The Gown: September 2016 by The Gown

September 2016

FR EE

Northern Ireland’s Only Independent Student Newspaper, Established 1955

LIFE AS AN IRISH LANGUAGE SPEAKER

ABORTION RIGHTS: THE BATTLE CONTINUES

FRESHER’S WITH A TWIST

THE ANGER THAT STIRS STAFF AND STUDENTS UNITE TO DEFEND AGAINST FURTHER CUTS

“The decision amounts to an attempt to individualise the problem of inequality in society” A recommendation is to be taken to the University's Executive Board and Senate”.

IMAGE: BY MICHAEL DONAGHY

Niall Coleman Editor

Staff and students at Queen’s University have been left “shocked, saddened and angry” following a sudden decision by management to scrap Single Honours Sociology. During crisis meetings with staff in recent weeks it was revealed that this academic year shall see the final intake of Single Honours Sociology students, in what has been described as a “uturn” and a “hamfisted and illconsidered” move by senior university management. The decision comes following an extensive review of the degree by a

working group composed of Students’ Union representatives and representatives from the schools of Sociology and Social Anthropology. The review also considered voices from concerned students who may be affected by the latest consequences of the controversial “Size and Shape Review” - dubbed as “Patrick Johnston’s Five Year Plan” by students. Proposals from the group recommended that courses remain open to students by pursuing creative solutions and making the course more attractive to prospective students. The axing of Single Honours Sociology comes as an unwelcome surprise to staff and student representatives, who were under the impression that all course closures were to be suspended

pending further consultation. The initial decision to suspend course closure was seen to be an assurance that the security of courses remained intact following protest from staff and students in the previous academic year. In a statement to The Gown, Queen’s University said: “A working group from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences involving academic colleagues and student representatives has been considering the Single Honours in Sociology as a sustainable proposition. The engagement of subject staff and students in the process has been very positive. Staff and student representatives were briefed on Friday on the output from the working group.

Claims of “positive” consultation between staff and management have been met with derision by those involved in the process. Fabian Schuppert, UCU President at Queen’s University said “Staff and students will now be asking if Queen’s management cynically lied to them in June, after the VC agreed to review the plans and work towards a reinstatement of the courses and staff. A consultation group was set up and it recommended to keep both single honours Sociology and single honours Anthropology but senior management simply decided to ignore this advice in the case of Sociology. Quite frankly, it now looks like the university was intent on making the Sociology cut all along”. Veronique Altglas, Honorary Secretary of UCU at Queen’s and Programme Director for Sociology was also highly critical of the consultation process, and the broader effect this cut will have upon staff, students and society as whole. “I would question the claim by the University that consultation was positive. I would also question the accountancy logic behind the decision to cut Single Honours Sociology - there are no financial benefits to be found. Aside from the fact that our classrooms are full, it is totally irrational to suggest that Sociology graduates are less employable”. Cont. pg 3

September 2016

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Editorial Niall Coleman Editor

Fellow students, writers, readers and customers - welcome to Queen’s University. The literary home of Seamus Heaney, the hub of cancer research in the North and the birthplace of People’s Democracy. Between these walls and streets lie a dense and rich history - and now the

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chance presents itself for you to become part of it.

“Size & Shape Review” - and speak out in protest as they come.

The last rays of sunshine struggle to shine as Autumn arrives. The weather darkens as the leaves begin to scatter the Lanyon courtyard. Autumn is a season of change - and for staff and students on campus, not all of that change is welcome. The axe of university austerity has fallen upon the heads of some of this institution’s greatest minds. As the campaign mounts to defend Sociology’s right to exist, we must observe with caution the future consequences of the notorious

It’s not all bad news in the The Gown office. With a brand, spanking new team, we are proud to lead this publication into its 62nd year of print. From the Beatles to Blur, Thatcher to Trump, the Gown has been there, doing what it does best - asking the questions that must be asked, reporting on the issues which matter to you. “We are Exceptional” may not ring any bells to the average Fresher - but after a few weeks at Queen’s, most will be

familiar with the University’s marketing motto. It is the passion of students and staff at this establishment which allows this motto to carry weight. Your friends, family and elders will constantly remind you that your university days will be the best days of your life. We urge you to make that happen. Pick up a pen, pick up a placard, open your mouth and make your voice heard. We hope you enjoy reading our Fresher’s Edition as much as we did compiling it. Get reading, get writing, and join us in this great journalistic tradition at Queen’s University - The Gown Independent Newspaper.

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Tabitha Buckley

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September 2016

News

The closure of BA Sociology now leaves Criminology as the only Single Honours course available in social sciences, fundamentally restricting choice for prospective students. No dissertation pathway in the study of sociology will be available for future students, prompting concern from staff that this will hinder students who wish to study aspects of sociology in greater depth. It is believed that this will have a detrimental effect upon those students who wish to continue study to onto the remaining Masters pathway, Social Research. As a result of the scrapping of Single Honours Sociology, many Masters students will now begin their study with little experience in research - an effect which has the potential to carry onto further years with those who wish to progress to PHD study. Staff contend that this not only restricts the choice of the student, but will also have a negative effect on university intake. Job losses at this point seem highly likely, however, fears about course closures are not limited to this issue

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alone. Staff of the School of Sociology insist that their field of study is “vital” in a post-conflict society such as the North. Veronique Altglas highlighted the importance of such study to a generation recovering from upheaval. “Sociological research informs Stormont policy on so many issues - on poverty, suicide, to mention but a few. The marketisation of education will not bring any benefit to such crucial questions our society poses. The concept of university is based upon a ‘universal ideal’ - a place of knowledge, learning and life experience. Knowledge has its own value. The core principle of education is being eroded by neoliberal decision making”.

degree will inevitably hinder the access of working-class people to higher education - hinting that the decision amounts to an attempt to individualise the problem of inequality in society, as opposed to tackling inequality as a structural issue. As the dust settles following the shock decision to scrap the degree, staff and students have gathered to form an alliance on campus of staff unions and the Students’ Union, which shall seek to campaign against the “marketisation of education”. Speaking to The Gown, Queen’s University Students’ Union President Séan Fearon spoke on behalf of this staffstudent alliance, now known as Take Back Queen’s: “This process is poisoning the ethos of higher education, and must be resisted if we are to protect education as a public good. The Students' Union alongside our allies in staff unions will be engaged in lobbying efforts to reverse the course closure through the University's internal committee structure. If the University continue to

Traditionally, the School of Sociology has accepted students from nontraditional backgrounds, including mature students and students from a working-class or disadvantaged background, and hence a source of social mobility. Academics have questioned the morale behind the closure, claiming that suppressing this

“Staff and students have gathered to form an alliance of staff unions and the Students’ Union, which shall seek to campaign against the “marketisation of education”” ignore the historic mandate expressed by students in May to retain the course, then we will be forced to pursue other means that will portray this democratic expression, and the anger that now stirs amongst students and staff at this institution.”

