I am a past student election candidate. I remember the days of long, tense paper-balloted counts. A far cry from the shower I witnessed last night at the election results.

There was always anger at the election counts. But the anger was never about what appeared to have been endless well documented breaches of the rules, and nothing done about them by the returning officer. Putin would be proud. The laddish, childish jeering of ‘easy’ from the victors was disgusting. At least back in my union days, the jeering was about politics and about student issues. Not about getting students even more drunk in a VIP area. The context of the greatest threats to higher education as a backdrop to these pathetic manifesto commitments is unspeakably depressing.

Now it seems that the union is a hive for CV builders, those who just want a cosy job for the year.

With the greatest respect to Mr Doherty, it appears that for whatever reason, he is unwilling to enforce the rules. Perhaps we can’t blame him.  I always remember him as an affable man, but at the end of the day if he makes a disqualification from the team that held the most complaints, then he has to work with them still for the end of the year. Pherhaps he is not in a position to disqualify. One recalls a recent incident in University of Ulster students union where over five candidates broke the rules. All five were disqualified – by an independent returning officer who was not a member of staff at the union.

I note that turnout was not high. Yes, higher than in my times, but lower than it has previously been. How many students out there felt turned off – indeed, DISconnected – because of the sight of huge, dominating tickets. Nobody ever used to run in teams. It could be argued that this is unhealthy for democracy. The noise from the crowd (apart from one noisy, laddish section) seems to suggest that a lot of people lost faith in their own union last night.

What will it take to restore it?

It should never be forgotten that the Students’ Council (or SRC back in the day) is the body that controls the union. It directs the work of the sabbaticals. It is not there to be controlled by the sabbatical officers, in fact it is the other way round. Those people on SRC are not requested to scrutinise. They are OBLIGATED to scrutinise. They will be failing in their duty if they do not, at the next available oppurtuinity, pass motions to:

• Bring in an independent returning officer for the 2013 sabbatical elections
• Ban tickets (They never used to be a problem, they are now. Whole cliques can win election not on merit, but on sheer overpowering force)
• Ban Ipads and mobile laptops being used by candidates (for one thing, as well as causing these well documented difficulties, its hard to argue that they don’t price out those less financially well off or well CONNECTED candidates that do not have access to high tech equipment)

Restore democracy in your union. I am embarrassed to be associated by it now.

Yours,

A disappointed former election candidate.

22.32 The music’s just come on so we’re going to close up the blog now. A clean sweep for Team Connect. We’ve had a few tears, a few jeers and some cheers (Ha! that’s cheesy as!). Connor Daly seems to owe Janette Loughlin a pint. She will collect apparently.

There’s still a few issues that need to be sorted out over the coming weeks, such as election court, but I think it’s time for a pint and a dance.

22.27 Here’s Tyler McNally, are you prepared for his opinion?

He says: “I think we should start off with the fact that fee has made substantial gains in the elections, which signifies the fact that students on campus are more worried about the cuts to their courses and the wider public sector than other puny issues such as establishing a VIP area in the Mandela Hall. I sincerely hope that the Connect ticket can realise the real issues for students and act on them accordingly.”

22.26 As I read over that I wonder if he’s had a few drinks…?

22.22  And there’s Niall McShane. He says: “Yeah, we came here, we were slightly nervous when we came here.  All seven in is a success.  Throughout the campaign we fought a good campaign. The students have spoken.”

22.18 Gary Spedding says: “Whilst I voted for Jason, Nuala and Aiden based on the fact I know they can do the best job, I’m absolutely appalled at the rest of the ticket’s behaviour and the election results.  Not because I’m biased, but because as a Students’ Union Councillor I know what it is to try to represent as many students as possible whilst remaining as impartial as possible.  This is why it’s upsetting to see a clean sweep for Team Connect and why I will be opposing them politically over the coming year.”

22.14 Talking to Nigel Macauley, he said “I ran honest campaign as an independent, I tried my best and I’m happy enough. More students should put themselves forward, I’m disappointed turnout is lower despite increased polling time, but it was fun. I would do it again!”

22.11 Talking to Claire Heaney, she congratulated Nuala on winning the role, and said “thank you so much, I’m so flattered by voting numbers. The student support for our kind of policies sends a real message.”

22.06 Chris Donnelly is jubilant! He said ” the smashed pieces of glass will need picking up next year”.

22.02  Connor Daly, VP for Campaigns and Communications 2012-2013, and former editor of the Gown, said it’s “a great pleasure for everyone.  Everyone who ran deserves to be congratulated.”

21.58 Chatting to Joanne O’Neill, she says she “hopes she lives up to Adam McGibbon’s two years” and she’s “looking forward” to beginning her role as VP Welfare next year.

21.40 A great attitude from Ruth Wilson, “I’ve had a shot for everyone that beat me.”

21.30 Another quote from Paul Walsh, he said he’s more disappointed for Jessica Caldwell and Chloe Minish than he is for himself. He has promised that the campaign for next year starts tomorrow.

21.27 Finally chased down Sarah Wright, who was disqualified before polling opened. She said, “I would rather lose with dignity than win by cheating.”

21.20 We’ve had a chat with Chris Donnelly. He said: “it was a fairly respectable vote for FEE, it’s a great platform for us. It reflects that there is a left count in the university. We’re not stopping our work here. It’s disingenuous to say that it was a positive campaign.”

21.11 We’re hoping to have a chat with Sarah Wright soon. Actually, we’re hoping to have a chat with everyone soon. Everyone’s chatting with everyone else at the minute.

21.02 Paul Walsh is telling us “Niall Crozier’s attitude to people is horrible, he treats people like dicks [...] As soon as those other two got in I didn’t want it anymore, I couldn’t sit in the office with those two. The campaign for next year starts tomorrow.”

21.00 Stephen Muckle thinks he should have run for President two years ago “when I had the momentum.”

20.58 Roisin Jackman thinks Chloe “was robbed.”

20.57 Connor Daly has said: “He’s thankful for his friends that voted for me. I’m just thankful for the support.”

20.53 Jessica Kirk says she is in complete shock, she didn’t expect this at all. Obviously though, she’s delighted.

20.43 And that’s us, all seven of the Connect ticket have been elected. We’ll try and have some interviews with the candidates soon.

20.42 He thanks everybody, and says “Shuffle [Niall McKernan] has been a massive, massive help.”

20.41 Niall McShane beats RON by about 1500 votes.

20.40 Hughes says he “will go over and above what he has done.”

20.39 Hughes is elected on the first count to Community. Donnelly says to those jeering, “If you thought it was easy, we fought hard.” There’s shouts of “Taxi” from Connect, as he reiterates how the Union is not connect to students.

20.37 Kirk says thanks Connect and Treasa and everyone she’s spammed over the past few days. She says her competitors have been gracious. There’s more cheers of “Easy”.

20.35  Jessica Kirk is elected on the fourth count with 1598 votes. Geoff Thompson is jeered by Connect canvassers as he says “He’s never felt as much as much a part of Queen’s as he did today.” Paul Walsh says he loves Chloe and Jessica, it was short and sweet.

20.34 Henry Adams is eliminated with 375 votes. Muckle shouts “Aww, Fuck off.” Adams says it’s been fun and hopes the best policies from all candidates get implemented.

20.34 Amos Greig is eliminated with 157 votes. He’s not here to say a few words because his wife is sick.

20.33 Equality and Diversity – Kirk pulls 1478 on the first round, but only RON is eliminated.

20.32 McAdams thanks everyone, and says “Shuffle is amazing”, she thanks Claire Heaney for staying “nice during this whole thing.”

20.30 Education Nuala McAdams is elected with 1677 to Claire Heaney’s 797. Heaney thanks everyone who voted for her, and says that’s “800 votes for free education.”

20.29 Joanne O’Neill takes to the stage to cheers of “Easy”. She says from the minute she decided to run she knew exactly who to go to – Barry Duffy. She thanks everyone.

20.28 Joanne O’Neill is elected on the first count for Welfare with 1680 votes to Minish’s 919. Minish thanks her running mates and everyone else who came out to support her.

20.26 Ruth Wilson is eliminated, her votes redistributed, and Connor Daly is elected with 1459 votes. Calswell wishes Daly “Good luck” after thanking her team.  There’s cheers of “Dingle” as Daly takes to the stage. He says they ran a positive campaign and intends to do a great job next year.

20.24 Roisin Jackman, FEE candidate, is eliminated in the third count.  She says she’ll be involved in Campaigns next year anyway and says the Union isn’t connected to students.  There’s a loud cheer as she congratulates everyone who didn’t resort to dirty politics and asks the union to sort it out for next year.

20.22 Stepehn Muckle is eliminated on the second count. He regrets not being able to run as part of a team but thanks everyone.  He wishes whoever wins good luck and says Fiona Kidd has been an excellent representative.

20.22 Connor Daly takes the lead for Campaigns and Communications, RON is eliminated.

20.20 Collins talks about fighting the cuts and polling well before thanking his team. O’Neill says he had a brilliant team this year and is very pleased to be re-elected.

20.20 Macauley speaks about only being at Queen’s for six months and thanks all his canvassers.

20.18 Union President – Cheers as Jason O’Neill takes is elected on first preferences with 1710 votes, compared to Matt Collins 1101. Nigel Macauley’s pulled 320 and RON 234.

20.17 We’ve just missed who was elected for the RAG charity.  The most important election of the night, sorry.

1712 Ben Finch, Gown Editor, has made the following statement: “The Gown is not for or against any ticket or candidate. We are simly trying to carry out our jobs by reporting and investigating any claims made, as we have done when made by the Connect ticket. If Connect could provide evidence of wrongdoing by other candidates then we would do the same. We are currently trying to verify reports that Joanne O’Neill has been threatened by another candidate. This is not biased reporting, this is good journalism.”

17.00 Voting’s just closed! If you haven’t had your say now, you’ll have to wait another yesr I’m afraid! We’ll get back to you later with results.

16.55 In the last five minutes we see canvassers going mad.

16.47 We’ve just got another number from Dominic Doherty regarding voter turnout: it rose to 4020 at 4.30

16.40 There’s now just twenty minutes left until polls close: if you want to have your say, log onto QOL now!

16.38 Away from our own elections here at Queen’s, a number of people have submitted their names to stand for election to be delegates at National Union conferences. At a brief view this includes Gary Spedding, Tyler McNally, Sarah Wright, Chloe Minish, Justyn Mackay, and even Paul Shannon. The full list will be available on our website soon.

16.35 As of 4pm, the voter turnout was at  3935. This is still greatly down on the final number of 4267 last year. At this stage it’s highly unlikely the number will increase.

16.30 Just heard briefly from Dominic Doherty. In reference to the distance between canvassers and voters, the constitution does not make reference to a specified distance.

Also, in regards to his recent comment about being ”generally happy” with the conduct of candidates during the election, he has recognised from the audio evidence that candidate conduct may not always have been appropriate.

