctors could do. That night, it was clear Savita’s health was rapidly going downhill as she vomited several times and collapsed in a restroom. But Savita’s husband said that the doctors refused to terminate the pregnancy as the fetus’ heart was still beating..

not receiving the necessary medical treatment and dying as a result of fatal septicaemia. And while the exact details surrounding Savita’s death are not yet fully clear, it is a fact that miscarriage can lead to life-threatening blood poisoning. The simple fact is that if Savita had been given the appropriate medical treatment, she might still be alive today. The chaos that has ensued following this tragic loss of life reflects the opinions of people across the globe and the raw rage of many of the Irish themselves. In Ireland alone, the sheer disgust that Savita endured what she did in the hands of our health system has left people demanding vital change. As it stands

to co-operate with the Health Service Executive. Three senior doctors who belong to UHG have been removed from the team of people investigating Savita’s death. There has been much criticism aimed at the chosen lead investigator of the case, who is well known for his proabortion views. After reading some of his wife’s medical records, Praveen revealed that their requests for an abortion had not been recorded anywhere. A request for tea, toast and extra blankets were present but not once was a request for a termination noted. With all of this nonsense going on, it is clear that enough distractions are in place for Ireland to brush its major

“A request for tea, toast and extra blankets were present but not once was a request for a termination noted.” On Wednesday, October 24, the Halappanavar’s baby tragically passed away. After the fetus was surgically removed, Savita was put under sedation in intensive care mere hours later with blood poisoning. Savita’s husband has told the media how it was not possible for him to talk to her ever again after this. Three days later on Saturday, October 27, some of Savita’s vital organs were no longer functioning; her heart, liver and kidneys had shut down. Savita Halappanavar was pronounced dead on Sunday, 28 October 2012. As a woman living in the very country where this devastating event unfolded, the anger and disbelief I feel is overwhelming. Whether you are pro-choice with regards abortion or completely and utterly against it, the simple fact is that this should not have happened. This is not a case of pro-life or anti-abortion, this is a case of a woman suffering the devastating natural loss of her unborn child,

in Ireland, there is severe confusion encapsulating the topic of medically necessary termination. While abortion is illegal, a Supreme Court ruling in 1992 came to the conclusion that in the case where continuing a pregnancy endangers the expectant mother’s life, termination should be legalized. However, five governments have so far failed to do anything about the finding, refusing to pass a law which could make clear the confusion. As a result, our hospitals are extremely disinclined to terminate an unviable pregnancy except when met with undeniably potentially fatal circumstances. Which leaves us with one truly terrifying question: how was Savita’s suffering and obviously declining health not deemed as an undeniably potentially fatal circumstance? So far the investigation into Savita’s death and surrounding circumstances has been nothing but a mess. Understandably, Praveen has refused

taboo topic back under the carpet. The horror that has been left in the wake of Savita’s death has touched many of us. It has enraged us, it has made us sick to the stomach and it has shocked us to the core. In the twenty-first century, as men and women living in modern day Ireland, we should not be afraid for our own or our partners lives when it comes to our health service. Through a heart-breaking situation, we have been given the opportunity to right this horrendous wrong. We do not have to accept that this is how our country will function. We need to stand up and say enough is enough; you can be pro-choice, you can be anti-abortion, but our life is in our hands. It is not up to someone else to risk our life because of a half-arsed outdated law, born of backward minds and taboo times. Savita Halappanavar did not die for nothing; this can be the case that changed everything.

The Jist | 11

BY CLAIRE FASTNER

Cardiovascular disease is the single highest cause of death in Ireland A young, slim woman throws her weighing scales out of her window and watches as they hit the sunshade outside her apartment block. She looks happy with herself. The up-beat jingle does not sound unlike a mobile phone wake-up-alarm. Suddenly people are awakening; scales are flying out of her neighbours’ windows. A model, neither too fat nor too thin, steps to her window and throws her scales out of the window too. She rubs her hands with satisfaction. She steps back inside and picks up the pair of jeans laid out on her freshly made bed. She gracefully glides into her jeans. She obviously loves how her jeans fit; she smiles in the mirror, twists and turns and gently strokes her legs. A television voice comes on, informing us that we too could, like this model, drop a dress-size in just two weeks. Food is shown: cereals, crackers and a chocolate milkshake. The model indulges in a mouthful of the food she has in her bowl, looks over her shoulder and delightfully admires herself in the mirror. The advertising message is clear: eat our food and you will be happy, healthy and slim. Considering the rise of low-calorie, low-fat, or so called healthfood, on our supermarket shelves, this message appears to reach many consumers. There are now more light desserts and vitamin drinks on offer than ever before. Bizarrely, there are also more obese people on our streets than ever before.

12 | The Jist

Regulations set out by the European Parliament state that a product, in order to be labelled ‘energy-reduced’ or ‘light’, needs to contain at least 30 percent less than the original product. As a result, consumers may purchase a ‘light’ version of an otherwise calorific product. Imagine it is a cold autumn day and you decide to make soup. Your figure-conscious self goes to the supermarket to buy ingredients, including cream. Typically cream comes with a whopping 50 grams of fat per 100ml. Instead you opt for the ‘light’ version without realising that at 35 percent fat, it is far from ‘light’.