September 2016

News

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MARTIN AND JUNIOR MINISTER MEET SU TO DISCUSS HIGHER EDUCATION PRIORITIES

IMAGE SOURCE: QUEENS SU

Gáibhin McGranaghan News Editor The deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness and Junior First Minister Megan Fearon visited Queen’s University earlier in September to discuss higher education’s role in the Programme for Government for 2016-2021’s delivery over the incumbent Assembly term. The meeting, hosted by ViceChancellor Professor Patrick Johnston, also highlighted the need for an agreement on a sustainable funding model for higher education in Northern Ireland that will effectively resolve what Professor Johnson identifies as, the “brain drain” of local graduates from the region. In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph in May, the Vice-Chancellor asserted that as many as 38% of students currently emigrate from NI, for both places at other universities and employment, and that there are not enough graduates in certain

sectors at home to meet demand. Citing the slashing of QUB’s Stormont subsidiary last year, “Northern Ireland then as a result of that lost 2,250 student places - that's over 10% of the total undergraduate student places," he said, adding. "Some 38% of students have to leave Northern Ireland at the age of 18, that's a really serious situation for any society because in particular your most talented people are leaving.”

meeting, the Vice President-elect of Education Oisín Hassan said that, “After uniting politicians from across the left-right and sectarian divides last year during the Save Our Schools campaign, it's important for the QUB SU Officer Board to continue to lobby our politicians and government.” Mr Hassan went on voice concerns over what he termed as “the marketization of Higher Education,” asserting the current Officer Board’s opposition to it, “whatever forms it may take. Tuition fees are the flagship policy of that agenda and we pressed home to Martin McGuinness and Megan Fearon that fees cannot rise. We reiterated our belief that fees are entirely unsustainable for students and for the public purse.”

Following the meeting, Mr McGuinness reiterated the university’s credentials as playing “a significant role in the social and economic life across Belfast and wider community. The University has an outstanding international reputation which showcases the best of the north of Ireland globally.” The deputy First Minister went on to say that “for our part the Executive is committed to working in partnership and supporting the higher education sector, which is vital to our continued economic and social development.”

A spokesperson from QUB was not available to comment on neither the deputy First Minister’s individual visit nor the First and deputy First Ministers’ later attendance at the new School of Law’s opening.

Speaking exclusively to The Gown about his thoughts regarding the

Pertinent questions, nevertheless, remain unresolved concerning the

precise technicalities of the Executive’s wider strategy in this area of policy. Although the provisional Programme for Government has outlined increasing the numbers of NI’s recent graduates into employment or further study as a priority, little has been elaborated on since its May publication in terms of proposed legislation to achieve this goal, from either of the participating Executive parties. Specific targets and timelines are set to be established within the Programme’s final draft following a period of consultation, yet even still, measuring exact progress here is ambiguous. Moreover, the aftermath of June’s referendum to leave the European Union has cast a precarious tone to NI’s political discourse, both within and without Stormont, particularly over the twin challenges of how to spend the remaining PEACE IV Programme’s €229million and where might the Executive look for alternative investments for ongoing reconciliation projects and education policy development.

September 2016

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Features

THE WOMAN’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE BATTLE CONTINUES displayed when a female was charged with a suspended prison sentence for obtaining abortion pills online through public condemnation and mountable support to the female’s right to end her pregnancy. The organisation ‘Alliance for Choice’ have openly condemned and stated, “Abortion is viewed as a health matter in the rest of GB but a criminal justice matter” - implying that Stormont’s ruling on abortion is inconsistent against the remainder of the United Kingdom’s stance on the issue, as the World Health Organisation and the NHS have deemed the passage to abortion pills as safe, and practice prescribing the pills to those requesting an abortion.

The avocation of this human right has been increasingly noticeable all across the state, with petitioning and information stalls across Belfast city centre, and rallies and events to pressurise Stormont into taking action. The fear of prosecution for those who have accessed an illegal abortion in Northern Ireland has not diminished momentum and fight for this campaign, in fact it has only heightened the determination of prochoice activists. Notable solidarity was

Features Editor

The word ‘abortion’ is one that often circulates much controversy and divide in the North, however, in recent years there has been a tangible movement of pro-choice organisations and political parties challenging the system in order to gain safe access to an abortion for women.

Campaigners have taken considerable steps in order to display the extent of the restrictive laws in Northern Ireland, particularly in June of this year, when a drone delivered abortion pills and a number of activists consumed these pills. This stunt received worldwide media attention which painted Northern Ireland as one of the most difficult countries to obtain an abortion in Europe. Since this occurrence there has been multiple posters and pamphlets spread across Belfast reaching out to women struggling to gain access to an abortion with details to follow up online. Further success was followed in relation to large campaigning when the annual ‘March for Choice,’ was grossly attended in July, with an estimated two thousand in attendance, making the 2016 march the largest turnout for the annual event in Northern Ireland. Therefore, providing pro-choice activists with momentum and anticipation to continue their fight to gain safe and easily accessible abortions in Northern Ireland by pressuring local MLAs, and especially challenging the law through the court system with the support of equality groups, as Stormont remains dormant on this subject.

The legal restrictions for women not being able to access an abortion legally has not stopped women across the North from obtaining one; this can be demonstrated through a visit to England in order to gain safe and legal access to an abortion. However, not every woman seeking an abortion is able to gather the expensive funds to make the trip and have had to rely on purchasing abortion pills online, which are not legal, and more notably not always safe. Activists have highlighted this unsafe measure in their campaigning, and thus have attempted to sway those who morally oppose access to an abortion. There is a large stigma in Northern Ireland in regards to abortion due to its illegal status and opposing

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Pádraigín Mervyn

opinions, although those who are prochoice would challenge this by claiming that a woman’s right and choice to an abortion is personal in their own life, and should not be one of discussion or judgement by others.

SMASHING THE STIGMA

Coming to Terms with the Facts on Suicide If you thought any of those things you’d be wrong. The answer is suicide.

Naomi Cantley Features Editor

Can you guess the most common cause of death amongst 15-24 year olds in the UK? Based on news reports or what you hear people talk about most often, you might imagine it is drink-driving or incidents related to drugs. Consider the same for men under the age of 50; heart disease? Cancer? Obesity related health issues?

distressing still, is that that figure only reflects the number of people who actually die from suicide. Only one in twenty suicide attempts end in death.

According to estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) a child dies from water-related disease every 90 seconds. Shocking though that is, it’s a statistic many of us are familiar with. WHO’s estimate regarding the frequency of deaths caused by suicide is less ubiquitous, but even more alarming: one person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. What makes it more

Suicide isn’t one of those problems that will just disappear if you ignore it. In Northern Ireland the male suicide rate has more than doubled in the last thirty years and it isn’t showing any signs of decline. Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate in the UK, with 2015 having the highest number of

suicides since records began. If now isn’t the time to take action, when is?     Since 2003 September 10th has been World Suicide Prevention Day - a day dedicated to raising awareness and reaching out to those in need of help. Many major causes of death are inevitable, but that’s not the case with suicide. Cont. pg 6

September 2016

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Features

We’re not waiting on any new technology, medical advances or a even psychotropic cure. Reaching out for help or voicing your concern for someone you’re worried about might be the step it takes to save a life.

Approximately 17 in every 100 people will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. Having suicidal thoughts doesn’t make you insane - it doesn’t even necessarily mean that you have a mental illness. Talking about suicide isn’t going to give someone ideas - breaking the stigma is often the only way to help a distressed person see that suicide isn’t their only option.     Death in itself isn’t desirable. When

the content of life becomes unbearable, death may seem like the only way to end the pain or escape the pressure. Few people who are suicidal really want to die, which means that the very vast majority can be helped. Whether it be a talking a trusted friend, calling Samaritans, making contact with student counselling services, going to the GP or even A&E in urgent cases, there is always support available to everyone.