The issue regarding the audio recording will be taken up with the election court. He has no further comments to make at this moment.

1600 Aidan Hughes disagrees with this reporters assertion that the Gown is not against Team Connect. Does not ellaborate when invited to do so. In fact, doesn’t even turn around…

1555 Short discussion with Jason O’Neill. He assures the Gown that he is trying to run a positive campaign, and is therefore not in the habit of making allegations against other candidates. With regards to some of the allegations that have appeared on this blog, he refutes them totally and has the evidence to back them up if required.

On the audio recording, he states that the conversation was taken out of context, and how could this be elction fraud anyway when the student in question had voted already.

Mr O’Neill is happy to have run a good campaign and is confident that the results will reflect this.

1545 Jason O’Neill is in discussion with a student who appears to be making allegations regarding another teams candidate, also happening in the PFC. Gown reporter is trying to look invisible 10 feet behind them…hard when your my size…

1544 Live in the PFC: Dominic Doherty has arrived to investigate the claims relating to our audio recording, as a complaint has been received by a student.

1541 There appears to be a view that we at the Gown are against Team Connect. This is not true, we are simply relaying the complaints and concerns of those who have approached us. If allegations were to be brought forward regarding malpractice by any other canididates, we would be happy to investigate and publish.

1515 We have just spoken to Dominic Doherty again. He would like to clarify that the rule regarding the proximity of candidates to voters is “a myth.” This stems from the days when voting was by paper ballot, and ceased to be effective when online voting came in.

Mr Doherty also confirmed that he had received a petition from Sarah Wright in relation to her disqualification, and that the matter would now be in the hands of the election court. This is the secon petition he has received, the other relating to election malpractice.

Mr Doherty stated that he was “generally happy” with the conduct of candidates during the election.

Results will be announced from 8pm in Bar Sub.

14.50

Audio Upload. Please see link.

http://soundcloud.com/janetteloughlin/election-audio

14.17

Transcript from recorded device.

Speaker A is Karen Devlin, who recorded Speaker B, canvassing for Team Connect, on her phone carrying out the vote for her.

40. A: What time is it?B: It’ll take two seconds.

A: Two seconds?

B: Aye.

A: Right, how do I…?

B: Do you want me to do it? It’ll take two seconds.

A: Can you do it?

B: Aye, I’ll do it for you.

A: That’s great thanks so much. Are you one of these people then, is it Connect?

B: No, these are my good friends so they are, they’re just out canvassing.

A: How do you think they’re gonna do?

B: It looks like they’re doing alright at the moment like. You know… He’s the, Jason’s the current Student Union President at the moment, and ah… so’s Aidan, he’s still for VP Community, but it’s really just Joanne we’re trying to get in here because it’s her first time running, she’s really nervous you know.

A: Awk I’m sure she’ll do ok.

B: Hopefully anyway.

A: Yeah… Is it on Queen’s Online you vote, yeah?

B: Yeah I’ll show you here… it takes two seconds.

A: I have work to do, and I was like yeah… oh wouldn’t you know, I’ve already voted for FEE and got you recorded doing that.

B: Right enough?

A: Yeah, cause you’re not supposed to be within twenty feet of me

B: Why’s that?

A: Because it’s against the rules, I’m sure you’ve been emailed out about it

B: No

A: I’m gonna show this to Doc and we’ll have a conversation about it

B: No bother

A: And you know, I got your wee friend ..

B: No bother

A: No bother?

B: No bother.

A: That’s alright, hope your team does well then.

1400 We have been given this recording from a student, who says it reveals a Team Connect canvasser offering to carry out the voting process for her in the PFC, a clear breach of election rules.

13.50 We’ve also spoken to Jessica Caldwell and Connor Daly, both candidates for VP Campaigns and Communications. Caldwell is currently leading in the Gown poll, with Daly coming second.

Caldwell said that she’s pleased and ‘hopefully the poll will be reflected in the real poll, the one that counts.’

This was a sentiment shared by Connor Daly who said that as Gown Editor he remembered doing campaign polls and that ‘they were just a bit of fun. I know the only poll that matters is the one that closes at 5pm.’

13.47 Regarding the images of Joanne O’Neill, we had a brief word with Presidential candidate Jason O’Neill. He said that Team Connect is in possession of a statement from the girl involved in the photograph. We saw this, and it said that she was not coerced into voting for either Joanne O’Neill or Team Connect.

Jason O’Neill also said that Team Connect’s campaign this year was a clean one. He said that they have been following the rules very closely, and even called off a tea and coffee night planned in Elms last night because Dominic Doherty, Returning Officer, warned them that there could be health and safety issues surrounding it.

He also said regarding the allegations surrounding Team Connect’s use of their iPad that the iPad in question does not support QOL and that their canvassers merely wanted people to ‘like’ their page on Facebook.

13.14 We have received some photos allegedly showing Joanne O’Neill and a canvasser for Connect showing people how to vote this morning. If this is the case it is a clear breach of the guidance Doherty sent to candidates last night.

This isn’t the end of the story though. Reportedly O’Neill has been threatened with these images by another candidate. We’re trying to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.

12.48 We had a quick word with Nuala McAdams about the allegations made against Team Connect yesterday by other tickets. She said she knew nothing about it, and hadn’t really had much time to check up on anything outside her own campaigning.

As well as that, we’ve had a clarification from Dominic Doherty regarding the use of electronic devices. In an e-mail sent last night to all candidates he said that although candidates are allowed to use their own electronic devices ‘to enable ease of voting’ all candidates must ‘move well away (at least twenty feet) from the student’ and allow them to log in and vote in private. Canvassers and candidates are also not allowed to stand or sit beside the student, or otherwise indicate how and for whom to vote.

We also have a brief word from Niall McKernan in the comments section about the endorsements from Scratch and the Hatfield on Facebook. He said that

“Candidates may approach the media in relation to any publicity that may be generated by the Election campaign. However, candidates are not permitted to make or receive any financial payment in return for media coverage.”

‘Media’ could constitute any portal for information provision to the student population including other businesses. The general point made above is that the candidates must not pay for such publicity nor receive any payment for it, which Team Connect did not.”

We also have some interesting photos provided to us by a source regarding voting. More on this soon…

12.24 Some more statistics for you: Matt Collins is in the lead in our Gown poll at 37%, Jason O’Neill comes in at second with 32% and Nigel Macauley is third with 31%.

However, so far the Sarah Wright poll has been more popular with Gown readers. 69% think she shouldn’t have been disqualified and 31% think she should have been.

12.15 On the low voter turnout, Matt Collins the FEE candidate for President says that this is symbolic of the Union’s disconnectedness with their membership. At 12 the turnout was at 3455, up around 30 from 11 o’clock.

12.01 There have been some interesting claims about voting intentions this year. Apparently, a number of GAA members have pledged their support for Paul Walsh, running for VP Equality and Diversity. Jessica Caldwell, who’s running along with Walsh for VP Campaigns and Communications had this to say: “A lot of people are breaking traditional voting patterns this year. It just goes to show how exciting this year’s election has been so far.”

There might be some who would disagree with Caldwell, but things do seem to be heating up a bit today.

11.48 And already the wheels of scandal are turning. There have been concerns raised bysome candidates about Team Connect over perceived corporate sponsorship. It seems that both Scratch nightclub and the Hatfield Bar had endorsed members of Team Connect on their Facebook pages. We asked Dominic Doherty, the Returning Officer, for his views. He said that he had no control over what companies or their employees did, and that not all endorsements are welcomed by candidates. More on this later, but if you want to check out the Facebook page for the Hatfield, it’s here: https://www.facebook.com/hatfieldbelfast?sk=wall

It seems the Scratch endorsements have mysteriously disappeared over night.

11.41 We’ll start off with some statistics for you: at 11am there had been 3370 votes cast in the poll. That’s down from 4267 at 5pm on the last day of polling last year. This is the first time that voting has been spread across three days however, so we may see a last minute surge in votes before 5pm

17.35 And that’s us for today. It’s the last day of campaigning tomorrow and everyone’s burnt out already. I can’t wait to see what happens.

17.32 Connor Daly has just been into the office to refute the allegations made against him by two students this morning. He has stated that he is happy to hand in his student card in order to prove that he has not entered the library.

The information was received from two separate sources, of their own volition. The Gown therefore saw fit to report it.

17.11 Turnout at 17.00 – 2678.

17.09 We’re going to be closing up shortly.  It seems like a lot of the candidates have just decamped to the Speakeasy, so I’m assuming that’s the end of campaigning for today.

16.57 We have some photos of today’s campaigning courtesy of Tyler McNally, which explains why most of them are of FEE, sorry.

16.40 And on that, there’s only been about 90 votes between 15.00 and 16.00. We now stand at 2562 votes cast.

16.34 I’ve just had someone in saying that these elections highlight the need for an independent Returning Officer.  It seems a motion passed Council for this last year but there has been no progress.  They said: “I don’t know whether Doherty’s going to do anything, he has to work with Jason for the next few months.”

16.29 A quick call to the School of Law shows that the only reading week planned is for next week, for one module. The School of Creative Arts only has a reading day for Music and this is on March 16.

16.17 I was chatting to Doherty about turnout as well. It seems a number of schools may have a reading week, including the School of Law and School of Performing Arts. The university did not inform the Union of these when elections were being organised.  This is thought to have affected turnout.

16.02 Rumours have been swirling about the Union that three students visited Dominic Doherty to make a complaint about the conduct of canvassers. Doherty has confirmed this stating:

“Three students have made a complaint and I’ve taken a statement.  An election court will take place and the constitution will kick in.”

Doherty was not able to say who the complainants were or who the allegation was made against.

The election court will be convened by Gordon Douglas within seven working days and takes place under Section 11, Rule 2 of the constitution. This is likely to happen after the results are announced.

15.48 Seems only one of the incumbents re-running for election has set their email to reply with an “Out of office”, Jason O’Neill.

15.44 Someone just said regarding Jessica and Joanne: “They were invited in? Like vampires?”

15.42 Sources are also suggesting that Jessica Kirk’s sister has been falsely accused of electoral fraud. They are suggesting that the computer was broken and she was attempting to help them fix it.

15.38 TURNOUT UPDATE!!! Exciting stuff, I know, but at 15.00 2477 votes had been cast, compared to 3831 last year. This means 947 votes have been cast since 17.30 last night.

15.34 Sources are discussing the allegation made against FEE for taking posters down.  It seems that this was made because a number of students in Elms saw the posters being taken down and replaced with FEE’s.  The students then tore down FEE’s posters and said they were going to vote for Connect. Apparently the Connect canvassers replaced both the FEE and Connect posters.

15.25 We have a quote from Jason O’Neill regarding Joanne and Jessica entering kitchens in Elms:

“Team Connect only had one keycard signed out the whole time and I can say that we did not use that card to enter any halls and kitchens.  The only way Joanne and JJessica could have got into the halls was if they were invited in.”