“The advertising message is clear: eat our food and you will be happy, healthy and slim.”

If that was not enough, some food manufacturers even go as far as to suggest that their products can improve your immune system. Goodbye flu, thanks to probiotic yoghurt drinks. The integrity of studies about the benefits of ‘active life cultures’ remains arguable also, because such studies are often commissioned by food manufacturers themselves. “Our skin, lungs and intestine are the organs which are mainly exposed to outside influence and the intestine is, of course, the organ which is exposed to food the most. Therefore it could be possible that probiotic yoghurts have an influence on our immune system. Yet, this is unlikely. There are multiple factors which influence the immune system,” explains Professor Hinrichs of the Institute of Dairy Science and Technology at the University of Hohenheim. Salt content is another concern when it comes to products advertised as a ‘healthier option’ due to reduced fat, sugar or calories. According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke and related diseases, is the single highest cause of death in Ireland at an estimate of 41 percent of all deaths. High dietary salt intake contributes immensely to cardiovascular disease. The recommended daily salt intake is four grams for adults. However, many food manufacturers do not feel the need to highlight the amount of salt in their products.

Y “According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, cardioT E vascular disease, including heart disease, stroke and reI C lated diseases, is the single highest cause of death in O Ireland at an estimate of 41 percent of all deaths.” S My frozen dinner is one of many examples of how consumers can be misled into believing they have a healthy meal in front of them. The paper packaging is the colour of purity – white. ‘Light’ is printed on the box in a grey and dynamic-looking cursive font. The image on the packaging shows a mix of creamy rice with fresh-looking mushrooms and spinach. It is hard not to miss that this product only has 360 calories and 6.2 grams of fat since it is printed once in bold and twice in a smaller version on the packaging – not bad for a mushroom risotto. What the packaging of this frozen meal lacks is a big red sign warning consumers of the health risk this product comes with. It should read: “67.5 percent of your daily salt allowance.” “I would rather eat an apple than a cereal bar as would I rather eat some fresh veg with meat or fish than to opt for a low-calorie ready meal,” says Sandra Marin from Dublin. Sandra’s words summarise perfectly how food manufacturers have not invented some magic cure against disease but have managed to market their products wonderfully.

E H T

E H , T A F ,

T L A

F H

D O O

W O :L

T A -F

D O O

G I H

T A -F

The Jist | 13

ABERCROMBIE

FITCH

MANIA HITS THE EMERALD ISLE BY ALEX SHEEHAN

fter a much anticipated few months, Abercrombie and Fitch opened their flagship store on the first day of November, in College Green, Dublin. By 11am there was a line of almost 100 people outside the store. With primary and secondary schools on their mid-term break for Halloween, teenagers from all over the country travelled to be part of the somewhat unusual shopping experience. Abercrombie and Fitch is not somewhere that you could pop in and grab a hoody; customers are greeted by a nearly naked ‘hot guy’ that you can get a picture taken with and be the envy of all your Facebook friends. The signature scent Fierce is pumped through the air, as is the dance music and staff members shaking their stuff, which gives the store a club-like atmosphere which of course appeals to young girls who cannot wait for their nightclub days to come. It was not all smooth sailing for the clothing company though. They have received a significant amount of negative press, particularly to do with the infamous advertisement of one of Abercrombie’s many ‘hot guys’ on College Green. The huge banner, which displayed a man’s naked torso and stretched to three stories high, was the subject of many print and broadcast reports since it was unveiled. It had to be removed as it had not received planning permission.

14 14 || The The Jist Jist

The opening of Abercrombie & Fitch’s first Irish store has re-raised questions about the company’s unique business style This is only one of the company’s many controversies. In 2004 the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sued Abercrombie and Fitch for discrimination. The company said that the staff’s looks were part of its market approach. But Justine Lisse, an EEOC lawyer said: “That look was that you had to be white, young and physically fit. If you were young, physically fit and African-American you’d be in the stockroom.” Abercrombie and Fitch paid $50 million to settle the case. The clothing retailer was also accused of discriminating against an employee with a disability. Riam Dean claims Abercrombie and Fitch hid her in a stockroom as soon as they became aware of her disability because her prosthetic arm did not fit in with its look policy. This ‘look policy’ states that all employees “represent Abercrombie & Fitch with natural, classic American style consistent with the company’s brand,” and “look great while exhibiting individuality.” Workers must wear a “clean, natural, classic hairstyle,” and have nails which extend “no more than a quarter inch beyond the tip of the finger.”

ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED ITS FAIR SHARE OF NEGATIVE PRESS IT HAS LASTED THROUGH THE DECADES The Jist | 15 The Jist | 15

ABERCROMB The Strict policy

is said to be the work of Abercrombie and Fitch CEO or ‘Chief Eccentric Officer’ Michael Jeffries. The policy does not just stop at the clothing stores; Jeffries also has appearance instructions for his corporate jet. A manual of instructions stated that the male models who worked on board the jet had to wear Abercrombie polo shirts, jeans, flip flops and a spritz of Abercrombie’s cologne and even stated the type of underwear flight crew had to wear - boxer briefs. The crew are banned from wearing coats, unless the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius and must reply to all requests with “No Problem”. This should be used in place of phrases like, “sure” or “just a minute”, the document states, according to Bloomberg.