Having a frank conversation about suicide can be incredibly helpful and sometimes absolutely necessary, but when there are so many misconceptions about suicide out there, that can be a challenge in itself.

As suicide and suicidal thoughts have such a high prevalence, most people have been touched by suicide, directly or indirectly. Suicide concerns everyone. Talking openly can make a huge difference. Suicide may be a major cause of death worldwide, but it doesn’t have to be.       For more information, visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Suicide/ Pages/Introduction.aspx

The "Demise" of the Labour Party and the Selling of Newspapers Fionnbhar Rodgers Contributor

The title of this article comes from a 2010 book written by Andrew Rawnsley which claimed to chart The Rise and Fall of New Labour, which has been a popular subject since. Perhaps this is to be expected; after all, the Labour Party held the largest majority in the post-war era and now it is once again roaming the wilderness and and bickering about who is to blame. Aside from the referendum on membership of the EU and the end of The Great British Bake-Off on BBC1, the most popular talking point of the last year in Britain has probably been the ‘civil war’ which is apparently being waged within Labour. Leaving aside how this could be construed as offensive by someone of Syrian background, it has been hard to ignore hyperbolic article, after hyperbolic article, after hyperbolic news broadcast, documenting the latest news from the ‘imploding’ Labour Party, the question of which is now included in Google Autocomplete. Amongst all speculation and prophesying of Labour’s prospects however, there have been two historic truths which have been ignored: the first is that this has happened before and the party has managed to rebound, and the second is that this is not a phenomenon that is solely unique to Labour. Hobbes’ analysis of the state of nature as a state of war could perhaps more easily be applied to the Labour Party which, throughout its history, has seen more than its own fair share of ideological disputes which have caused a split in its parliamentary party

IMAGE SOURCE: JACOBIN MAGAZINE

“This has happened before and the party has managed to rebound” at least once and threatened to repeat on many more occasions. Even the Attlee government, which all in the Party’s rank-and-file, from the most dedicated Corbynites to Frank Fields, remember through rose-tinted spectacles, was borne amidst the

throes of an especially terse leadership challenge. Andrew Marr described the reactions to the Party’s 1945 landslide victory where “some of the new Labour MPs felt they had been elected to overturn the class basis of the country, other that they simply had a difficult list of domestic reforms to get through”. Marr describes the plot that “gathered force in the corridors and the urinals of Westminster Central Hall” which culminated in a meeting between Attlee, Ernest Bevin, and Herbert Morrison, challenger of Attlee for the leadership and grandfather of Peter Mandelson. While Morrison had left the room to make a phone call, Bevin

leaned across to Attlee and told him to take a taxi to Buckingham straight away to kiss hands with the King, who was very surprised not to be meeting with Churchill. Labour disputes and schisms survived through the 1970s and the 1980s, a time when Labour not only battled itself while in and out of government, but the trade unions as well; the social implication of this fractious, theatrically titled ‘Winter of Discontent’ which was a time popularly characterised by “the schools closed, the ports blockaded, the rubbish rotting in the streets, the dead unburied”. Cont. pg 7

September 2016

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Features

The political culmination of this was the split of the Parliamentary Party and the formation of the SDP, which would later join with the Liberals to create the Liberal Democrats. However, as said at the beginning of this article, Labour has survived each of its many turbulent years; the aforementioned landslide of 1997

came after eighteen years on the opposition benches.

hundred and nineteen Tory MPs rebelled against David Cameron and campaigned for a Leave vote can be taken as an indication that issue will persist until Article 50 is invoked and throughout the negotiations which will follow.

In addition, parties have been divided since Lord Palmerston and have still managed to hold together a government. The European Union has long been a thorn in the side of Conservative leaders: it has caused a political demise of the last three of their prime ministers. The fact that a

Parties are often described as broad Churches, and with a membership of 500,000 people it will be hard enough

getting them to decide what to have for lunch, let alone how to continue funding the health service - anyone of a Catholic background who has been to a family wedding should be able to verify this assertion. When one gives proper regard to the historiography of the previous century, claims that the Labour Party is on its death bed do not seem a convincing political analysis but rather an easy way to sell papers.

THE WASHINGTON-IRELAND PROGRAMME THE EXPERIENCES OF A QUB STUDENT

IMAGE SOURCE: THE WASHINGTON-IRELAND PROGRAMME

Collette McAllister Contributor

My name is Collette Jane McAllister. I am second year studying Law with Politics and I spent this summer in Washington DC and a week in New York City, participating as part of the Washington Ireland Program, Class of 2016. For my internship part of the experience, I worked for Congressman Beto O’Rourke; a democratic Congressman, representing Texas 16th District of El Paso. During my time working on Capitol Hill, I became more aware and educated of how their system of government operates in Congress, and as such, began to notice those differences in terms of my experience of American politics when contrasted

with the system here in the north. The most visible difference is their House of Representatives, Senate and Presidential system, when contrasted with OFMdFM, Executive body and MLA’s at home (especially interesting being there in election year - it was all systems go between Clinton/Trump, and indeed Sanders for a while before). However, in terms of the most fundamental difference felt in my experience, it has to be the direct participation of the local electorate in the everyday workings of government.

became aware of the constant interaction between local people and the government offices, as they called the phones to push for a vote either for/against a proposal/bill and to pass on their thoughts regarding the issue of the day. Further to this, myself and other interns often wrote constituent correspondence, in response to the various arrivals of post throughout the day, an example of which is the hundreds of letters we received regarding e-cigarettes.

political participation during the normal government election periods, and as such, leaves room for further thought on what would perhaps prove more effective in doing so, both in Ireland and America. A quick plug, I would advise all our Fresher’s and current students to consider applying for the Washington Ireland Program Class of 2017 – it is the summer and experience of a lifetime. More information can be found at:

Another example, was the stream of tours we gave to constituents of the representative’s office and Capitol Hill, which doesn’t take place in Stormont. However, as voter turnout seems to be low in comparison with other developed countries during general elections, this form of direct participation may be argued as not the most effective way of ensuring higher

My daily office duties included answering the phones, constituent correspondence, giving tours of Capitol Hill, drafting For-Approvals, attending briefings and passing advice or information to the relevant staffer and indeed, attending meetings and events with the Congressman and relevant staffer(s). As such, I quickly

Website: https://wiprogram.org Facebook: /wiprogram Twitter: @WIPLive Instagram: @washingtonirelandprogram

September 2016

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Arts & Entertainment

FRESHERS WITH A TWIST WHAT SHOULD I DO IN BELFAST THIS SEMESTER?

IMAGE SOURCE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Tabitha Buckley

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Freshers. This is many people’s first real taste of freedom, so it’s not surprising that it often turns into a week or two of neverending parties and questionable life choices. Provided you’re over 18 (or look like you are), there will be no

shortage of wild nights out and boozy nights in, and you’ll feel like you can go on forever. But trust us: you can’t.

city, rather than just the handful of spots around campus. By the time you reach final year, you’ll probably loathe this time of year and are desperate to find something to do that doesn’t involve drunk people who are several years younger and look like teenagers to you.