We have also been forwarded an email sent to candidates by Dominic Doherty on Thursday 1 March.  This states:

“Candidates,

The management at Elms Village has issued the following advice in relation to canvassing at that site.

Please ensure that you adhere to this.

Dominic

Hi All

All candidates must follow the same procedure and sign out a key card from the main Elms Receptions which they can do so for a maximum of an hour.

All candidates must only place one poster in each hallway and will have no access to individual floors.

All candidates will be expected to return to take down promotional posters immediately after elections.

There will be no keys provided for off site housing for the purpose of elections.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Regards”

14.41 A quick note on turnout. It hit 2408 at 14.00, 1200 down on last year. Observers are wondering whether this is down to Niall McShane running uncontested, or the weather.

14.36 We’ve just had Adam McGibbon, the outgoing VP Welfare, pop in the office.  We asked him his opinion on the elections and he said: “The vast majority of the manifestos are deeply uninspiring and hopefully the candidates can raise themselves above those.”

14.26  There has also been some undercover work carried out.  Janette Loughlin, Features Editor, was approached by two Team Connect canvassers while at Elms. Who knew playing dumb worked so well?  Asking who the canvassers were campaigning for, Team Connect of course, Loughlin then went on to ask who each of the candidates were, and how successful were their canvassing efforts so far.  Peter Gaffney and Luke McCann said that it was going well, and it much easier to talk to people in Elms “because you can actually stop people”.   When it was suggested by the “oblivious” Loughlin that surely the PFC is easier, because there are computers are there – so you can get people to log in and show them what to do, both Gaffney and McCann agreed, “yeah you can show them where to click on QOL and who to vote for.”

14.16 I’m just back from Elms where I was visiting a few students in Holly Grove 2.  Last night a group of four canvassers for the Connect Ticket came into their kitchen with a laptop and pointed out who to vote for.  Two of the girls were Joanne O’Neill and Jessica Kirk. The students didn’t wish to be named but they said:

“They came in with a laptop and told us who to vote for.  There were four girls but there was a group of guys from the same team I saw, as I was heading past the Treehouse, walking towards Beech.

“They were well planned and intentionally overly friendly.  They set up their laptop in the corner of the kitchen and pointed out who to vote for on that.”

The canvassers were not accompanied by an Residential Assistant.  I asked at reception whether visitors to Elms had to be accompanied.  They said that an email had been received from Gordon Douglas requesting permission for canvassers to enter the halls of the flats to put up posters, but that they were not to visit social spaces or kitchens.

Reportedly the Team Connect ticket have just had a meeting with Dominic Doherty.

13.31 On the Sarah Wright disqualification: An extract from the Students’ Union Constitution reads  ”If the Returning Officer is satisfied that a person‟s failure to comply with any Election regulation under this Rule is directly due to circumstances beyond that person‟s control, he/she may at his/her discretion exempt that person from that regulation. Such a decision may be challenged by reference to an Election Court upon petition.”

We understand this to mean that the final decision on Miss Wrights participation lay with Returning Officer Dominic Doherty.

When approached, Mr Doherty acknowledged that this was the case, but that decisions on academic good standing must be “taken from a position of knowledge,” and that the department of Academic and Student Affairs was best placed to be in that position. Therefore, he accepted their ruling. Mr Doherty went on to express his “deep sympathy” for Miss Wrights situation, as he understood from her statements that she had experienced health problems. However, Doherty said he he did not want to, nor should he, “forensically examine” these issues.

Mr Doherty went on to acknowledge that the election for VP Welfare could be declared null and void, and a re-run ordered, at the behest of an Election Court. He stressed that the rights of the other candidates must be taken into account.

12.55 A Malaysian fair is providing some relief from the mundanity of the elections. Pop up to the Space and sample some Malaysian cuisine, and come see us in the office if you have anything interesting.

12.37 A number of candidates from different tickets are expressing their concern at the alleged voting irregularities in Elms. One source said that they should show a united front and highlight the issue with Dominic Doherty.

12.10 As of 1100 this morning, 2108 people had voted, as opposed to 3111 at the same point last year.

12.00 Two further allegations relating to Connor Daly. 3rd Year Psychology student Rebecca Hill and a 3rd Year English student, Rory Atkinson, have claimed he was pressuring them to vote in the library. Neither followed his instruction.

11.45 Source pops their head into the office. Allegations of Team Connect taking laptops round the flats of Elms last night. Consultations with Dominic Doherty over potential grounds for disqualification. Watch this space…

11.37 A three day election provides plenty of scope for mischief, scandal and wild allegations, but dont we all want to know how the candidates are fairing where it really counts? On Thursday night all will be revealed, but for those who revel in the ebb and flow of student politics, we at the Gown have set up an online poll to keep track of who’s hot and who’s not.

At the end of day one, the race for President has thrown up some surprise statistics, at least to us here in the office. Incumbent Jason O’Neill is sitting on 27%, but he trails current leader Nigel Macauley (38%) and FEE candidate Matt Collins (36%). Of course, all statistics must be taken with a pinch of salt: Perhaps the Macauley and Collins camps are more technically savvy (or more likely to follow the Gown…) Although it would appear that the Team Connect camp are never far away when ‘online assistance’ is required…

We also posed the question of whether Sarah Wright should have been disqualified from the race for VP Welfare. This had the biggest response, and showed comfortable (though far from resounding) support for Miss Wright. 71% believe the wrong decision was made, while 29% agree with the course of action taken.

Responses in the VP Campaigns and Communications poll were lower than the others, but show Jessica Caldwell holding a 7 point lead over Connor Daly, and the other candidates struggling to hang onto their coat tails. Be sure to have your say, and we’ll keep you updated with the swings and roundabouts.

Yesterday, Sarah Wright was disqualified due to being in bad academic standing. A petition for an emergency meeting of Council was signed to stop counting of the votes for VP Welfare. We’ll keep you informed of any developments.

17.44 And as I write that, we receive a report that Team Connect were inside the computer room in the library telling people how to vote.

17.38 That seems to be everything for today so we’ll wrap it up for now. At 17.00 1469 votes had been cast. This is about 700 down on last year.

See you tomorrow and let’s hope the weather’s better.

16.58 Oh, and reports suggest Jessica Kirk’s wee sister may have been one of those told to stop.

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16.52 I’ve just chased Jason O’Neill down for statement on the electoral fraud earlier. He said

“From what I’ve heard it was two overenthusiastic canvassers who were pointing out who to vote for. As soon as they were told that was not allowed they stopped.”

Some other wag has commented that they should have known this before they started. We’ve heard other allegations that we are currently investigating.

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16.18 Turnout’s continuing to fall, 600 down on last year so far at 1363.

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16.14 Tyler McNally’s getting annoyed at Nigel Macauley again. It seems Tyler’s raging about Nigle breaking copyright by using photos that Tyler took, but didn’t give him permission to use.

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16.02 Nigel Macauley has asked me to clarify more from the interview printed in the paper. He would like me to point out that he cannot remember the name of a committee he sits on because it has never met, which he thinks is bad practice.

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15.57 An election official has just told me he had to stop Team Connect canvassers from pointing at who to vote for on people’s screens on the computers on the ground floor of the Union.

When asked about this Dominic Doherty said that this was not Vote Theft because students are required to log themselves in. He did call it “very bad practice” and stated he would discuss it with the Campaign Manager for Connect.

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15.35 Ben’s taking a well deserved break. Romano here, I’ll try and keep you up to date with what’s happening while he’s gone. Sadly, looks like nothing much is happening. Yet.

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15.18 I spent a little time wandering around campus there. As classes changed over in the Peter Froggatt Centre Paul Walsh handed out about 200 leaflets, while the Connect canvasser stood watching from the sidelines.

There’s very little gossip about, but this pleases Henry Adams.

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15.16 We’ve just received a statement from Claire Heaney regarding the allegations made earlier about FEE. Here it is in full.

“Today’s gown live blog states:
12.50 And so we have our first allegation of foul play. Sources from Team Connect have stated that FEE were seen taking down Connect and Caldwell/Minish/Walsh posters last night. They also managed to call Connect Law/GAA in the process, some things never change.

We would like to make it clear that the FEE ticket are running a principled, political campaign based around the issues that affect students. We categorically refute any accusation that we have been tampering with other candidates election materials; we have not done so and we would not do so. In fact, the opposite is true. Many of Matt Collins’ posters in the SU have been removed by other candidates who are clearly worried by the interest his campaign is generating among students.

Best wishes,
Claire Heaney”

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14.25 Here’s a bit more from Amos re the Hood.

“I would like to clarify that I am not aiming for the Pink ticket as they state. I actually have a transgendered family member, I was beaten because of my friendship with members of the gay community. It has taken me six years to overcome the fear and trauma of going outside. I find it offensive that he or she would attack me in this way and you can quote me on that.

“I firmly believe that anyone should be able to walk through the students Union hand in hand with their partner no matter the gender the university should be a SAFE place for everyone and to be frank. I found the article offensive.”

Amos has received an apology.

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14.15 Turnout is definitely plummeting at the minute. 1022 so far, a whole four hundred down on this time last year. After a brief chat outside it seems some canvassers are a little disappointed at the lack of scandal so far. There’s still two and a half days left though.

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14.12 Amos Greig is not out canvassing at the minute. This is because his wife was in an accident yesterday. Here is a brief statement.

“I did manage some canvassing today just not at the SU. I approached the Mature Student Center and the School of Education as both have high populations of mature students. I was careful to explain the post of Equality and Diversity and its role as well as where to check all of the candidates details for the post.”

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13.59 Courtesy of Tyley McNally we have some photos of today’s canvassing.

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13.30 We have a screen shot from Tom Elliot MLA’s face book page for you

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What do you make of that?

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13.23 Voter turnout is currently severely down on previous years. Only 815 people have voted so far, compared to 1175 last year and 1304 in 2010. This is probably down to the weather right now, and remember there is an extra day of polling.

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13.21 I would like to apologise to Nigel Macauley. It seems there has been a misunderstanding in my interview with him. When discussing working with the Department for Education Macauley was talking about working with the Education and Library Boards rather than about Universities, who are under the Department for Employment and Learning.

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13.18 We’re just chatting in the office about how the hardest vote to cast today was in the RAG election.

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13.14 Now it’s time for our highly unscientific opinion poll. Who should be Students’ Union president?

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12.50 And so we have our first allegation of foul play. Sources from Team Connect have stated that FEE were seen taking down Connect and Caldwell/Minish/Walsh posters last night. They also managed to call Connect Law/GAA in the process, some things never change.

In other news Adams/Wilson were doing lecture shout-outs this morning. Apparently their video went down fantastically in Law lectures, especially when they both got naked at the end. I wonder what that means for the Connect vote?