“They have received a significant amount advertisement of one of Abercrombie’s The detailed manual - disclosed as part of an age discrimination case brought by a former pilot - also contains instructions for the seating arrangements of Mr Jeffries dogs, table settings and music playlists. Quationsed sed mo id eatet: provid molestium nim doles mollibu scitati quam delm ut aligendunti occum volorro volenda sed quantum purim eloquam oblivion est gumarest eptatiis. Abercrombie and Fitch have insulted celebrities too with their looks policy; Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino from MTV’s Jersey Shore filed a $4 million lawsuit against the company for trademark violations, deceptive advertising and misappropriation of his publicity rights. The reality TV star was offended when the clothing company offered to pay him $10,000 in a bid to stop him wearing their clothes. Obviously ‘The Sitch’ did not have the image the company yearns for.The reality TV star was offended when the clothing company offered to pay him $10,000 in a bid to stop him wearing their clothes. Obviously ‘The Sitch’ did not have the image the company yearns for. Abercrombie and Fitch is no stranger to the court room, and even appeared here in Limerick District Court, successfully suing shop owner Conor Twomey, owner of McGazz in the Milk Market. More than 800 items of clothes were seized from the store in June and are supposed to be destroyed. Michael Murphy of Saint Vincent de Paul has appealed to Abercrombie and Fitch to donate the clothes which are worth €32,000 instead of wastefully destroying them.

16| |The TheJist Jist 16

BIE & FITCH of negative press, particularly to do with the infamous many ‘hot guys’ on College Green.” Although the clothing company has received its fair share of negative press, it has lasted through the decades. JFK bought his weekend blazers and shirts from Abercrombie and Fitch. Ernest Hemingway shopped there for safari jackets. Amelia Earhart wore an Abercrombie and Fitch suede jacket on her 1932 solo Atlantic flight. It also made history for record sales and longevity in 2007; total sales reached an alltime high of £3.75 billion. The all-American look proved to be popular with Britain’s teens when the Savile Row store, which opened in March 2007, took £140,000 in the first six hours. Even though we are now in a recession, the retailer is confident it can get Irish teens to spend money on its high-priced clothes and confident it is, after spending more than €7 million refitting the previous Bank of Ireland building in order to create its unique shopping experience and what an experience it is.

TheThe Jist Jist | 17| 17

“FULL BROWS REALLY

FRAME

A FACE AND

REQUIRE MINIMAL

MAKE-UP

THEY

ARE

STATEMENT IN

”

THEMSELVES. BY Pam Ryan

THE PERFECTION OF

IMPERFECTION

Modelling agencies are beginnning to take advantage of their clients’ flaws

The ideal woman is perceived to have the perfect white smile, luscious long hair, flawless skin, a perfectly toned body and great curves in all the right places. The ideal few have these; what is rare is wonderful. But what about everyone else? Thankfully there are many women out there who are flaunting their imperfections as their most powerful assets and showing real women what real beauty is.

“EAR CORRECTION AND HAVING ONE’S EARS PINNED BACK IS A VERY COMMON SURGERY, ESPECIALLY AMONG MEN.” 18 | The Jist 18 | The Jist

OPEN SMILE

Models are cropping up all over the catwalks with gapped smiles. Designers and modelling agencies alike are loving them, with names like Jessica Hart and Lindsay Wixson wearing their gapped smiles with pride. No longer (or at least for the time being) will teens be desperate for the ‘brace-face’ early on so they can sport the Julia Robertsesque smile for the Debs. For the technically minded, this whistle-blower is known as midline diastema in orthodontic circles and requires not just train-track braces but surgery to correct; so why not flaunt the perfectly imperfect smile instead and avoid all that pain and money?

AWKS!

The socially awkward may not like being in front of the camera but the camera loves them. Photographers seek out awkwardly built, tall girls for the simple fact they exude vulnerability and innocence in their poses, even if they are no angel. The perfect example being of course the scandalous Twilight star, Kristin Stewart. The awkward film star avoids as many public appearances as possible, lets her co-stars speak at group interviews, and is clueless enough to show up on the red carpet in a short dress and Converse. Somehow though, she pulls it off. Why? She comes across as shy and innocent, and if a smile does crack her face, it looks good in photos. So if you feel awkward about your body and never know what to do when a camera is pointed your way, it’s ok, because chances are if you just smile you’ll look just as high fashion as the iconic Twiggy in years gone by.

COLOUR DUALITY

Heterochromia is the medical term for when a person is born with two different colour eyes. This unique quirk is very rare and can actually be fixed by very delicate eye surgery. But why do that when you could have such a unique and stand out look. Mila Kunis, Kate Bosworth and Jane Seymour all sport this duel genetic beauty and have twice the beauty and twice the confidence for it.

BUSHY BROWS myMagazine

The brow is back and bigger than before! Full and untamed brows may seem daunting but done correctly and they will not look like caterpillars. If growing out your eyebrows is too slow for you, you can get the instant effect by filling your brows in with a pencil to get an idea of what they would look like. Full brows really frame a face and require minimal make-up as they are a statement in themselves. Audrey Hepburn had beautifully shaped full dark brows and she is still a fashion icon today. If Audrey did it, how can you go wrong?