Once the noise dies down, there’s a pretty strong chance you’ll already be getting a little bored of Belfast’s selection of clubs. Come second year, you’re ready to actually explore the

Whatever stage you’re at, it doesn’t hurt to know about a few events around Belfast that are interesting, entertaining and a little different to your usual “scene”. So this semester, try to broaden your horizons and look for something new to do. Here are just a few suggestions to get  the ball rolling:

Go shopping at the Folktown Market Thursdays 11-4 Bank Square www.folktownbelfast.com Enjoy the sights and sounds of a farmers’ and artisan market, and maybe even pick up something for dinner that’s a little more substantial than a pot noodle. Folktown market holds all the best of Belfast’s hot food, crafts and local produce. It’s held on Thursdays, 11am to 4pm, in one of the most beautiful and unique areas of the city. What’s more, it’s right in the city centre, so you can use your visit as an opportunity to explore more of the area, and get some shopping done while you’re at it. IMAGE SOURCE: FOLKTOWN MARKET

September 2016

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Arts & Entertainment

Have a laugh at the Belfast Comedy Festival 2016 28 September - 9 October Multiple Venues www.belfastcomedyfestival.com Now in its fifth year, Belfast’s booming comedy festival boasts 20 venues, 70 events and over 150 fantastic performers. The festival will play host to a great range of stand-up comedians, but there will be plenty of other things to do: clowning, workshops, films, club nights and cabaret will keep you busy for 12 days, so there’s definitely a little something for everyone. Check out their website to find the lineup, and start planning your events!

IMAGE SOURCE: BELFAST COMEDY FESTIVAL

Experience the Ulster Bank International Arts Festival 2016 11 - 29 October Multiple Venues www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com The Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival brings in performers and artists from all over the world, all coming together this year to create a fantastic 103 events spanning over 19 days. The events of this year’s festival are grouped into three themes - Nineteen Sixteen, which focuses on the events and legacy of 1916; World in Motion, whose focus is on the migration crisis; and Bending the Bard, which explores our lasting fascination with William Shakespeare 400 years after his death. IMAGE SOURCE: ULSTER BANK ARTS FESTIVAL

Go on an adventure to The Lamppost Open Daily 19 Upper Newtonards Road www.facebook.com/Thelamppostcafebel If you’re looking for something to do but never seem to be free during festivals and events, you could try going to one of any number of interesting spots which are open to the public every day. One example is The Lamppost Café, a tribute to Belfast’s own CS Lewis which allows every visitor  to sample their own slice of Narnia. Walk through the wardrobe, try out some delicious local foods and even meet Aslan himself. The Lamppost also hosts a variety of themed nights including Frech nights, Bistro nights and poetry nights. IMAGE SOURCE: THE LAMPOST CAFE

September 2016

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Arts & Entertainment

“Heart-wrenching”

Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You Review

IMAGE SOURCE - MEDIA MINDED BLOGSPOT

Courtenay Mercer Contributor

Bound by heart-breaking romance and a harsh but realistic vision of what life can deal a person, Jojo Moyes’ quixotic novel “Me Before You” not only deals with the usual candid love trappings of any romance, but also delves into the darker side of one’s emotions when faced with mindnumbing obstacles. Set in a sleepy English town, and recently released in film, the story encircles the life of Louisa Clark, an easy-going 26-yearold who’s recent unemployment and lack of qualifications lead her on a heart-rending journey when she is employed as a Carer for 35-year-old Will Traynor. A few years prior to this, Will had it all: good looks, stunning girlfriend, and a high-flying job in business in London. However, this all comes crashing down when Will is struck by a motorbike and left with multiple injuries, causing him to lose his job, his friends, and his love interest, and forcing him to face the remainder of his life in a state of quadriplegia.

Fast forward to the time of the text, and we see that Will’s harrowing journey has caused him to become deeply depressed, so much so that he begins to feel suicidal. Will now wants to end his life with dignity through the assisted suicide organisation, Dignitas. Enter Louisa Clark. Will’s mother decides to employ Louisa in a mission to try and change Will’s mind, to let him see what life can still offer him. However, this book does not try and gloss over the serious issues at the forefront of this story. Over the course of this endearing-yet-tragic novel, we see a few very important issues explored. Youth unemployment is explored through Louisa’s redundancy, portraying how many young people become unmotivated and unambitious when they become accustomed to a “safe” job.

challenges that a life of disability presents, and allow the reader to view disability in a new light – at times a more realistic, yet harrowing light. As Will battles with his resentment of his condition, and Louisa tackles the everyday (and at times literal) hurdles which people with disabilities have to face, from going to a coffee shop to taking a trip. That said, it isn’t all doom and gloom. Will and Louisa’s relationship also portrays how one should make the most out of life while one can, as Will tackles Louisa’s lack of ambition by educating her on things that a smalltown girl may never have bothered with – classical music, foreign films and travel. As the novel continues, this leads to a change of character in Louisa. She comes to realise that her life should not be spent stuck in quaint suburbia, instead finding in herself a desire to be as ambitious as Will Traynor.

Another endearing feature that makes this novel such a hit is the slow, yet charming, relationship that develops between Louisa and Will. Moving through the bitter anger and resentment to the sarcastic and flirtatious exchanges, their relationship highlights how love can be found in some of the strangest of moments and between some of the unlikeliest of people. As the novel goes on, Louisa and Will help the reader to explore the

Despite the “will they, won’t they” romance that blossoms between Will and Louisa, this novel also deals with more pressing issues. The text tackles the extremely hard subject of suicide, and in particular the desire for a “dignified” death through assisted suicide. Through Will (and through

Moyes’ other well-developed characters), the reader gets an insight into assisted suicide and the reason many people desire a dignified death amongst the ones they love. The novel gives a realistic insight into the harsh emotions that can be experienced by people in these situations, allowing the reader to view it all from the perspective of a person who, although is loved, is dying without the quality of life that many desire. As a play on the title, it allows the reader to understand  that life can at times be about “Me Before You”. Heart-wrenching from the moment the cover is pulled open, “Me Before You” is a fantastic romance filled with emotional twists and character development. The result is a tragic tale of life, love and death which tackles issues such as disability, unmotivated youth and assisted suicide. Moyes’ endearing epic deserves much praise for opening the reader up to such issues, and for tackling the stigma around assisted suicide that remains a barrier in society today, both parochially, and on a national level, as such issues are debated in parliaments across the globe.

September 2016

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Lifestyle

Size Matters - or Does It?

IMAGE SOURCE - DARKGREENER.COM

Leah Johnston Lifestyle Editor

The idea of varied shapes and sizes of the female body is one of true prevalence in the current fashion industry. With the rise of the ‘plus size’ ranges and ‘fat is fabulous’ slogans, we have to ask ourselves if this strong media emphasis on larger ladies is actually, in fact, condoning the growth of obesity. Size and weight is a bit of a grey area when it comes to speaking about being over or under weight, but it is something that increasingly needs addressed. Despite the poignant fact that 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese, (EASO (European Association for the Study of Obesity)) many retailers in

recent years have made a beeline for targeting ‘plus size’ fashion. Is this a good thing? Considering more than 10% of the worlds adult population is classed as obese, there seems to be more of a need than a want for plus size ranges, yet by glorifying them are we actually excusing being grossly overweight? However, with the current UK average female dress size currently at 16, does it even make sense to call models of size 12 or more ‘plus size’?

there is quite a difference. How do we know what a definitive size 10 even is anymore? Plus size models seem to be fast becoming the ‘in’ thing in the fashion world, with top retailers such as Next, Boohoo, Debenhams, New Look and Misguided stocking separate ranges for plus size women, stretching sometimes up to size 24. Could this be going too far? Surely at size 24 you are classed as morbidly obese, and by endorsing such products these retailers are inevitably making profit from medical dysfunction. It is estimated that by the year 2030, 74% of men and 64% of women will be overweight in the UK. This staggering projection from the UK Health Forum outlines the need for change when it comes to plus size endorsement as a good thing; fat is not fabulous.