On my wanderings I overheard some students, who were looking at election posters. “Who’re you going to vote for?” said one. The other replied, “I don’t know if I’m going to vote this year, it just reminds me of school.” He didn’t explain any further.

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12.17 The petition for an emergency session of Council has been withdrawn. This seems to be due to the fact that it would be happening after the results have been announced.

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12.02 Radio Ulster have just contacted me about the Sarah Wright story…

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11.45 It appears some resourceful students on the Team Connect ticket have an iPad and are asking people to place their vote on this. Some other candidates have questioned whether this is within the rules. Dominic Doherty says it is within the rules as long as there is no pressure placed on the voter to go for a certain person. If this happens then he will confiscate it for the duration of the elections.

It seems all campaigners can do this with a laptop, or anything else that can connect to QOL, as well if they so fancy.

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11.21 Just took a quick wander about to deliver papers, buy some teabags and have a wee creep on the campaigning. It looks like the weather’s for turning, so the big question on everyone’s lips is how will this affect turnout?

Actually, everyone just looks very cold, Jessica Kirk in particular is freezing. At the minute everyone looks to be getting on well with each other and Paul Shannon’s gone hunting for a megaphone. He wants to build on Nathan Anderson’s performance last year. Get ready to hear that bass voice ring out across campus. I’ll try and get him to sing if possible.

On a side note, if any candidate wants my vote then they’ll have to pledge to make the Union Shop carry Punjana, all they had was Tetleys.

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10.51 That’s the best I can do for you at the minute

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10.49 watch?v=1pwFNBM-khU&feature=player_detailpage

watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=BvfY4lkkI0w

watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=k51Ud9Kt7Es

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10.37 Just so you know, turnout is down slightly this year so far. By 10.00 225 had been cast. This compares with 264 at this time last year. There is an extra day of voting this year, so the figures probably aren’t comparable in the long run.

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10.35 Here’s the wording of the petition

“The below members of Council, not numbering less than 20, call a special meeting of the Queen’s University Belfast Student Council to be held on the 8th day of March 2012 at 8pm. This special meeting of Council shall be to suspend the counting of ballots for the position of Vice President Welfare, to declare the election void, and to allow a new election, with all candidates who submitted nomination forms for the position before 5pm 27th day of February 2012. This new election should take place as soon as possible bypassing rules requiring candidates to be in “good academic standing”.

Minor change, I shall assume it will gain the same support, unless members otherwise state.”

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10.33 I’ve just been speaking to Dominic Doherty, the Returning Officer, about this emergency meeting of Council. A petition has been signed to call this meeting which was received last night at 9.20pm. Constitutionally, a petition must be received 72 hours before an emergency meeting is called, and such meetings must be held between 17.00 and 20.00.

This means that the emergency meeting of Council cannot be held until 17.00 on Friday 9 March. Therefore, any such meeting would be about removing a democratically elected officer from their post, rather than stopping the count of votes.

Doherty thinks that the situation would be better considered by Election Court than by Council, as it is in the constitution to deal specifically with elections.

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10.24 OK, if someone knows how to embed videos properly come up and see me in the office

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10.18 Here’s some videos to keep you entertained before things get going. Be careful with the Adams/Wilson video though, I’ve been unable to get the song out of my head all weekend.

The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.

The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.

The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.

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BY BEN FINCH

Wright has released this statement: “I would like to make a statement regarding my disqualification from the upcoming Students’ Union elections. I was informed today that I am not considered to be in good academic standing. This is because I deferred an exam in January. I did so due to an illness related to my pre-existing disability, which is registered with the university. The good academic standing clause makes no provision for such mitigating circumstances. As such, I regard this as discrimination.

“I have taken legal advice on the issue and have spoken to the Equality Commission, who say that this may amount to unlawful discrimination on grounds of disability, contrary to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

“I will be seeking an outcome that ensures no other students are discriminated against in this way.”

This article was amended at 16.15 on Monday 5 March 2012. Originally it stated that Wright was running for VP Equality and Diversity.

17.28 Oh wait, we have a final statement from Nigel Macauley:

I have decided after discussing with my friends, colleagues and family that I am putting myself forward for the position of Union President. Having received countless supportive text messages, facebook messages and phone calls, I know it is the right thing to do. I hope I can rely on all your support in the coming election.

Together we can keep Moving the SU Forward

Nigel Macauley

 

17.19 So here we have it, all 21 candidates. And that’s us for today.

UNION PRESIDENT

Matt Collins

Nigel Macauley

Jason O’Neill

VICE PRESIDENT CAMPAIGNS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Jessica Caldwell

Connor Daly

Roisin Jackman

Stephen Muckle

Ruth Wilson

VICE PRESIDENT CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Niall McShane

VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION

Claire Heaney

Nuala McAdams

VICE PRESIDENT WELFARE

Chloe Minish

Joanne O’Neill

Sarah Wright

VICE PRESIDENT EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

Henry Adams

Amos Greig

Jessica Kirk

Geoff Thompson

Paul Walsh

VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNITY

Christopher Donnelly

Aidan Hughes

17.04 Nominations closed five minutes ago and in the final raft we had Jason O’Neill (President), Nigel Macauley (President), Ruth Wilson (VP Campaigns and Communications), Henry Adams (VP Equality and Diversity) and Sarah Wright (VP Welfare). There’s 21 candidates in total.  I’ll have a full list up in a few minutes.

16.31 Cathy Corbett has just popped into the office to state that the letter contained below is not from her.  The address that the letter was received from is that of Alex Redpath.

16.17 Connor Daly, the former Editor of the Gown has just dropped his nomination in for Campaigns and Communications. I had a quick chat with Dominic Doherty there and all he would say is that there’s fifteen nominations so far and he’s expecting a few more.

15.47 It looks as if Equality and Diversity may be pushing Campaigns and Communications in the race for the sheer amount of candidates.  Incumbency appears to be scaring everyone off, other than those going for President.

15.45 Yet another person for Equality and Diversity, this time it’s Jessica Kirk.

15.26 While Sarah Wright is sticking with black and white.

15.23 Stephen Muckle has an election poster that may possibly make him look a wee bit squat.

15.16 The LawSoc have just come out in support of Jason O’Neill on Facebook.

15.15 And here’s another video for you, this time it’s the bloopers from the McGibbon/Kidd/Downs video

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

15.10 Here’s a statement from Nigel Macauley that was posted on Facebook last night.

STATEMENT:

AT THIS TIME I AM SUSPENDING MY ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR UNION PRESIDENT. I WILL BE CONSULTING OVER THE NEXT FEW HOURS WITH MY FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND FAMILY ABOUT THIS DECISION. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT SO FAR, YOU WILL BE INFORMED OF THE OUTCOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

NIGEL MACAULEY

Macauley hasn’t yet been in contact to explain what is happening.

15.03 There’s another Facebook page to like, this one’s for Róisín Jackman, and a whole event to go to: Matt Collins is launching his manifesto.

14.56 Some more candidates have nominated themselves for positions.  We have Niall McShane (VP Clubs and Societies), Aidan Hughes (VP Community), Nuala McAdams (VP Education).  These are all incumbents, but there seems to be no sign of the rest of their ticket just yet, including Jason O’Neill.

FEE’s ticket has started to come together, with Matt Collins for President and Claire Heaney (VP Education).  Here’s Collin’s election poster for you.

13.01 And here’s some Facebook pages for you to creep on… Claire Heaney for VP Education, Ruth Wilson for VP Campaigns and Communications, Aidan Hughes for VP Community, Niall McShane for Clubs and Societies, Nuala McAdams for Education, Jessica Kirk for Equality and Diversity, Connor Daly for Campaigns and Communications, Joanne O’Neill for Welfare, Bobby Kane for President, the Caldwell, Minish and Walsh ticket, Sarah Wright for Welfare, Stephen Muckle for Campaigns and Communications, Nigel Macauley for President and finally Jason O’Neill.

12.38 Until more nominations come in, here’s something to keep you entertained… 

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

12.19 So far there’s a few industrious students who already have their nominations in. Last Monday(!!!) Jessica Caldwell (VP Campaigns and Communications), Chloe Minish (VP Welfare) and Paul Walsh (VP Equality and Diversity) had their forms in to the returning officer, Dominic Doherty.

On Friday Amos Greig (VP Equality and Diversity) and Geoff Thompson (VP Equality and Diversity) dropped theirs off and this morning we had Stephen Muckle put his in for Campaigns and Communications.

Roisin Jackman has taken Tyler McNally’s spot for VP Campaigns and Communications. McNally’s in bad academic standing and so is unable to run. And last but not least Christopher Donnelly (VP Community) has left his in.

BY PRIYA BIRING

The album uses clean-cut intricate beats. It satisfies the Dubstep fan with its heavy bass throbbing through each track; trickled with an array of synths and teased with delicate trickles, ascending trance chords and outstanding vocals. Opening track ‘Wildfire’ features Yukimi Nagano of Swedish band Little Dragon. Her soft voice rings out beautifully over dubby throbs and siren-like sounds. Yet Sampha takes on the majority of vocals. His voice is unexpected, as you would usually associate it with R&B. However, SBTRKT complements this by using Sampha’s vocals as another instrument. The striking, and sometimes haunting, quality of his voice frequently sounds as if on the cusp of tears – especially in ‘Hold On’ where he pleads: “You’re giving me the coldest stare / Like you don’t even know I’m here.”

Being played on national radio shows, this album is flowing nicely into the mainstream. SBRTKT has created a well-balanced sound, extending heavy bass with the tools of Dubstep and intricate rhythms. SBTRKT is a burst of freshness on the electronic scene and his album is sure to be in the round ups for album of the year.

Three years can be a long time in the music business, but it’s taken that long for English electro-rock duo The Big Pink to release their sophomore album Future This. The question is, was it worth the wait? The double act’s first album A
Brief History of Love was a hit with music pundits across the board, applauding their mix of soaring tunes, daring synth sets and their own brand of slick and painfully effortless cool. The Big Pink are all about big sounds with big ideas. However, Future This does not live up to their past success.

BY ROMANO MULLIN

The album starts promisingly enough with the addictively good ‘Stay Gold’. There are enough hooks here to catch a whole new audience as well as keep old fans pleased. But the problem is the boys seem to think all they need to do is continue churning out memorable hooks to hold their listeners’ interest. Unfortunately, this has the opposite effect and some of the finest tunes on the album are worn down by hooks as heavy as lead balloons.
But it isn’t all bad news. ‘1313’ is one of the best tracks on the record, a fantastically dirty, fuzzy synth saturated song with an edge that the rest of the album sadly lacks. There are tunes like ‘Jump Music’ and ‘Lose Your Mind’ that have a promising glint of wildness and a renewed surge in revitalising the electronic heart of the album, but this newfound vitality fades as quickly as it arrives.
The Big Pink have more talent than is fair, but they aren’t using the cutting edge ingenuity that made A Brief History of Love such a success. The curse of the difficult second album has struck again.