SPOT OF BEAUTY

DUMBO EARS

Dumbo? Never, but statement stand out ears? Hell yeah! Ear correction and having one’s ears pinned back is a very common surgery, especially among men. It is related to self esteem but for those who want to stand out from the crowd and really accentuate who they were born to be, prominent ears can be really pretty. Katie Holmes is a style icon the world over and her red carpet up dos really show off her unique features. If that isn’t enough to convince you to wear your listeners with pride, look at Barak Obama, President of the United States (at least for now).

TheJist Jist| 19 | 19 The

The Sky is not the LIMIT FOR CRAIG

BY FIACHRA MCKERMOTT

Directed by; Sam Mendes Written by; Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, John Logan. Produced by; Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli. Staring; James Bond, Javier Bardem, Judy Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Lim Marlohe, Albert Finney. The best or not the best…that is the question. The question of the selection of Daniel Craig as James Bond was a hot topic before Casino Royale in 2006. That the question has moved, in the majority of circles, to whether he is the best ever, is a sign of how good he really is in this role as we approached the 23rd instalment of the franchise. Portraying a human side like no Bond before him, Craig’s version of the MI5 spy has change the outlook of the Bond franchise forever. What bothers his detractors is that James is evolving with the rest of the world. To those purists, the new Bond is a Britain joining the Euro, a new new Labour government with liberal minded policies for 20 | The Jist

Europe and renaming Westminster as “The House of Freedom”. Change, it would seem, is not welcome in the world of their beloved special agent. To them, this form of escapism, this institution, should remain the same. What bothers those detractors most of all is the Americanisation of Bond. Since 2006 the Bond movies have been chastised for being a British version of Bourne. That this is even a negative claim is indicative of the stick-in-the-mud mentality of those who make it. Little do they appreciate that the original three Bourne films were great movies and box office successes, making Matt Damon a superstar and repositioning the genre of the espionage movie amongst the industry’s elite, something that Bond had failed to do for a long time. The British Bourne it may well be but only because this is a compliment. In Skyfall, James makes a return as the lady-killer we were so rarely afforded the op-

portunity to appreciate in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. James is back to his magnetic, woman-snaring best following the heartache and teenage angst of the two previous outings. With that ghost off his back, Bond is back on form (much like Bourne actually… strange). Yet something is amiss…it must be for him to grow a beard. Bond with a beard? Only Daniel Craig could pull that off. The deaths created by Bond bring a look to his eye that a less-iconic specimen would bear if he took the life of another human being. This Bond, particularly in Skyfall, is first and foremost a human being, remorseful, depressed and even with poor hygiene. James Bond is normal after all. This creates the ultimate in a hero; empathy and responsibility were often missing from Craig’s predecessors. Even Bond’s enemy, played masterfully by the auspicious looking Javier Bardem, has a human side. Never before have we felt the need to sympathise with a Bond villain and despite his awkward physical

myMagazine displays of attraction to Bond, the plight of the bad guy legitimate, causing you to search deep down within yourself to find reason not to empathise with and persecute the “bad guy”. Even Judy Dench gets her hands dirty in this one, in her most versatile and impressive performance as M to date. It’s all hands on deck for the fiftieth anniversary.

The soundtrack for the movie is spellbinding with the chain-smoking Adele leading the vocals in the obligatory opening credits by Thomas Newman. This is a welcome return to form following the abomina-

“To those purists, the new Bond is a Britain joining the Euro, a new new Labour government with liberal minded policies.” tion that was “Another Way To Die” which sullied the otherwise glorious score of Quantum of Solace. The score is used brilliantly throughout the movie and Bond even goes so far as driving a classic Bond car with iconic theme tune blaring in the background – a perfect Bond moment. In many ways, Skyfall is a throwback with a difference. The elements are there to prove that this is a new Bond with a new

attitude and a new philosophy on life but still maintains elements from the originals to keep even the most conservative of Bond fans happy. This is the best of both worlds; a hero with a heart, the most vulnerable and therefore the most loved kind. For 50 years, the James Bond character has made the actor. Now it seems it is the actor that makes James Bond.

The Jist | 21

Róisín O Making a Good Impression

A half-empty room did not deter Róisín Ó from striking a good note in Limerick City. BY Jane O’Faherty

Did you know? Roisin’s debut album ‘The Secret Life of Blue’ was recorded in the Studio Black Box in France with Grammy Award-winning producer David Odlum 22 | The Jist

Did you Know? Her song ‘Here we go’ was inspired by the Electric Picnic, and it was selected by Ian Dempsey as his song of the week on Today FM

Live at Dolans Oct 21st The flickering candles that lined the stage at the Upstairs at Dolan’s venue seemed to be the only source of light. However, one could not ignore the very small crowd that had come to see Róisín O play.

Some People and You Owe Me A Drink amongst audience members. The set could have appeared false or engineered but they were well able to chat to the audience, reminiscing about previous sessions they had played in Dolan’s.

Only six tables were taken in a venue that might have accommodated three times that and at first the disappointment of both the audience and backstage crew was palpable. Perhaps poor turnouts are the curse of the band that has just released its debut album. Lead singer Róisín O’Reilly has notable connections – she is Mary Black’s daughter. However, she too faces the challenge of finding that loyal fan base.