A big problem with sizing in general is its inconsistency across retailers; where you could think you are a size 10 in one shop; it can range from an 8-12 depending on the shop. The website http://sizes.darkgreener.com allows you to enter your measurements of bust, waist and hips, and generates what size you would be in a range of top UK retailers, and as you can see,

The recent ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2016’ cover girls revealed as UFC star Ronda Rousey, plus-size model Ashley Graham and Hailey Clauson all making the cut just last week. Arguably, ‘plus size’ model Ashley Graham, who is size 14, is under the national average; so is she really plus size? Who decides what is a ‘normal’ or ‘good’ size to be? Take Jesy Nelson from girl band Little Mix, whom when she appeared on the X-factor was largely targeted online for her weight, and boldly said 'I'm a size 10-12. I know I'm not fat. Don't worry I'm not going to change.' She is now closer to a size 6. This just shows how things can go both ways; being underweight leads to just as many health risks as being overweight, and neither are commended.

September 2016

Opinion

The Gown

The Gown are proud to have hosted opinions from all shades in our 62 years in publication. We welcome all to contribute their views on any issue, local or global. Opinions expressed in this section do NOT equate to endorsement. To contribute, contact gownopinions@outlook.com

DISCRIMINATION AND THE IRISH LANGUAGE A SPEAKER’S EXPERIENCE tacaíocht níos láidre faoin dlí di, agus do chainteoirí Gaeilge, i bhfoirm Acht na Gaeilge. Tá dlíthe ag cosaint cearta teanga ó dheas, agus sa Bhreatain Bheag cheana féin; nach féidir linne acht cosanta a fháil chomh maith? Mothaím go bhfuil mé i mo ‘nuadhúchásach’ agus tá cuid mhór ‘nuadhúchásaigh’ ag fás, ó thuaidh agus ó dheas. Ní cainteoirí dúcháis iad ár dtuismitheoirí, d’fhoghlaim siad féin an teanga, ach thóg siad muidne le Gaeilge agus fuair muid ár mbunoideachas i nGaeilge. Ní pointe polaitiúil í an teanga dúinne, ná gníomhaíocht dheas chultúrtha. Is rud laethúil í. Is nós í. Is modh cumársáide í. Níl difear idir muidne agus cainteoirí dúcháis i nDún na nGall, i nGaillimh, ná i gCiarraí. Tógadh mé leis an Ghaeilge thart orm, ach níor brúdh síos mo scornach í. Focal Gaeilge an chéad fhocal a tháinig amach as mo bhéal. Labhraínn i nGaeilge i gcónaí le mo Dhaidí agus le mo dheirfiúir, Neasa. D’fhreastail mé ar Naíscoil, ar Ghaelscoil, agus ar mheánscoil lán-Ghaeilge ar feadh dhá bliain go dtí gur bhog mé go scoil Bhéarla áitiúil. Le tacaíocht ón phobal, bhí ar ár dtuismitheorí, agus daoine eile, na scoileanna seo a fhorbairt agus a mhaoiniú, in éadán dhrogall an stáit. Tógadh mé leis an Bhéarla chomh maith, agus tá grá agam do litríocht an Bhéarla. Níor brúdh an Béarla síos mo scornach ach oiread. Tá an Béarla chomh nadúrtha is atá an Ghaeilge agam. Ach sa saol poiblí brúitear Béarla amháin orm ó dhubh go dubh, agus ní thugtar an Ghaeilge mar rogha dom in am ar bith, ó bhéal ná i scríbhinn. Agus fiú sna réimsí sin ina bhfuil beagán dul chun cinn déanta, bíonn siad i gcónaí faoi bhagairt, go minic de bharr cinntí a dhéanann aire rialtais atá naimhdeach don teanga. Agus sin an fáth a bhfuil Acht na Gaeilge de dhíth, lenár gcearta a dhaingniú agus a chosaint.

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Grian Ní Dhaimhín Contributor

Ó bhí mé an-óg go dtí an lá inniu, mothaím míshuaimhneas éigin nuair a ghlaotar m’ainm go poiblí; an rolla tinrimh, ag an dochtúir, srl. Go minic, in áit an leagan ceart a chluinstin fiafraítear díom “What’s your name in English?”, sin nó déantar iarracht m’ainm a áistriú go Béarla éigin, nó déantar iarracht chiotach é a fhuaimiú (ach ar a laghad is iarracht ionraic atá sa chás sin!). Níl ainm ná sloinne orm i mBéarla; chan ar mo theastas breithe, ná mo phas, ná mo chárta bainc, ná ar mo chárta mac léinn fiú. Lena gceart a thabhairt dóibh, is féidir nach raibh an seans ag mórán fostaithe sna seirbhísí poiblí ó thuaidh (múinteoirí, oibrithe riaracháin, oidí, srl)

an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim agus iad ar scoil. Déarfainn go bhfuil lúchair ar chuid acu faoi sin, agus b’fhéidir díomá ar an chuid eile. Ní féidir liom a bheith cinnte cé acu, áfach. Is minic a tchím oifigigh phoiblí ag baint triail ionraic as ainmneacha mac léinn ón Pholainn, ón Liotuáin agus ón Tuirc a fhuaimiú mar is ceart. Gan dabht, is nós dearfach é sin; tá éagsúlacht agus meas de dhíth. Ach, níl mé róchinnte má tá an fháilte agus an meas céanna sin tugtha don Ghaeilge. Tá m’ainm an-tábhachtach dom; is cuid de m’fhéiniúlacht é, píosa de stair agus traidisiún na tíre seo, agus tá mé bródúil as. Is mór an trua gur rud conspóideach é i dtuaisceart na tíre.