BY COLIN WILLIAMSON

When Fabio Capello surveyed the football landscape at the end of 2007, he was faced with a vast array of employment opportunities, as befitting an intelligent Italian manager with an impressive CV. Unfortunately for ‘Don Fabio’, he too was to make an unwise choice and drink from the poisoned chalice of English Football. Hypnotised by the hype, the status, and certainly the pay packet, he stumbled into one of the few jobs in the world almost guaranteed to end in bitter separation.
The England football team is a bit of an enigma within the national culture. Loved and hated in equal measure, derided within its own borders for its failings and apparent treachery, it is fiercely defended if those from foreign lands dare to point out the very same misgivings.
Armies of supporters march to its cause, travelling in hope and misplaced expectation, fuelled by a fervent media who analyse the actions of the national team with almost forensic fascination.
To be at the helm of such an institution is to carry the dreams of many, with almost no chance of seeing them fulfilled. One of the facts that escapes those who bemoan the inability of successive ‘Golden Generations’ to match the feats of the fabled heroes of ’66 is that English footballers just aren’t that good. Yes, the Premiership is the most watched, and arguably the most exciting, league in the world. It is packed with drama, scandal, athleticism and some of the finest players in the world. It just so happens that not many of them are English. When international football comes calling, the technical ability of the Spanish, Germans and South Americans finds the boys in white wanting.
So how does one approach such a job, where the expectations of success far outstrip the resources available to achieve it? You don’t. You pick the humble looking cup at the back, and live to fight another day.
The English FA are now presented with an unexpected opportunity. To see what must be done, they need only gaze south from the Wembley Arch towards rugby HQ at Twickenham. The similarities between the two organisations are probably far greater than either would care to admit. Both suffered from poor World Cups, both have issues with misbehaving players and a murky public image.
Rugby has taken the bull by the horns, clearing out the old guard and adopting a zero tolerance stance on any miscreants who cross the line of legal or moral acceptability. Whilst the evidence from the opening round of the Six Nations may suggest that this policy has seen no benefits on the pitch, it is undeniable that wounds are being healed off it. Performance will surely follow.
Will the FA dare to follow such a path? Are the footballing public more accepting of their idols misgivings, as long as they are masked by on-field success? How would they react to, for example, Wayne Rooney’s absence if he were to be convicted of drink driving?
It is perhaps prophetic that on the day Fabio ‘crumbled into dust,’ his heir apparent, Harry Redknapp, should appear blinking into the sunlight form Southwark Crown Court, the aura of scandal slipping effortlessly off his back to reveal a squeaky clean, ready-made replacement.
When the choice comes, as it surely will, will Harry be drawn in by the external beauty and sparkling splendour of the biggest job in football, or will he stick with the humble simplicity, but safety, of his role at Spurs.
Let’s hope he chooses wisely.

The School of English has caused panic among students by stating that bibliographies should be included in the word-counts of essays. This guidance was given via email on January 6, just three days before a deadline.  This information is not contained in the rubric of essay questions. One second year student said: “The school has failed its students utterly.”

BY BEN FINCH AND ROMANO MULLIN

Following an outcry from students, a second email was sent on January 9 which states: “Students will NOT be penalised should their essays be over length on account of the bibliography.”

Prior to the first email, students received conflicting advice about whether bibliographies were to be included in word-counts.  The general consensus was that bibliographies were not included.  Some students’ bibliographies now took up a quarter of their essay, requiring a substantial portion to be cut in order to make their argument.

The email, dated January 6, reads: “As stated in the School’s assessment policy: ‘each assessment will have a specified word length which is intended to include all the components of the assessment: main text, notes, bibliography etc.’” It has not been possible to verify this policy.

The guidelines attached to questions say: “For further details, please refer to the document entitled ‘Guidelines for Submission and Presentation of Summative Work’ also available on Queen’s Online Website (QOL).”  It is assumed this document contains the statement quoted.  It is not available on QOL, the School of English website, the Queen’s website or Google.  There are no results for ‘QUB School of English assessment and feedback policy’.

The last document found which includes bibliographies in the word-count is the 2008/09 Stage One Handbook.  This says: “It should not exceed 2000 words in length including bibliography.”  Other than repeating students, undergraduates in the School have only been studying since 2009/10.

It also appears the School expected SSCC Representatives to provide students with this information regarding the inclusion of bibliographies.

The student said: “It seems the school wants to blame students for [the school’s] incompetence, judging by the tone of the first email. Philip [McGowan, School of English Examinations Liaison Officer] commented [on FaceBook] that reps should have told students about the changes. Firstly, it’s unclear if they were actually changed and secondly, it is not the job of the rep to communicate policy changes, but rather to voice what students want to say to staff.

“The main problem is that the school didn’t state clearly whether or not a bibliography counted as part of an essay word count. It seems to contradict the general academic encouragement to read widely.

“In my most recent essays my bibliography ran to 500 words, which could be so valuable in expanding an argument. The temptation will be to limit reading so that an argument could be expanded. However, without wide reading, surely an argument will suffer. I can’t believe the school waited until the day of the deadlines to clarify their position on this. It’s a total disgrace.”

Another said: “To be honest, I think our tutors and lecturers weren’t aware of all the rules and that’s why we’ve been told different things by different people. It seems to encourage using a smaller bibliography and, obviously, the less sources you’re citing the more limited your points are going to be, or you’ll get done for plagiarism because you haven’t put in all your articles. It’s ridiculous.

“I know people who have made themselves sick over it. If you’re going to impose a new rule, or an old one no-one knew about, tell us before one of the most stressful periods of the year.”

A third year student agreed, saying: “I first found out about this new, and quite frankly, ridiculous rule amidst a general discussion about bibliographies on FaceBook. All of us had received conflicting information from our tutors but most assured us, after we enquired, was that bibliographies did not and never have been included in the word-count.

“However, as a couple of tutors had advocated that they should be, a few of my peers decided they would email Philip McGowan and their individual subject tutors, to receive clarification. Of course, Philip replied, quoting from the school’s new assessment policy, and confirmed that this new rule had come in to effect and it was mandatory that we now include our bibliographies in the word-count. This conflicted with many of the tutors’ responses. Some even quite forcefully asserted this rule did not exist. From that, I can only speculate that this new information wasn’t disseminated across the school and tutors were just as ignorant to it all.

“Basically, I think this whole debacle reflects poorly on the School of English. There is obviously a lack of communication within the staff and they are highly disorganised. Much unnecessary stress and worry was caused and, if I speak on behalf of my peers, I think all of us are still trying to catch up from those two days which were spent re-reading essay guidelines, emailing tutors and getting distressed over an issue imposed on us by the people who are supposed to help.”

Nuala McAdams, VP Education, said: “This issue has been brought to my attention and after speaking with the School of English I can confirm that for this examination period (January 2012) students will not be penalised for not including the bibliography in the word count. The School’s policy is that bibliographies will be counted in the word limit. Due to this information not reaching all students within an appropriate timeframe, the School have made an exception for the January examination period. Following this, the bibliography will be counted in the word limit. The School have also contacted all students informing them of this.”

Dr McGowan said: “The School realises this is an issue of concern for all of its students, has emailed all students to reassure them that there will be NO penalisation on account of over length due to bibliographies in this assessment period and is grateful to The Gown for helping clarify this situation.”

Dr McGowan was unable to comment on how information regarding the inclusion of bibliographies in the word-count was not provided to students as this was discovered after office hours.

None of the students quoted in this article wished to be named because of any possible effect there may be on the quality of teaching received in the future.

Queen’s Hurlers Take Title

If you can read the words written on these pages then there’s a good chance you could read the subtitles of a Swedish vampire film if they were displayed in English, on screen, in time with the dialogue.  If you can understand the words then you could probably understand a film’s story without needing an Americanised context, setting, or Hollywood schmaltzing.  

BY PETER MCLOUGHLIN

Does Hollywood think they are assisting our cultural development when remaking foreign films?  The effort, ability and inimitability apparent in original and fantastic films like Let the Right One In so thoroughly impresses the deep-pocketed producers that they clearly feel obliged to extend the audience further by paying decent homage. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Almost every film now seems based on a book or a remake of a foreign film but screenwriters and new ideas have hardly disappeared. The simple reason is the big, sleazy, easy buck.

Let the Right One In was changed to Let Me In – and instantly there is a problem.  Let the Right One In is not only a Morrissey lyric, but it’s a poignant title that matches the films content.  Let Me In almost changes the whole relationship between the two characters – it implies desperation instead of satisfaction, patience.  Suffice to say, the film is like the antithesis of Twilight, in almost every regard, and it too is accessible.  There was no need to schmaltz it.  But it made an easy buck.

Some of the best films you may ever see will be set in a country you’ve never been to, spoken in a language that doesn’t even share your alphabet, and probably feature actors and actresses you’ve never seen before and never will again.  You will learn things about the world and you won’t even realise it’s happening.  Pan’s Labyrinth, Sin Nombre, La Vita è Bella, Poetry all bring to life stories from other cultural climates you may never have witnessed before.

Many people only go to the cinema to be whisked away by impossible romances that leave hollow holes in hearts everywhere, and to get lost in some action film starring big strong men who snack on whey protein shakes, explosions and cleavage.  War, rom-coms, and superhero/sci-fi flicks,  along with the occasional rom-com disguised as rude-comedy does meet what most people want, so it makes sense to pander to.

Hollywood, in remaking foreign films they stifle the original by ensuring their schmaltzed, American version soaks up a share of the profit.  But try something different, and in doing so you can do the budding film industries across the globe a favour by letting the right one in.

BY BEN FINCH

The event was considered a “success” by the team, even after some set backs.  Derek Crosby, Raggie, said: “It was a success. We raised a couple of hundred pounds despite an annoying move at the last minute.”

According toCrosbythe party saw “all sorts of arsing about” including a number of drinking challenges, one of which included attempting to down a pint of vodka jelly.

The amount raised has not yet been counted.

BY EMMA GALLEN

The event due to be held on 29 November received a number of emails from students involved in the Belfast Feminism Network, accusing the Business Club of sexism.

The cancellation was not the first course of action taken, the Business Club initially decided to change the name to “CEO’s and Secretaries”, but this still caused offense and more complaints were issued.

James McKevitt, Event Organiser for the Business Club, said: “To date no student or non-student has made any contact with the Business Club or myself outlining any contention they may have had with the event or event title. Had they done so, I am sure we would have acted just as swiftly with the Students’ Union ‘Best Practice’ in such incidences.

“Also, as the Event Organiser I was continuously discussing event theme and event titles with numerous students from across the student body, and at no time was there any indication of contention in ration to the event title. Had we been aware, the Business Club and I would have never used the title of numerous popular university and college parties knowing it might offend any student, particularly as one of the core goals of the Clubs & Societies Fundraising Event was to bring together all of Queen’s students.”