This ability to talk to the audience in a way that did not appear forced or condescending has to be admired. Too often bands can get frustrated with small audiences and poor ticket sales and can take it out on those who actually turn up. Some bands just do not bother when they play a venue that is half empty.

ences at the Electric Picnic, it was an inspiring and exhilarating finale to what had been an excellent gig. The only downside was how quickly it seemed to end. The performance lasted just over an hour but the audience would have been happy to stay for much longer. So, did Róisín O make the desired good impression in Dolan’s? It

The band took to the stage with some jokes about the few of us who were there: “This is cosy, isn’t it?” After that, they got straight into their set with Synchronicity. What started out as a chilled out, folksy number resulted in an ascending and inspiring crescendo that banished any awkwardness in the room. Any worries about the attendance were gone; at that moment audience members were just glad they came.

“Some bands just do not bother when they play a venue that is half empty. Luckily, Róisín O is not one of those bands.”

The band continued with more songs from their album, The Secret Life of Blue. The more sombre Hold On was followed by a warm rendition of Tea Song, featuring vocals from other band members. All was going well but the real making of the gig was an impromptu acoustic set about half way through. Róisín and bass player Brian Murphy came off stage and performed the uplifting Let’s Find

The entire ensemble returned to the stage for a rousing cover of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain. It was one song that they all really seemed to get into; in fact, they admitted that it was the only song that they could all agree on. The gig ended with bands climactic lead single, Here We Go. Apparently written about Róisín’s experi-

“What startedcrescendo

Luckily, Róisín O is not one of those bands. would seem so. Everyone who was there that night queued up to get a copy of the band’s album, stopping to tell a beaming Róisín that she was fantastic. Given the amount of people who demanded that she come back to Limerick for another gig, it would be unforgivable if she didn’t. I know I’ll be in the front row if she does.

folksy number

out as a chilled out, resulted in an ascending and inspiring that banished any awkwardness in the room.” The Jist | 23

LOOKING OUT FOR FOR THEMSELVES IT WOULD BE NAÏVE TO THINK THAT NATIONS DO NOT LOOK OUT FOR THEIR OWN INTERESTS.

BY MICHAEL BROPHY

What a difference a couple of years can make to the attitude of a nation. In the middle of the last decade, we were coming up with the next way of making a quick buck, without a care in the world about the financial consequences. We were selfish but now we are all about equality. We have learnt our lesson, right?

Why are there no states making a significant effort to resolve the humanitarian disaster in Syria? Words mean little if countries are unwilling to act in a decisive manner; whether that be by the use of arms or not.

That is a difficult question to answer. People can always claim that they are selfless and there are some that are blessed with that trait. However, for most of us, the selfishness of the states we have been raised in has managed to become a part of our own personal identity, for better or worse. There is nothing wrong with being selfish. Selfishness gets you jobs, it gets you a better car, it makes us more financially successful in life. It is also a means of survival in an increasingly perilous world. All of those reasons for selfishness are recognisable in the states we grow up in but why is that the case? It is each country’s wish to survive. Every government looks out for its own interests but some claim to be more morally grounded than others. In 2009, US president Barack Obama said that sometimes America is suggested as having become “selfish or crass or we don’t care about the world beyond us and I’m here to tell you that that is not the country I know and that it is not the country I love.” America is not on its own. Most developed states profess themselves to be a beacon of civility, showing the utmost care for their neighbouring states but it is hard to take this stance seriously.

Overall, Americans are carrying a grand total of $798 billion in credit card debt.

24 | The Jist

Total home mortgage debt in the United States is now about 5 times larger than it was just 20 years ago.

In every successful country, self interests are served. Ireland proved it when declaring herself neutral during the Second World War. Of course, Ireland would be ideologically opposed to Nazi Germany but it was better to sit back and watch the carnage from afar than see our own landscape bear more damage after the recent War of Independence and subsequent civil war.

“EVERY GOVERNMENT LOOKS OUT FOR ITS OWN INTERESTS BUT, SOME CLAIM TO BE MORE MORALLY GROUNDED THAN OTHERS”

Approximately 41 percent of all working age Americans either have medical bill problems or paying medical debt.

Maybe it is just simple capitalism. Every country is under pressure to balance the books and fulfilling that duty means being selfish when dealing with other states. East Asia has become a great source of wealth for developed economies. Cheap labour in this area has produced a class division between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. How can Mr Obama claim that America cares about the world beyond its shores when they and other developed countries take advantage of states such as these? Of course, there are instances where countries come to the aid of others. Millions of euro is given to charities working in the most impoverished areas of the world. Goal, Concern and Trócaire work tirelessly but are still fighting a losing battle. The Trócaire slogan is “Fighting for a just world” but a just world can only

In America today, approximately two-thirds of all college students graduate with student loan debt.

become so when every human being is given the same freedom and standard of living. That wishful notion of equality would be a contradiction to the tiered society we live in. If all states are equal, then what purpose is there for the G8?