Tá earnáil na Gaeilge an-bhuartha faoi roinnt cinntí atá déanta ag an rialtas nua maidir le bunscolaíocht Ghaeilge, agus tá easpa meánscolaíochta trí mheán na Gaeilge lasmuigh de Bhéal Feirste. Ní féidir liom mo sheoladh baile a úsáid i nGaeilge fiú, agus bhagair an stát an dlí ar mo thuismitheoirí féin nuair a d’iarr siad teastas breithe dátheangach do mo dheirfiúr i ndiaidh dóibh cur i gcoinne leagan Béarla amháin a bhrú uirthi. Ní féidir liom an síneadh fada a fháil ar

Beidh sé ina abhár conspóideach anseo go dtí go n-athrófar stadás oifigiúil na teanga, agus go dtabharfar

m’ainm ar dhoiciméid oifigiúla, fiú. Samhlaigh seirbhís phoiblí sa Fhrainc ag rá nach féidir leo an t-aiceann Francaise a chur ar litir den aibitír! Iad siúd atá in éadán cearta, agus meas, do chainteoirí Gaeilge, is iadsan atá ag brú polasaí Béarla amháin ar theaghlaigh, agus ar pháistí, go héigeantach. Tá cuid mhór seirbhídí séanta orainn mar chainteoirí Gaeilge, agus atá riachtanach le go mothóimid lánpháirteach sa tsochaí seo; sláinte, oideachas, stáit, fóillíocht, teilifís, óige, ráidió, idirlíon srl. Deirtear gurb iad lucht na Gaeilge atá ag brú a dteanga ar dhaoine eile. Ní hí sin an fhírinne ar chor ar bith. Ní hionann teanga a chur ar chomhartha poiblí agus í a bhrú síos scornach duine, a fhad agus atá do theanga féin le feiceáil ar an chomhartha sin chomh maith. Ar na mallaibh, rinneadh bagairt eile ar an teanga ag an tríú léibhéal. Fuair Ollscoil Uladh réidh leis an chéim Gaeilge lánaimseartha, agus ligeadh teagascóirí chun bealaí i mBéal Feirste. Tá maíte ag roinnt daoine atá i gcoinne na Gaeilge gur ‘arm cultúrtha’ atá in Acht na Gaeilge. Más fíor sin, is síochánta an gléas é, agus ceann a ba chóir dúinn a choimisiúnú, seachas a dhíchoimisiúnú.

“As Irish speakers we are denied a wide range of basic services in our language” All my life I’ve had a slight apprehension of situations where my name gets called out in public; roll calls, the surgery, etc. I’m often met with either “What’s your name in English?”, or someone self-translating my name to what they consider to be the English form, or a slightly mangled pronunciation (which at least is an honest effort). don’t have an anglicised version of my name, neither on my birth certificate, passport, bank card or student card. Cont. pg 13

September 2016

Opinion

The Gown

In fairness, the majority of public servants (teachers, tutors, administrative workers etc) most likely never had a chance to learn Irish at school. Some are possibly delighted about that, others disappointed. I can never be sure which is which. I often see people in official positions endeavour to properly spell and pronounce the names of students from Poland, Lithuania and Turkey. This is positive. I’m glad to see this. Diversity and respect is vital.

reared us through the Irish language, and we received our primary education in Irish. To the extent that Irish is our native and first language. To us, the Irish language is not a political point, nor is it a nice cultural activity. It’s our daily lives, our daily habits, a daily means of communication, a language in which we do things. We even fall out and argue in Irish. In that sense, we are no different to Irish speakers in the Gaeltachts of Donegal, Galway, Kerry etc.

I’m just not sure that the same welcome is always extended to the Irish language. My name is part of who I am, it is part of the history and tradition of this country, and I’m proud of it. But the part of Irish society I live in finds it problematic. This won’t change until Irish gets official status and stronger legal support in the form of an Irish Language Act, much like the protections citizens enjoy in Wales and in the Republic of Ireland. I count myself among that group known as the new-natives. Our parents themselves were not native speakers. They learnt the language, but they

I grew up with Irish all around me, but it was never forced on me. The first word to come out of my mouth was in Irish. I have always spoken as Gaeilge to my and to my sister, Neasa. I went through a Naíscoil, a Gaelscoil, two years of Irish-medium secondary schooling until I moved to a local English school. With community support, our parents and others had to establish and fund these schools against state inertia. The first time I ever saw a public sign in my native tongue was when I travelled across the border to Donegal. In my child’s eye, I

knew Irish was not as welcome where we lived.

claiming they couldn’t put a French accent on a letter? Those opposed to rights, and respect, for Irish speakers are forcing the English language on to Irish-speaking families, including children.

I also grew up with English, and I have a love of English literature. Much of that English was not forced either, much of it was and is natural. But in public life, English is forced on me at every turn, with little or no option for Irish. And where small pockets of progress have been made, they are under constant threat of deliberate erosion or suffocation, and often at the whim of a hostile minister. This is why legislation to protect Irish is vital. The Irish-medium sector is very concerned about some recent decisions of the new Stormont government at primary school level, and Irish-medium secondary education is very scant outside Belfast. I can’t even use my home address in Irish on official documentation; my parents were threatened with court action because they requested a bilingual birth certificate for my sister and opposed an English-only certificate being forced on her; I can’t even get a on my surname in official documents. Could you imagine a public body in France

Yet strangely, it is Irish which is deemed to be forced on some people. Putting Irish on a public sign is not forcing the language on anyone. As long as your language is also on the sign too, there’s no enforcement. As Irish speakers we are denied a wide range of basic services in our language; in the areas of health, education, state, leisure, television, youth, radio, internet etc. Recently, the Irish language has experienced further erosion at third level. Ulster University has scrapped their full-time Irish degree and laid off teaching staff in Belfast. Some people have described an Irish Language Act as a cultural weapon. If that is true, it is a peaceful weapon though, and one that we need to commission, not decommission.

WHY TRUMP MATTERS The rhetoric that has been spewing from the Trump campaign for the past few months has in no ways been aimed at uniting Americans and forging ahead to a better future together, but rather drawing a clear line in the sand between those that support his racist lies and sexist magniloquence, and those that realize that he is noting but a fraud.   The voter base that Trump has been inciting with his hate speech are often uneducated, underemployed, elderly, gun-owning and white. He is able to prey on their insecurities by rambling on about the threat that refugees pose to national security and how he will “Make America Great Again”, but failing to explain how or why America is no longer “Great” and how he will bring it back to such “Great”-ness.

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Lawrence Dushenki Opinions Editor

Before I get started, I will premise this by saying that I do not believe that Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States of America. But his candidacy that was once thought to be a longshot eventually evolved into being named

“He is able to prey on their insecurities by rambling on about threat”

the Republican Party nominee for the office of President, and there are many lessons to be learnt from the approach that he has taken to modern day politics.   It has become alarmingly obvious that politics are no longer about legitimate social and political issues that impact the lives of citizens, but rather driven by inflammatory soundbites that are meant to be divisive and hateful.

proven difficult to determine what exactly Trump actually believes to be true, and what he simply uses as a rallying cry, this is a key example of the hateful speech that he has been espousing in front of thousands of cheering supporters. He takes complex international events and brings them full circle into simple campaign issues such as immigration, gun ownership and jobs.

Following the terrorist attacks in Paris last year, Trump rallied his supporters around the idea that these attacks would happen in America unless they close their borders to Syrian refugees and further that any Muslim’s currently living in America should be subjected to interrogation to reveal any sympathies that they may hold to terrorist organizations. While it has

As the wheels begin to turn on the reality that the United Kingdom indeed opted for a Brexit, it is important to look stateside and be sure that we do not fall prey to similar hateful rhetoric that has rallied people from around the United States to Trump. Cont. pg 14

September 2016

Opinion

His claim that Barack Obama was not born in the United States was never anything short or racist. His repeated assertions that he is a successful businessman, but refuses to release tax returns, is a sign that he is nothing

The Gown

short of a huckster who has repeatedly filed for bankruptcy in order to avoid failing investments.   Immigration and job security is a serious issue facing countries around the world right now, but the answer is

not to close off the borders and look down upon those people escaping war-torn nations. Do not fall prey to the hate speech that exists in pockets of the internet and instead engage in progressive and insightful dialogue

with those around you. Be part of the solution, not the problem.