Treasa Harkin, VP Equality said of the issue: “When the planned staging of an event entitled “CEO’s and Ho’s” was brought to my attention, I took immediate action to resolve the situation.  As an inclusive Students Union that promotes Equality and has been recognised for this on a national level, such a proposed title was not acceptable and was contrary to our Equality and Diversity Policy.

“I spoke to the Business Club who immediately realised their misjudgement – the event committee swiftly moved to prevent any further offence.  It was the sole decision of the Business Club to cancel the event and I commend them for such a mature and immediate response.

The Students Union now views this matter as resolved and therefore closed.”

Sarah Wright, President of Polysoc, asked at Student Council on 21 November why the Students’ Union had approved the event. She said that her experience with booking an event in Mandela Hall involved getting the theme approved by a board which included Sabbaticals.  Treasa Harkin has said otherwise: “As it stands, there is no formal approval process for those Clubs and Societies that wish to stage events – this situation will be reviewed in due course.”

BY EMMA GALLEN

A PSNI report from June 2011 says that in the last year 525 rapes were reported, over ten a week.

The website rightsni.org quoted a survey taken by Amnesty International in 2008 that said 46 per cent of students thought that women who had been raped was partially or totally to blame if she had been acting flirtatiously.

VP Welfare Adam McGibbon said on the matter: “I hope that we’ve moved on since then, but they are appalling statistics. Since those statistics came out we’ve worked with NUS-USI, Belfast City Council, and Amnesty International on ‘Get Home Safe’ campaigns.

“While we obviously work to disseminate campus safety measures the whole year round (Cab Now Pay Later, provision of free personal alarms, etc), it must be clear that the no blame for any incidents rests with the victim. We’ve worked with the PSNI on a campaign targeting the attitudes that lead to sexual assault – the campaign emphasises that sex without consent is a crime, that rape convictions last forever, and to take no for an answer, etc.”

VP Equality and Diversity, Treasa Harkin said: “The fact that such an inexcusable attitude still exists, especially from Students, is not only worrying but dangerous and upsets justice at its very core. Such an attitude needs to be tackled and addressed.  However, we as a Students’ Union can only do so much, it is a pressing wider societal issue which needs addressed by both judiciary and government.”

BY EMMA GALLEN

McShane stated he did not see an issue with his use of the page, saying: “Some people might be of the opinion that these were wrong. I created the page so I own it, it is my page not the Union’s.

“I don’t see there being a direct link between my campaign and the Union.  I honestly don’t see how these posts affect my reputation.  The page was set up by me so I can use it in the way I feel.”

Fiona Kidd, VP Campaigns and Communications, said that she would begin a review into the use of Facebook by the Union.

Following the meeting a number of councillors where dissatisfied with McShane’s answer.  One said: “It wasn’t satisfactory.  He should have just apologised and said ‘I won’t do it again’.

“I struggle to see how he can’t see the link between the Union and the page, it’s called ‘QUB VP Clubs Societies.”

SU President Jason O’Neill simply said on the matter: “I would like to wish Niall McShane’s brother and his fiancée the best of luck.”

McShane was also questioned about whether any Clubs and Societies bank accounts had been frozen. Cllr Niall Bole asked whether this was happening in accordance with procedure if a club or society has not handed in their annual reports. McShane said there had been and will have a list of them for the next council meeting.

Other council proceedings included VP Campaigns and Communications, Fiona Kidd, being asked to condemn USI for the action stewards took against those who sat down during a recent protest. Kidd said she could not and would not condemn them.

Jason O’Neill said that the £40 million shortfall has been made up and that “we have had a success for keeping the fees down.” Cllr Tiarnan Ó Muilleoir questioned O’Neill, saying: “The shortfall has been made up by cuts. Fees are going up for GB students.”

O’Neill responded by saying: “Ideally everyone gets charged the same, and everyone gets charged nothing.”

BY EMMA GALLEN

A member of the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) made it an official society as the same time as members of the “Troops off Campus” campaign failed to pass a motion requiring the Students’ Union to say they were opposed to British Army recruitment at Queen’s.

The “Troops off Campus” motion was quickly forced to a vote using technicalities, stopping any debate.

The UOTC society was passed with ease, but Cllr Fionntán Hargey was met with disdain from council when he asked: “Do you support the murder committed by the British Government?”

The campaign’s motion to get the SU to openly oppose the British Army appeared to irritate other members of council. Cllr Niall Bole, last year’s VP Clubs and Societies, asked that proceedings were moved along because the society had already been approved earlier in the evening.

The approach of council to Cllr Hargey’s motion was later questioned by Jason O’Neill, SU President. He said: “I would like to have seen the matter being debated properly, I was disappointed in some members’ attitude.”

Speaking for the motion, Cllr Claire Heaney said: “This would be a very public demonstration in support of peace.  The British Army are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians, for extraordinary renditions.

“The UOTC are deliberately duplicitous, they claim they’re not a recruiting organisation.”

Speaking against the motion, Cllr Bole compared the UOTC to “Scouts that play with guns.”

BY EMMA GALLEN

QUB email is meant to be protected, meaning that spam like this is not meant to be as common. The email was sent to students from different banks including Ulster Bank, First Trust and Santander. Graduates from Summer 2010 also received the spam email. Students without Visa cards were also targeted.

According to a recent QUB graduate of Computer Science, who also received the spam: “The email addresses were obtained either by negligence, or by a security breach of the QUB network. In other words, hacked. If it’s only email and not personal details, the biggest threat is that hackers can use the information to better target their ‘phishing’ – attempts to fool people into giving up passwords or account numbers with bogus but official looking emails. Which is exactly what has happened. If they have personal details, then there is the potential threat of fraud.”

A current Queen’s student, who studied Electronics and Software engineering said: “Even if victims don’t have the cards or banks targeted, many users are not aware enough of the danger and may try to log in with their ‘usual’ username and password, which they may use across many services. Such spamming organisations often run the credentials they acquire across the databases of many services, exposing everything from personal email, travel accounts, social network services, internet forum systems, and many other internet-based services.”

The Queen’s IT Help Desk said on the matter: “spam just comes in, it’s just a common hazard.”

An Advisory email from Queen’s IT Systems and Security, sent on the afternoon of 26 November, said: “Anyone who has followed the link and entered any information on the resulting page should take action to safe guard their account.

“The advice is always, never to open, follow or provide details as a result of an unsolicited email.  Simply delete the email.

“When concerned always take action by going directly to the web site of your financial institution or their phone contact centres.  Never follow links from unsolicited emails.

“We will continue to filter out as many of these phishing type emails as possible but we will never be 100% successful.  It is your responsibility to manage carefully all online activity.”

Queen’s University is set to be rocked by strikes over changes to the staff pension plan that have been described as “high-handed” and could see members of staff losing £400,000 for their retirement. 

BY BEN FINCH

The proposals are also thought to make it easier for universities to sack staff.

This will be part of the largest day of industrial action in theUKin 85 years as millions of workers withhold their labour from employers.

It is expected that over 400 staff will join the picket lines on 30 November, with many others not turning up for work.  It will be the first time many staff will have taken direct action. More than two hundred students are planning to join the pickets in solidarity with staff.

Staff have been asked by the University and Colleges Union (UCU) to inform students if they are taking action but are under no obligation to inform their line managers.  The Students’ Union is working with staff to ensure there is as little disruption to students as possible.

The direct action is being supported by the Students’ Union following a motion passed at council on 21 November.  This called for students not to break picket lines by attending classes run by UCU members.  TheUnionis also supporting the wider action happening across the country.

UCU are hoping to protest outside every building that is part of the university.  Following the pickets there will be a rally for staff and students in the Mandela Hall at eleven o’clock.  This will be attended by members of the National Union of Students and Union of Students inIreland(NUS-USI), UCU and the Northern Ireland Public Services Alliance (NIPSA).  Members of Unite, the largest union inBritainandIreland, had still to confirm if they were attending.

Following the rally there will be a march toCityHospitalto join the feeder march on City Hall.

The day before, 29 November, will see a teach-in to explain how the changes to pension plans will affect staff and students. This will be held in clubrooms three and four on the top floor of the Students’ Union at one o’clock.

The action is being taken over changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), the staff pension plan.  Unlike public sector pension plans this is a private scheme.  It currently considered to be one of the most stable final salary schemes in theUKas contributions are higher than payments.  More than eighty per cent of those eligible to join the scheme are members.

The changes that UK Universities (UKU), the representative body for universities in theUK, is implementing could see new members of staff lose almost £400,000 from their pension.  A lecturer who is already a member of the USS would lose £130,000.

Current members of staff will have to increase their payments by one per cent to 7.5 per cent, a move seen as a pay cut.  New members of staff will be required to join a career average revalued earnings (CARE) scheme.  This is based on the average earnings throughout a career, rather than on the final salary paid.

UCU has attempted to avoid strike action through negotiations with UKU. The union asked the arbitration service, ACAS, to help settle the dispute.  This move has not been recognised by UKU.

Dr Renee Prendergast, the UCU representative at Queen’s, said: “The changes are even more draconian than those seen in the public sector.  This action has been going for some time, the negotiations with the employers have seen nothing to indicate that they will back down.

“The university are playing it softer than usual, I think there’s a lot of public support for the action.  There’ll be a lot of people out who’ve never been on strike before.  After this work to rule will continue.”

Dr Mark Gardiner, a member of Queen’s UCU committee, said: “The USS isn’t in any difficulties, this is part of a wider assault on pensions.

“Pensions are part of the whole employment package, it’s deferred salary.  It’s going to make a very significant difference, not just to me but to the new staff who’ll bear the brunt.

“It’s important to students, it’ll go on to affect them.  Universities must stay competitive in terms of salary and benefits so they attract the best teachers and lecturers.  If students don’t want to be taught by the best then why are they paying fees?  We’ve got to make sure universities stay as good as they can be.  We see this as part of a wider struggle for education.”

Adam McGibbon, VP Welfare, said: “[The Union support] is about standing with our hard-working lecturers and staff, who deliver our education, in their time of need.

“Changes to the University Superannuation Scheme propose an increase in employee contributions. It also proposes creating a two-tier system where newer staff will receive much less over the course of their careers than older staff.

“This is despite the fact that the University Superannuation Scheme is in good health, according to the scheme’s own managers. Last year it grew by £4bn. It is an ‘immature’ scheme, meaning that it takes in more than it gives out. Quite simply, this is a political move to make it easier to remove staff. This is about education cuts, which we oppose as a union, and it’s about the quality of teaching at the University. Both are central to the student experience, and if the changes to the pension scheme go ahead, students will suffer.

“But obviously recent events have meant that this just isn’t about the University, millions of public sector workers will be striking on November 30th; we should be supporting doctors, nurses, teachers and other public sector workers who will be out on strike that day.

“The staff stood by us against increased tuition fees when we needed them, now they need us to stand by them.”