“MOST DEVELOPED STATES PROFESS THEMSELVES TO A BEACON OF CIVIL ITY, SHOWING THE UTMOST CARE FOR THEIR NEIGHBOURING STATES BUT, IT IS HARD TO TAKE THIS STANCE SERIOUSLY ” The powerhouse countries in the G8 look out for their own interests, The student loan default rate has nearly doubled since 2005.

like any other state would but then aims to impose these guidelines on other countries which had no say. No country wants to lose power if it means that another country will come closer to challenging them. It all comes back to whether selfishness can be termed as a positive or negative trait. If states were selfless, showing concern for their fellow earthlings, what would prevail? In one case, a utopia may thrive from the collapse of selfish states but another possibility is that anarchy will take hold in a world of no regulation or vested interests. In an episode of Friends, Phoebe tries desperately to prove to Joey that a selfless good deed is possible but fails. Maybe the countries we live in epitomise the positive consequences of a selfish good deed.

The U.S. government has to borrow 43 cents of every dollar that it currently spends.

The Jist | 25

ttp://www.gaa.ie/content/images/gallery_highres/2011_07_31/cropped_542324.jpg

L L A B T O

ort is a sp s t I . y t ulls u socie Irish sionally p f o s e occa hang ing c ether and w o r the g s tog ften vived . It joins u r ore o ut u s M . g t e n n r o o e o sl the f rld but ab at ha ntertainm o t h t h t o c r po N ur e y mu the w SSIO unity is a s ort and o A is ver shocked l P l a D p b m t s TE ry com ur s c foo at ha HERI e It is o tball Gaeli ricane th e r AN INheart of ev a nation. otball. t foo rt e u r h o u w b h s o e area a spo cent talk a At th fines us a e, Gaelic f in an ut the re ople ame. It is e p e s p r u d u o e t tha t is of co hes his g ot ab I grew hen t hold for t wages. .I ople santy is n ly. W e . p s n h apart i y no is al os s gh ve e love the tballers her Ir ion in Kilr st Stradb u t o pulse o r h e y o h t n n n t t i o i l f a a d a y a s l t o g o ue ar so m conver adren ic momen 21â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ke bl n see cle ier Leag i U e l Like e h e e h t l t h g t y m of not peop ou ca e wa e Pre ly ma than ck defeat lf ; th absolute h the t up and y nd - unlik e g s u t i o o h ligh nt a ame s thr , the the s the g illed solos surge their eyes ommitme erif n o o i y t n, ec rsa an Am to aut s, the sk h. o g i e e o s u v t b s h n a , e e o p g hard gam it th matc passe The c eak with us trainin f the least. It is both ar? Is ick hand- of a GAA o l p o s u i e r s p y e o s e p y u po ife, the uires e pur t to say th all your l ll so ds? The q the beaut q a h e t b r t t n i l o l tha xpla ched unfo lic fo ifficu dd to g to e is quite d have wat s Gae the game net, all a n i e y k r a T e e you d Isle ique. eing. dy as hat m of th is un e Emeral ife; a gam to your b So w h your bo the back l l a b l t h g ts your c foo e of t rinsic throu he ball hi Gaeli ot a nativ layed all that is int , s t t r n whe ave p n spo ame o is n oreig eone wh me you h reen, a g f o t c a pared an or som plain a g and off s Com c ex on

O F C I L E A

Jist 26 | The Jist

“When these people talk about football they speak with passion, their eyes light up and you can see clearly the love they hold for this game.”

R E H MA

raceleb d e h t r n nal o ing a of a fi w upsett elf. t n e ours item n ho d exc to explai ce them y a sport n a p t is l u n build as difficu to experie that this lic foote h t t e re atch, is jus have of Ga ed as a ensu of a m Equally, it lings; you r time to he affairs rv n e s o i t e ei nd ass n. e e a h f t t p w e o e f e o d s l o i m h e the tive s le is b yond ribe t o pro desc nal whist ot describ e and be id more t dministra o t e ssibl he fi an d abov e, he cann the a impo on once t be. You ple give and no m ent into rs. r onc as e o t b t n m i o x w a e e A ea at reme why he w It is n d exhilar a match c o many p d the GA l boots he out the y uty. I l e s d em im n h g a v f a g d n o b l o i l t u n fie er all los ked h well. Rem tio foo hro c h s g t g t s a n e i a n s i I i f l h h y s t a d p la n es rv ove oing - and depr rom the p own gra anging u rent inte ay ab her Field ’s worth d w h y e f f r ff l M y i e e . t t a d a s Aw alive aher. Af etary at ing, i he Fr f him ld or r M stays ive o g field - T worth do g d al fie e, l that n Jimmy r and sec c u ’s n o i o b l y o r re ha he w you s asid “If a j al pla ball t an, treasu e and f the loc and said: ing in my. Nerve ar the v y o l a l m f r p o i are cha ent t me tum u we our o a lab evelopm looked a if you d in your e same. Yo the front, s r a e t w d t e e a is H aroun tly at the r ot m ays th trifyim th here. oes n ies flying ls are alw ey in sligh air is elec For h erlooking time in t d t I v ch jers ritua The tterfl king. was o ng so mu wrec t little bu enge, the , tuck the osphere. e i v r d o atm ill ge an d spen t.” chall ys ne ou alwa ry, you st or just a nly you c ak up the ha s i t r t so y . h t o e c o h u . s t n b c o y n a t u d a o a g o i n ld a thin ig m spic eam ird w he c team every a losing not befor enue in t er it is a b es the we nto the fie p with su t k c h o g l i v s u h c i o b an e The n st famed s in. Whet ie your la walk out eing you d you and ther hat you c the n a t y o k s , e u r r a are pea l out eam lise t the m ition sne et. Yo s wea disap winning t me to rea ays cance lway you are s ther team st e a r s l e u e p o o y su eo nd ill alw thing re is a ave c socks wn a nd th every mple; the r time I h g days, w r i same collar do excited a a e i he re innin to th . Ove it is s pull t crowd a up in football to win it ays, the w n w e h in it se in od d s thro ing, t ball i g, becau e. You are d the go e h t n n i once on winn hird plac brings a t ever, How us. Focus cond or t winning e c s o , h f t t g a can s no firs feelin i g e n r i The maz the a beat ys. a bad d