THROWN TO THE WOLVES

THE NAMA SCANDAL AND WHY WE NEED AN ENQUIRY decision-making is effectively comes from the party leadership. Retrospectively, these subsequent resignations have struck a sour tone within Sinn Féin itself, especially on the grounds of McKay’s successor to the vacant Assembly seat.

“It is still unclear as to the full scale of the controversy”

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Paul Kavanagh Contributor

The potential for scandal, like the sword of Damocles often hangs precariously over the head of any politician. With the prospect of early retirement and the decimation of one’s perhaps promising political career, it is a necessity that public representatives guard the possibility the private dealing with particular ramifications don’t appear in the public realm. This cannot be said for the controversy surrounding the NAMA property deal, more specifically, that is, the fallout of the Jamie Bryson coaching scandal. The result of which has seen the demise of the political career for one of the leading lights within Sinn Féin, Dathí McKay. The revelations of the then Stormont Finance Committee Chair influencing a

witness in providing supposed evidence against individuals who would have benefited from the property portfolio deal appear to have shaken both Sinn Féin as a party, as well as the political institutions themselves. Notably this has manifested in the resignation and subsequent suspension of McKay, along with long-time activist Thomas O’Hara from the party, consequently leading to the resignation of up to eighteen additional party members within McKay’s own North Antrim base. Another potential casualty from the fallout in the coming weeks could be the working relationship between the DUP and Sinn Fein, both sole partners in an already unsteady Stormont Executive.

which could otherwise be damaging to both the DUP, and more specifically the former First Minister Peter Robinson, dependant on how deep the knowledge of these interference allegations go, drive a further wedge between already precarious alliance. Moreover, the context surrounding the debacle leads to serious issues being raised around potential party motivations. Since the story first broke, Sinn Féin has consistently denied any wrongdoing and any knowledge of the contact between Mr McKay and Mr Bryson; all the while McKay has publically acknowledged that he and his colleague were inappropriate in their conduct. It does seem rather odd however, that a highly disciplined and regimented political machine which Sinn Féin operates as were not aware of any such communications especially given that the party’s overall

The narrative that McKay as a member of Sinn Féin had been in contact with the loyalist blogger, while providing assistance in delivering evidence

Eighteen activists tendered their resignation over lack of consultation about reselection and the treatment of Mr McKay after the allegations emerged. One thing however is certain from both of these issues - both Bryson and Paul Maguire, the Sinn Féin councillor leading the mass resignation from the party, share the belief that Daithí McKay was in effect ‘thrown under the bus.’ It is therefore only a matter of speculation as to who knew what these dealings and whether an otherwise bright political career has been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. As this is an ongoing issue it is still unclear as to the full scale of the controversy until the current enquiry into the issue has been satisfied, although it should perhaps be paramount that this instance does not overshadow the real matter of intrigue, that of who was a participant in the NAMA deal? More noticeable is the apparent reluctance within DUP to seriously engage the enquiry, and it would be most unfortunate if this coaching issue provides a potential distraction against expounding those potentially corrupt practices.

September 2016

15 The Inkpot Close of the Day

The Gown

A SPACE FOR THE CREATIVE MINDS OF QUEEN’S STUDENTS

Paul McCabe Inkpot Curator

It was late in the day, and the black bodies moved at a slow, languid pace uptown away from me. Each of them cast long, slim shadows as the sun came in whip-thin from the west, shadows that seemed not to move an inch even as their hosts walked further and further away. I sat up in one of the high-rises, on the second floor of a small tailor’s shop that was my home, watching the men of Wall Street leave their days behind them here. All the hustle, the quick

and new. Now those keys were rusted and ill-fitting. Did they know that they were responsible? They moved like placid fish under some dreadful anaesthesia, all heading off away from New York concrete. I thought I saw an exodus of rich men.

brevity, the sharp eagerness that characterized them during the day seemed to leave them now and what remained was an iron-heavy tiredness. Their legs moved like they were treading water. The arms swung like flaccid genitals. Their suits hung off them like curtains and their hats were pulled down so low that I could not make out any singular features and so I could only imagine. I saw, or thought I saw, faces heavy and tired and desperate for bed.

I tried to follow their progress but I was confounded by the light. I could only see the one snapshot from my window, the pane and frame the border of it, between us. The thick men moved with such uniform deliberateness across me that I thought that I was watching some dreadful tableau, the dog-tired countenance that was now my race. A horn sounded somewhere far off but otherwise I couldn’t make out the Manhattan breath. But I could see, feel it in the air. Dust. Smog. Salt from the

I wondered what they were thinking. In their pockets they held the sharp keys of America, keys which had now lost their lustre after once being so bright

A Love-letter to a Shattered Memory From the Diary of Ryan Madden

After indulging in solitary drinks last night, I awoke today to find my body as irritated as my mind is. I have now passed the third night in a row with still no word from her. My walk home on Saturday was hasty, with a focus on returning to my bed in the vain hope of her being there, waiting for me.

hours of attempting to edit and add to this piece I once had confidence in, I cast it aside as my interest was entirely elsewhere. The only change I had made was to a character's name; from Dorothy to Annabelle. Unable to bear this renaming for more than a few minutes, I reverted her back to her original name; she was nothing like the real, angelic Annabelle. Dorothy will stay Dorothy and Annabelle will always be the only Annabelle I will ever include in my writing. No other deserved her name.

I spent today trying to occupy my mind by attempting to complete a draft of a script I have long had lurking in the depths of my computer. After a few

After this frustrating attempt at productivity I grew uneasy at how much of my time was consumed with this girl, so I tried to say goodbye.

Ryan Madden Contributor

Sunday, April 20th 2014

Annabelle, forgive me for trying to purge you from my being. I wrote a letter to her, explaining how her coming into my life was welcome at the time but now I should move on. I looked over the pages and found myself peppering it with tears. Never have I experienced such agony at my own written words. What was I doing, being so thoughtlessly cruel to such a girl that had shown me nothing but affection and compassion? Annabelle, I won't ever think or write such lies again, a flash of madness and a fear of losing you drove to me to it. I cannot describe you in a way that does your being and beauty justice, but perhaps it's better you remain as you

Mermaid Story Becky Warde Contributor

It was the kind of summer night that Penny longed for about all year round, with the bright stars scattered thickly across the violet sky. It was warm enough so she could still wear her pastel yellow summer dress with just her denim jacket. She settled on the tree trunk that had now become her spot, the place where she could escape.

drag the turquoise pastel across the page in long, soft strokes as she filled out the hair of a beautiful mermaid. The scales of her purple tail were perfectly symmetrical and gleamed brightly. Her face was breath-taking, from her almond eyes to her plump little lips that reminded her of a Disney princess.

Penny pulled her leather bound notebook from her backpack and balanced it on her lap as she flicked through her colourful pastel drawings of the mythical creatures that filled her head. The unicorns, dragons, centaurs and the mermaids. The mermaids had always been her favourite as she imagined that they would spend their days hiding in the twisted tree trunks that ran down into lakes this like this one.