BY CLAIRE WILLIAMSON

McMeel won the final task, the results of which were based on the profits of bottled water that they had designed, marketed, created adverts for and sold.  The overall winner was decided through a round of interviews.

Following the event McMeel said: “It’s fantastic, obviously fantastic for my CV and the experience we gained throughout the whole process is super. Congratulations to Nicole as well who was fantastic.

“I’m looking forward to the experience with Deloitte and I’d just like to say the amazing job Enterprise SU and VP Community Aidan Hughes have done in planning and carrying out the whole process.”

Hosted by VP Community Aiden Hughes, the evening began with a round-up of the events of QUB Apprentice with the final seven candidates returning. Speaking to McMeel and McShane beforehand, they both stressed how much they had enjoyed the process and that no matter what the outcome it had been a brilliant experience.

Jim Eastwood, aka “Jedi Jim”, who came third on the BBC Apprentice, took on the role of Lord Sugar as he hosted the final boardroom which saw Owen and Nicole battle it out to prove they had what it took to become the first QUB Apprentice. Eastwood, one of the only contestants to date to be able to argue himself out of being brought back to the boardroom, took to the microphone to tell some insights and anecdotes from the world of The Apprentice. He shared with the captive audience his four keys to success: belief, focus, positivity and persistence, although there were a few clichés here and there, notably: “Aim for the moon that way if you miss you’ll still be amongst the stars”.

Wasting no time in getting down to business Eastwood quizzed McShane and McMeel on their worthiness and asked for their thirty second “elevator pitch”. Both started with niceties but these were quickly replaced with fighting talk as McMeel slipped in “I didn’t cheat” but McShane soon retaliated by saying that in the audition clips: “Owen’s pitch was 49 seconds when it should have been 30”. However, Eastwood had the final say as he stated: “I’m not one to talk about over talking”. Whilst Eastwood and his two aides went out to deliberate, best bit videos were played of both candidates

The panel returned and Eastwood, with Lord Sugar’s signature point of the finger, told McMeel that he was hired. A gracious winner, McMeel thanked everyone that was involved and started a round of applause for McShane and the other candidates, finishing with asking representatives from Deloitte: “All that’s left to say is when is the first day?”

Aiden Hughes said: “Congratulations to Owen, he definitely showed so much business acumen and played the competition so well.  Commiserations to Nicole and the other seven, but by taking part in the process they’ll all have learnt so much that they can take forward in their careers.

“The response we received was overwhelming, there was nearly 20,000 views on YouTube.  The candidates themselves have been top quality, it’s been such a celebration of enterprise initiatives at the Union and the University.

“It’s so important at a time when employment is one of the biggest issues facing students.”

Claire Williamson

BY COLIN WILLIAMSON

Another feature of our sporting elite is that their tributes and obituaries rarely make mention of the indiscretions that were all too keenly covered in their sporting prime.

The sad death of Gary Speed will buck the trend on both counts. Scandal was not a feature of his life and there are no unsavoury episodes to brush under the carpet of fond remembrance.

Speed epitomised the industrious stereotype of the modern English game: powerful, passionate and committed. Although perhaps he would object to the term ‘English’: this proud Welshman represented his country 85 times as a player, before taking the reigns as manager last year in a period in which he has overseen a mini revival of fortunes, aided by the exciting young talents of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

The list of clubs Speed represented is a reflection of the man himself. Leeds Utd, Everton, Bolton, Newcastle and Sheffield Utd: no nonsense northern clubs who have generally resisted the celebrity circus that has engulfed the country’s elite football establishments, clubs at the heart of their communities, and Speed was at the heart of them. The fans appreciated his work ethic and rejection of the flash celebrity lifestyle. Perhaps they saw in Speed a reflection of themselves, a working man made good and staying true to his roots.

His death comes as such a shock in both its timing and manner. Speed, just 42, was reportedly found hanged in his Chester home early on Sunday 27 November morning.
What can possess a successful man, financially secure and revered in his profession, to take his own life?

Perhaps his death will highlight that depression is an illness which can strike us all. Whatever the public persona that Speed presented, it is clear he had problems within that drew him to such a tragic end.   Football has lost something that it can ill afford to: an honourable man.

A recent UU Graduate in Business Finance and Marketing, has set up a scheme for students to win up to £3370. 

By EMMA GALLEN

Barry Kemp said the idea came from his own experience as a student, saying : “there’s not much out there to help student debt.”

The idea is to bring businesses closer to students in a way that will hopefully benefit both parties. The competition is open to all Northern Ireland college and university students, and those who graduated in the last five years.

At the time of print, the paper has been live for six weeks, with numbers constantly growing.

Kemp said: “So far we have had an amazing response from the student and graduate populous and although it is only very early days we are determined to give the students of NI a service that gives more than the chance to reduce their student debt.

“As recent graduates, we know students are faced with an unfair burden of debt and decided to do something about it. A lot of firms we talked to said that they wanted to help and the idea developed as a way for them to support local students and communicate better with key audiences.”

The website is yet to officially advertise with Queen’s but so far over twenty per cent of their database is current QUB students.

FreeStudentFees.co.uk is the only company in the UK and Ireland offering students a monthly chance to claim paid tuition fees for one year.  The prize money goes straight to whichever financial institution has provided the loan for students.

The first winner was Catherine Barr, a second year Psychology student at University of Ulster Magee Campus.  The Derry woman said: “Like most students I’m nervous about racking up huge debts during my studies, but this will help lessen that burden. It’s no secret that students are feeling the pinch more now than ever and every penny has to go further.”

Professor Robert Hutchinson, Provost and Dean of Campus Development at the University of Ulster at Coleraine has praised the giveaway. He said: “ Clever ideas like this are good news for students, universities and colleges. Increasing financial pressures mean that gaining a qualification is now more challenging. It’s encouraging to see businesses working proactively and in partnership with students to help remove barriers and reduce debt levels.”

There are few words in the English language which evoke such strong emotions as the word, ‘cancer’. We all look forward to a time when cancer will not cause us to feel dread, but rather that it will be thought of as a difficult fight, but a fight that can be won.

BY MEGAN LIDDY AND CLAIRE WILLIAMSON For now, to some, cancer signifies fear, to others it signifies loss, and to others it signifies ongoing pain. According to Cancer Research, in 2008 around 12.7 million new cancer cases were diagnosed and 7.6 million deaths from cancer were recorded worldwide. Many people go through their lives thinking that cancer will never affect them. We are bombarded by statistics which we cast aside, but research has shown that one in three people will be directly affected by cancer during their lifetime, so it is worth paying attention to developments in cancer research.

No doubt you are aware that October is breast cancer awareness month. Worldwide, more women will die from breast cancer than any other form of the disease; yet, few people are aware of what they can do to help lower their risk of developing cancer. There are many measures that you can take to help protect yourself. We all know the links between smoking and cancer, but research indicates a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer that we should all be more wary of.

According to Cancer Research, several studies have shown that every alcohol unit consumed daily increases the risk of breast cancer risk by 7-11%. Alcohol can increase the level of the hormone oestrogen in the body, unusually high levels of which are thought to be directly linked to breast cancer. Additionally, alcohol reduces the amount of folate in our blood. Folate is a B vitamin that our cells need to create new DNA. Low levels of folate prevent necessary changes to our DNA that could lead to cancer.

The story is not totally bleak. There are many inspiring survival stories and they all start with the same principle, know how to spot the symptoms and act quickly. Just look at this list of famous women who have beaten breast cancer, Sheryl Crow Nancy Reagan, Olivia Newton John, Cynthia Nixon, Kylie Minogue Christina Applegate.

Cancer Research assures us that one day we will beat cancer, but until then, it is vital to do whatever we can to prevent it. Visit the Gown website for our guide on how to check your breasts, and watch out for our coverage of Movember next month.

Nurses from wards around Knockbracken Healthcare Park took the time out to voice their opinions on cuts within the health service on 5 October. The nurses at the psychiatric hospital who took part are angered over the decreasing number of nursing assistants and staff nurses in wards and who are not being replaced by the health service. In effect, many wards are left short staffed and on duty nurses have to take on the role of two nurses.

BY AOIFE STEWART MCGOVERN

Is the union bullying these nurses into taking strike action? This is a question that has been asked over the course of the past few weeks. The answer, according to a ward manager who wished to remain anonymous is no. “We are not being bullied into striking; in fact it is quite the opposite.”

It seems that in this hospital, the bullies are senior management who have told staff nurses and nursing assistants that striking can potentially ‘black list’ their name. This has frightened many nurses and they don’t want to take the risk. “We can’t strike now because our reputations as nurses will be tarnished and names stick,” says one nursing assistant.

“Why should this be allowed to happen? I think it is ridiculous that senior managers should be allowed to bully staff into not doing something that could not only affect their future in their careers but the future of the health system for the general public: No nurses will lead to hospitals being shut down which then leaves people, with no hospitals near them, at a disadvantage.”

Finally, the nurses at Knockbracken and other hospitals need the support of the general public in their strike action. Patients should be cared for properly with the sufficient amount of staff on duty. A lack of staff means a lack of in patient care. Many people believe this doesn’t affect them but think about it this way, without an ample amount of trained healthcare professionals who would look after you when you’re sick?

From the 14-30 October the annual Belfast Festival at Queen’s will be held. Over 220 events will be held in a variety of locations to showcase international and home-grown talent.

BY PRIYA BIRING

Sir Peter Gregson, President and Vice Chancellor at Queen’s, endorses the festival by saying: “At Queen’s we aim to foster a real sense of global citizenship among our students – the Festival embodies this spirit”. Events will include plays, musicals, workshops and live music.

“The festival attracts much needed tourism and promotes Queen’s as a centre of cultural excellence. The Festival is in its 49^th year, and has received a highly prized funding award for its esteemed international stage.

Just as the Belfast Festival at Queen’s ends, Belfast Music week begins. From the 30 October to the 6 November it will be Belfast Music Week. 170 events will take place acrossBelfast as we get ready for the MTV EMAs which are being held inBelfast on 6 November. Belfast Music Week is organised by Belfast City Council with support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, TourismIreland, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the European Regional Development Fund.

Belfast City Council won the award for New Tourism Project with Belfast Music Week. This is an exciting time for the local music scene as the line-up for Belfast Music Week 2011 is unrivalled in terms of what any other city is offering right now.  Belfast Music Week will showcase the best talent inNorthern Ireland, with no limits on genre. The Northern Ireland Music Awards will also be a prominent event in the week.

As well as gigs every night at the Ulster Hall, there will be live music events across the city – on buses, on the streets, at train stations, shopping centres and restaurants. There will also be exhibitions, a walking tour, film events and a series of workshops with some of the best-known names in the business sharing their knowledge and expertise to help support and developBelfast’s creative sector on an international scale

BY BEN FINCH

Peltz told the BBC: “This is a protective measure to prevent what we are calling the fees refugees from flooding Northern Ireland. We are already the region with the highest demand for university places but with the lowest amount of places.  We turn away thousands of students every year. It would be absolutely diabolical if there were no places for our ownNorthern Irelandstudents.”