A C C E REB

N A C FE I Y L T I H N S U IRI M F M O S CO L T A A C C E F O P O L S D E A O H W T O F M “F E O E S H S R T SUCCE E T L A E H T THAN EAM .“ T A A G

TheThe JistJist | 27| 27

1992: First grand prix win in Belgium for Benetton

1994: The famous tangle with Damon Hill in Adelaide

1996: Joins Ferrai winning only 3 races in his first season

1999: Breaks leg at silverstone ending his title chances

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S RETURN TO FORMULA ONE HAS YIELDED LITTLE SUCCESS,

BY WAYNE O’CONNOR

Formula One’s most successful driver, Michael Schumacher, came back into the sport in 2010 stating “we can only aim for one target, winning the championship”. However, all he appears to have achieved is to distort the legacy that he had left behind after his first retirement. He brought a three season long sabbatical to an unexpected end by coming out of retirement by signing for defending constructers champions Mercedes. The “greatest ever driver” would be in the best car upon his return and excitement reached fever pitch. After announcing his comeback, team boss Ross Brawn commented: “If I had to bet on any of them then it is clear that Michael will become World Champion.”

THE TARNISHED

SCHUMACHER LEGACY 28 | The Jist

When Schumacher surmounted his comeback, his reputation was beyond question. The most decorated driver in Formula One history with seven World Championship titles to his name, 91 race wins from 235 starts and 68 pole positions, his achievements surpassed those of the great drivers past. The likes of Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Juan Manuel Fangio were all left in his wake as he broke record after record. Whilst the racing has not disappointed anybody since Schumacher’s return, the man himself has been quite a distance from achieving anywhere near what was expected of him. McClaren supremo Martin Whitmarsh stated last season that “if you are honest, the first driver you want to beat is your team-mate.” Since his return, Schumacher has been consistently out raced by his team-mate Nico Rosberg. Rosberg has taken Mercedes only win of the past three seasons and has accumulated 133 more points than Schumacher.

Jist 28 | The Jist

2000: First Drivers title with Ferrai

2005: Loses title to Alonso . Retires at the end of the season

2009: Comes out of retirement to join Mercedes

2012: Decides to retire for the second time at the age of 44

PROMPTING THE QUESTION OF WHETHER IT WAS THE RIGHT DECISION

Schumacher and his team say he has been dogged by unreliability issues and car failures and this accounts for some of his poorer results. However, his qualifying statistics do not sit comfortably with these claims. More often than not he looks off the pace and slow. In the 52 race weekends since 2010 he has been out-qualified 38 times by Rosberg. Despite his denial to question himself, “I’m Michael Schumacher. I don’t need to test my driving ability”, his achievements past are being questioned due to his absence from the front end of the grid when provided with real competition. His 1994 and 1995 titles seem tainted now on reflection. History will say he won the World Championship but this does not quite paint the whole picture. The ’94 title was won following the mid-season death of Ayrton Senna, the favourite for that year’s crown. Added to this was the theme and major talking point of the ’94 season. While leading the final race and with a one point lead in the championship, Schumacher damaged his car after clipping a barrier; his race looked to be over and it seemed the pursuing Damon Hill would win the Championship. Schumacher then steered his Benetton into the passing Hill, ending both men’s races prematurely. As neither had scored a points finish, Hill was helpless to prevent the young German flying home as champion. This added to the embroilment of his Benetton team in allegations that they had breached regulations by using a launch control system to give Schumacher perfect starts off the grid, something explicitly banned at the time. Schumacher had also been excluded from the race result in Belgium after the discovery of illegal parts under his car. The following season he defended his championship, he was the only competitor to have previously held the

title. Schumacher would have to wait until the year 2000 for his next title win. Soon after, McLaren’s double World Champion, Mika Häkkinen, retired. The only threat to the ‘Schumacher boom’ from here on were the likes of Juan Pablo Montoya (7 wins in 95 races), Rubens Barichello (11 wins in 311 starts) and Michael’s brother Ralf (6 wins in 182 races). Hardly names and statistics you could imagine worthy of world titles. By the end of 2001 and once again echoing 1995, Michael was the only driver of real pedigree in the sport. He also benefited heavily from his team being geared solely around him with little concern given by Ferrari to his team mate.