The warm wind picked up and the pages of her notebook were whipped upwards as though trying to escape her firm grasp. Penny’s dirty blonde hair had come loose from its ribbon as a gust of wind blew it across her face and her note book slid off her lap. It lay in the long reeds of green grass just within her reach and as she picked it

The moon was full and cast its silvery glow across the page as she began to

water. Steel from the bridge. The copper from Liberty. The revelry from uptown. The click-clack tracks of the ElTrain. The whiskey and prostitutes from the Bowery. The leather gloves and fur scarves from the Upper East Side. The sound of taxicabs. The concrete lungs – the buildings swaying in wind and the higher you got the more they swayed. The black bodies moved at a slow, languid pace like cows to the slaughterhouse. Going somewhere. Going somewhere… The big black doors of New York looking empty over them, the crowd of Wall Street evacuated. I looked round at my small apartment. The kettle was boiling, hissing. Otherwise it was quiet as a morgue.

are, I as the only one who can be with you in time. I now know, as surely as I know I will one day die, that I love you. It pains me to consider the idea that you may doubt my love for you, which is why I must reassure you. They will be among the first words I speak to you, if we are reacquainted. Annabelle; The name coming to me, moments after spending my only night with her. Ann-ah-bell. I named seconds after I awoke; her eyes, her face still a clear picture. It seems only appropriate that the mind that created this girl should also name her. Maybe Anna in someone else's dream, Belle in another's nightmare, but in my mind she will always be my Annabelle. Nothing it seems can dissever me from her, or her from me. Although I have not seen her since, she is waiting for me somewhere in there.

up she noticed something. Her mermaid no longer had the smiling almond shaped eyes, but they now held a twinkle of malice. Penny rubbed her eyes with her hands assuming she must just be tired when she heard the wind blow stronger across the lake. It made a hissing sound that almost sounded like it was calling out to her. A slight chill ran through her but she told herself there was nothing to be afraid of, it’s just her imagination. As she approached the edge of the lake she could make out her own reflection looking back at her, with wide eyes and her hair waving widely around her. Cont. pg 16

September 2016

The Inkpot

Kneeling at the very edge she looked closer and saw the reeds and tiny fish of the lake darting around frantically. Big almond eyes begun to appear in the ripples of the water, with turquoise locks of hair that flowed majestically

A SPACE FOR THE CREATIVE MINDS OF QUEEN’S STUDENTS

around the creature. Penny gasped as it grew closer and she frantically tried to find her feet. A long elegant hand, with razor sharp pointed nails broke the surface of the water and reached out her. She stood frozen with shock or

fear she didn’t know which, until the hand darted at her and grabbed a handful of hair.

Contributor

She couldn’t exactly remember them, they weren’t as recognisable as she would have wished. Or would she have wished? Would it have been better to know what hunted her every night, stalking her every move? Aisling wasn’t sure what she wanted, except for a good night’s rest. She changed into her nightgown and put the radiator on, hoping that the heat would help balance the cool sweats that would surely come to her. Catching her own reflection in the mirror, she swore she saw a dark shadow behind her, faceless,

clicked again and soothing sounds poured into her mind, trying to wrestle with the beasts as they planned breaking out. Did her eyelids droop? Or was she imagining it? Aisling fell into a deep sleep, her heartbeat slowing to a nice easy rhythm, keeping with the soothing sounds that came from the headset. The beat steadied and disappeared, dropping out of her hearing range. She thought another song must be coming. But the headset only crackled and fizzed. It was like a jolt of electricity was interfering with the headset.

imaginary. She shook her head and looked again. The only shadows were lining her eyes, deep and sunken from the lack of sleep. Her skin was pale and clammy, like she had already fallen asleep and was experiencing her fears. What were her fears? Aisling climbed into the bed, dead and centre before putting her head down on the soft fluffy pillows that would soon suffocate her.

She sat back up and opened her eyes fully again. She looked to the phone. 2:09. Only three minutes had passed. But Aisling was sure it was longer. She clicked the phone again and the music began to play, but it was never a song she had heard before. The voice was gruff, masculine, cold.

She reached over to the bedside table, drank deeply from her glass of water before taking the tomato red headphones over and placing them securely on her ears. She sank into the pillows once again and looked to her phone. 2:06. She pressed open the app and the playlists popped up. She

Afterglow Colin Rice Contributor

“Oh God,” Beatrice says beside me, her finger nails wrapping around my wrist with poison. “Is it dead?” Her breath is heavy, the opposite of the fog outside which swirls around as gentle scoopings. The headlights break through the fog like watercolour and the left kicking leg of the animal we hit wiggles in the afterglow. “Of course it’s dead, you don’t get up and keep walking after being hit at that speed.” I reply and she releases me and leans to the windshield so her nose gently pushes on it. “Oh you poor creature,” she says looking at me with thick eyelashes.

into the depths of the murky lake the night grew silent once more.

“Ow! Stop!” Penny shrieked, piercing the still air. But as the hand pulled her

Night Terrors Caolan Quinn

The Gown

“Maybe.” I say. “But we can’t leave it like that.” Beatrice says. “Have some mercy.”

“It’s dead, should’ve checked both sides before crossing.” “You can be so morbid sometimes,” she smacks my arm. “It’s gone.” She sits up.

“You’re asking me to finish the job?” I shake my head. “God Beatrice you’ve got some noodles.” “Don’t talk to me that way. I wasn’t suggesting you do it.” She throws her coat at me and opens the passenger door. Slamming it closed behind her.

“You’re crazy.” I say. “No seriously, the animal’s gone.” She points and the wiggling leg is gone from our view as is the shadow the creature was casting. No longer diabolical.

“Beatrice,” I say but she can’t hear me, made mute by the shell of oxidised metal. I let my head roll back and watch her walk to the front of the car. Her legs makes towers of darkness dance across the headlights in some shadow-puppet performance.

“Son of a bitch.” I say. “Animal’s got some skin.” “We hit it pretty hard.” Beatrice says.

She looks at the ground and under the car. “Watch out it doesn’t have rabies.” I half joke knocking the windshield. She looks up at me, throws a rude gesture my way and looks to the left. A creature leaps at her, smacking her against the

“If we hit the road with the same force we’d be home right now.” “Maybe it’s hurt, crawled out of the way.”

Aisling threw off the headphones, her heartbeat speeding but the music hadn’t stopped. She looked around the room and saw no-one. She felt the tears well up in her eyes and slip down to her chin. She caught her reflection in the mirror once again. It was blurry, and as she stepped out of the bed, the voice sounded closer. She went to the mirror and as she grew closer and closer to it, she began to see her face in the dim light. But behind her he stood the faceless man singing. Aisling screamed as he stepped forward, pushing her back onto the bed, his hands on her shoulders. She screamed again and bolted upright, her mouth open in panic, finally awake. But then she looked at her shoulders, feeling the burning sensation of the handprints on her skin.

bonnet and hitting the road under the headlights where both disappear into shadows. “Beatrice!” I’m at the steering wheel, my chest pressed directly onto it, causing the horn to squeal into the darkness. Something’s on the roof, jumping about, making gnashing noises. I look up, footprints moulding into the ceiling. I grab my phone and start dialling any number, anybody to help. Oh Beatrice. The creature is at the back now, along the side, my side, scraping at the metal. I’m going to die in this car, trapped inside the chrome carcass. I need to go, run somewhere; no metal’s stopping this thing. I wait for silence. Open the door. I sprint from the car, stumbling on the grassy roadside, through trees, a grunting behind me. I spin around, nothing but black. Nothing but black, smacking me in the face, turning everything black.