“The German had as much competition as a sole prized race horse put out to stud with a bevy of desiring mares.” In 2002, Rubens Barrichello (Schumacher’s teammate) had led the Austrian Grand Prix from “The Rain King” (a title bestowed on Schumacher for his past achievements in hazardous conditions) but was ordered by team superiors to allow Schumacher pass him on the final lap. A furore erupted as it was believed Ferrari were corrupting results for their main man’s benefit and making the sport uncompetitive. Schumacher was merciless and unperturbed in his march. Between 2002 and 2004 he

won another three titles, amassing another 30 victories from 52 races. The German had as much competition as a sole, prized race horse put out to stud with a bevy of desiring mares. As Schumacher dominated, more teams invested in younger drivers, in search of crushing the Ferrari-Schumacher monopoly of the Championship. Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen looked like certain potential heirs to Schumacher’s throne. Michael retired at the end of 2006 after finishing second in the championship. His legacy was still beyond question as he bowed out a competitive racer. Räikkönen, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel went on to become World Champions in Schumacher’s absence. He would have to be a champion across two generations to achieve his ultimate goal upon returning to his sport and prove any doubters wrong, if any even existed. However, in his return, thus far, he has shown the world a clumsy and uncompetitive driver after a series of poor races and several accidents he admits were of his own making. “I was responsible myself for the results I have had,” he said to BBC in Turkey last May. He was not enjoying this “new”, competitive Formula One and stated after the 2011 Turkey Grand Prix that his “big joy was not there right now”. Schumacher’s joy left Formula One in 2006. Unlike him, it never returned. The ambition to win across two generations is admirable but has only succeeded in blotting his copy book and tarnishing his reputation. He admitted retirement brought ‘relief’. The real relief will come if his latest retirement preserves what is left of his legacy.

TheThe JistJist | 29| 29

A Tale of Two Endas Our Taoiseach’s appearance on the front page of Time Magazine has prompted many questions about the way he is performing for Ireland. BY Catherine Halloran, Political Correspondant, Irish Daily Star As his face graced the cover of Time Magazine, many people wondered if Enda Kenny had pulled off possibly his biggest publicity coup yet. By getting on the cover of Time Magazine, Enda now joins the likes of the late Seán Lemass and Éamon de Valera as a Taoiseach to be featured in the magazine which has a global reach of over three million readers. However, it was a hollow publicity coup that left a sour taste in the mouths of the hundreds of thousands of Irish people who have either lost their jobs or who have been forced to emigrate to build a better life for themselves, on another part of the globe.

The cover screamed “The Celtic Comeback” – but the sad irony is that it will be next to impossible for many people to come back from the pits of recession many have been forced into. The journalist who carried out the interview – Catherine Mayer – was the target of some criticism for her piece, which was seen as too soft and poorly researched by the many who believe that there is no sign of a Celtic comeback in Ireland. While she used many words to describe Enda Kenny – such as “charming”, “engaging” and “likeable” – she also declared that he is not “verbally dexterous” and is not a great media performer.

This is where the problem lies, not just with Enda but with the entire Government who seem to have crawled into a communications blackspot and are refusing to come out. Every Minister in Cabinet has a Media Advisor; a plum job with a salary in the region of €90,000 a year. However, very few of these ‘Media Advisors’ have any prior experience in the media before taking on the roles and it shows. During the last administration – for all its faults – there was a good communications strategy in operation among the media advisors.

“He has his own thesaurus of soundbites that he draws from when the need arises and if you are expecting him to expand on these – then dream on.”

30 | The Jist

“The cover screamed ‘The Celtic Comeback’ – but the sad irony is that it will be next to impossible for many people to come back from the pits of recession many have been forced into.”

They would regularly engage with the media, target stories to different publications and were, most importantly, visible and available to the political media for queries big and small. Not a day would pass when a media advisor back then would not ring and try and spin a story in a journalist’s direction. The average success rate was 50/50. For a politician wanting to get their message out, they were good odds. Fast-forward to the current administration and the situation has changed dramatically. For most of the political media working in Leinster House, media advisors are a lesser-spotted species. It is rare beyond belief to get a call from a media advisor pitching a story; it is almost as if their strategy is to avoid the media at all costs.

Even trying to contact a media advisor can turn into a battle of wits. Higher up the food chain, the communications strategy of the Taoiseach is also a strange one. In pictures, he comes across as the ‘happy, clappy man’, he is never afraid of the cheesy photocalls and if there is good news to impart he is front and centre of any top-brass line-out. Try asking him a direct question! The answer Enda gives to any direct question, whether it is asked by a journalist or a politician, bears absolutely no relevance to the question asked. He has his own thesaurus of sound bites that he draws from when the need arises and if you are expecting him to expand on these; then dream on. It is hardly surprising then that he rarely does a live one-to-one

interview. How many times has TV3’s Vincent Browne tried to get him on the show? Enda’s excuse of a past row between the pair just does not wash. It seems that the communications strategy of the current government is ‘keep the heads down, avoid the media questions, smile for the photographers and hope for the best’. It is not a communications strategy that can work in the longterm. Media advisors need to be more pro-active for their ministers and the departments they represent. Enda Kenny needs to come out from under that media rock where he is hiding and prove to the nation that he is the leader that Time Magazine seems to think he is.

The Jist | 31