This was seen as an attack on GB students and overly protectionist by students from England , Scotland and Wales, particularly considering Peltz is South African.

Peltz said: “Some of the statement to the BBC was taken out of context. I think it’s a precarious position to be in because in the initial fees debate, prior to the announcement, we were very much for ensuring Northern Irish student numbers were ring-fenced and protected.

“We were very concerned that if all the fees were kept low that we would have an influx of students into Northern Ireland and thereby pushing Northern Ireland students out.  So that was the worst case scenario.

“We also wanted to make sure that students choosing to study inNorthern Ireland were not doing so because of the lowest common denominator, it needs to be about quality and not price.  In terms of the fee level set now, I think that they’ve gone too high, I think they should have remained competitive and maybe gone at £6,000. But in saying that I think that is an argument we need to have with the universities.

“I can’t fault the department because it’s a precautionary measure, I don’t think that they’ve had any choice when the rest of theUKhas raised their fees for everyone else, we really would have had the fees refugees flooding in. That would have been completely unsustainable because our students would’ve been pushed out and had to go and study beyondNorthern Irelandwhich would have meant that the loans would go up.  That’s completely out of balance.

“I don’t support the current levels but then again that’s not the department.  The main thrust I was trying to get across wasn’t articulated properly, that it was a result of the decisions made inWestminster.

“We need to take this back to Westminster because [the Department for Employment and Learning] are only reacting to what they’ve done.  If their tuition fees hadn’t gone up then we wouldn’t be implementing the same problems.

“We did ask that there wasn’t identical fees across the board, simply because the provision for our students would suffer.  We already have the highest percentage, per capita, uptake with Higher Education with the lowest amount of places so the system is squeezed as it is.”

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s has been named as number one in the UK by Thomson Reuters.

BY EMMA GALLEN

The information provider for professionals and businesses places the QUB department at number 23 in the world, ahead of Oxford and Cambridge.

Queen’s have said: “The outstanding success of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in a number of recent league tables confirms its position as a world leader in research. The School is renowned for its pioneering work in a range of areas, from ionic liquids and catalysis to sensors and molecular and medicinal chemistry.”

The Head of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Professor Christopher Hardacre, said: “People want to collaborate with us, and when people want to work with you, it has a snow ball effect.”

Recent surveys by QS have placed the department in the top 100 in the world and joint sixth in the UK.

Prof Hardacre explained how with Thomson Reuters and QS, the ranking criteria is focused on research and citations. This means that the work in chemistry and chemical engineering done at Queen’s is being referenced by scientists and industry professionals across the world.  This has been exemplified by having two QUB chemists in the top 100 cited chemists in the world with only four UK chemists on the list.

Ken Seddon and John Holbrey over the last ten years have promoted ionic liquid research widely and developed the technology for applications ranging from treatment of crude oil, the utilisation of biomass, cleaning our streets from chewing gum and even the development of mirrors on the moon.  Their research has been based on fundamental science coupled with an eye on the final application through extensive collaboration with industry.  This academic-industry combination is very powerful and has led to the recognition of their research in this way.

He says that the department promote their work in QUB across the world through attendance at international conferences, participation in networks and collaborative partnerships both with industry and academia.

Third year Chemical Engineering Student, Conrad Johnston, says: “To hear that Queen’s Chemistry and Chemical Engineering school is considered to be number one in the UK for research is exciting news. The prestige and recognition conferred by this survey is very important to the school and the university.

“A degree is only as valuable as the university’s reputation so, as a student, it’s reassuring to know that the staff are among the best in the world, and that my degree with be worth every penny of my fees.”

A group of protestors who disrupted a lecture at Queen’s have been described by a disciplinary report as “probably Catholic”.

BY BEN FINCH

The report details the investigation into the protest and was used at the disciplinary hearings of three protestors.  It was received from a whistleblower who had concerns about the disciplinary process.

The source said: “The report was so biased and inaccurate.  They tried to paint the students as liars and the claims made are so outrageous that people needed to be made aware of it.

“It’s completely discriminatory and it shows that Northern Ireland Friends of Israel tried to involve themselves in the disciplinary process.”

The report highlights the pressure that was put on Queen’s by Northern Ireland Friends of Israel following the lecture as well as a number of breaches of confidentiality.

In February this year the Palestine Solidarity Society (PSS) and Ogra Shinn Fein disrupted a lecture delivered by Solon Solomon, a former legal advisor to the Israeli Parliament (Knesset).  This was due to his position on the legal standing of building Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

The lecture was stopped after seven minutes before the acting head of the School of Law entered into an argument with Gary Spedding, president of the PSS.  Solomon was escorted from the room by security, who stopped the society from following.  As Solomon left the taxi he was travelling in was slapped by a protestor.

Included in the report are the minutes of an interview with Dr. Onder Bakiricioglu of the School of Law.  In this he is recorded as saying: “The students are young passionate people, they all seemed to be from Northern Ireland, probably Catholics, and there were no international students that he could see. The students were protesting.”

When questioned as why the comment was made Dr. Bakiricioglu said: “I made an observation that they looked like Catholics, I mean I’m not from here.  I just gave my lay opinion, I just know that the Catholic community tend to support Palestine and the Protestant community tend to support Israel.

“I didn’t think it was going to be included in the report, it was just an observation.  This was stupid of them to include it.” Dr. Bakiricioglu is a Turkish national.

The report was compiled by Michael Uprichard of Accomodation and Hospitality Services.  It is assumed that he interviewed Dr. Bakiricioglu and decided to include the statement in the official report.

Spedding is a member of the Greek Orthodox Church.  When contacted he estimated that there were ten Catholics and six Protestants at the protest.

The university declined to comment on the comments inclusion, instead releasing a statement that said simply: “The University does not comment on student disciplinary cases.”

Also included in the report is: “[Sally Wheeler] stated she had heard that [Gary Spedding] has Asperger’s Syndrome.”  This was then followed up by Uprichard, who confirmed it with Queen’s Disability Services.

Spedding’s Asperger’s was not public knowledge. Professor Wheeler’s knowledge of this is now under investigation as it may show that confidentiality within the university may not be watertight.  Again the university declined to comment.

“This was something I had tried to keep quiet for some time because people with Asperger’s tend to get treated differently,” said Spedding. “It’s not something I’m ashamed of but I’ve no idea how Sally Wheeler managed to hear this.

“I feel outraged that such comments [regarding religion] were included. I don’t believe sectarianism or external politics should be involved in human rights.  I’m shocked that a university report would include something that implies this was sectarian.”

There were a number of members of Northern Ireland Friends of Israel (NIFI) at the lecture.  Prior to this they sent Queen’s an email to warn of a possible “mass protest” as Solomon was speaking. The email was written by Steven Jaffe and Terry McCorran , co-Chairs of NIFI.

Following the protest Jaffe and another member of NIFI, Sandra Bailie, were awarded a meeting with Helen Hart, Head of the Vice-Chancellors Office and Peter Irwin.  This was “so that [Jaffe] could communicate his concerns face to face.” These were “concerns regarding the School of Law seminar on Wednesday 23rd February.”

At this Jaffe and Bailie expressed: “Shock and disappointment that the University had not issued a statement following the event. He said that such an infringement of academic freedom must contravene the University’s principles and should therefore be a priority for the University”

This was not met with a response from the staff present. NIFI also asked whether an apology had been made to Solomon and what the process was for disciplining students.  The report also contains correspondence between members of the NIFI and Queen’s.

The university declined to comment on whether such meetings and correspondence were appropriate and whether they constituted allowing an outside organisation exert pressure on internal disciplinary action. Steven Jaffe also declined to comment.

Jason O’Neill, Adam McGibbon and Treasa Harkin, President, VP Welfare and VP Equality and Diversity of the Students’ Union respectively, were also contacted for statements. They declined to comment. As did Ogra Shinn Fein, QUB SDLP, QUB DUP and QUB Alliance.

Tyler McNally of the Socialist Society, said: “That is unbelievable.  It’s completely out of the question, it shouldn’t be in there.  That’s disgraceful for a lecturer to be saying that, he should apologise.

“I wouldn’t go as far as to say its institutional sectarianism but I would go as far as to attack Queen’s for letting something like that be allowed.”

In case you didn’t know, Jason O’Neill is our SU President, as he is fond of reminding staff. Most recently after a night out he thought he should show some mates the office.  And he can, ‘cos he’s the SU President you know.  It’s just security didn’t seem to know that he’s allowed to do whatever he pleases.

So the big question is: who will be the first to break in their desk?  Will it be one of the Derry girls? VP Clubs and Socs who needed some high necklines after the first Monday Union. After walking into a door, clearly, not a hicky. McGibbon and Kidd probably already have.

Asides from The Rape of the University Challenge, the other minor scandal from the summer surrounds gay pride (the other controversial, flamboyantly dressed parade of the summer). Accusations have flown that the SU is Anti-Christian. After all, the poor Christians are the tiniest society, and have virtually no say in NI society, or politics. And bitter, crusty, stuffed-shirt McGibbon seeks to further oppress these fun loving bible-bashers by displaying a twenty foot by ten foot rainbow flag. Boo! Rotter!

Queen’s has climbed four places in the QS World Ranking’s, one of 29 UK establishments to place in the top 200.

BY BEN FINCH

QUB moved up from 197 to 193, following surveys of over 33,000 academics and 16,000 graduate employers.

Cambridge University topped the list, followed by Harvard and MIT.

A spokesperson for the university said: “Queen’s welcomes the news that it has continued to rise in the QS World University Rankings. As an international centre of academic excellence rooted at the heart of Northern Ireland, the University is continually striving to enhance its standing on the world stage.”

This year has seen controversy over how tuition fees in the UK are funded, with unversities in England being allowed to charge up to £9,000 per year. The study shows that the UK is no longer value for money, with many cheaper options outperforming British institutions.

The press release for the rankings states: “While UK universities still represent a cheaper option compared to most of their US peers, the rankings uncover international universities that offer arguably better value relative to their ranking position.”

John O’Leary, Editor of the Times Good University Guide, said: “With so many well-qualified UK candidates missing out on university places, this year’s QS rankings may encourage many to consider applying to universities abroad.

“While studying abroad has traditionally been seen as the preserve of a wealthy minority, fee increases alongside greater provision of English-language degrees in Europe mean that it could now actually be a money-saving alternative – this is an entirely new situation”

Students climbed railings to pitch thirty tents in Dublin last night for a Sleep Out protest over rogue landlords.  There may be plans for a similar protest at Queen’s.

BY BEN FINCH

The protest was part of a campaign by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) to secure a Deposit Protection Scheme for tenants. The students pitched their tents outside the Department of the Environment and slept there overnight.

A spokesperson for the Department stated that they would look into the possibility of increasing fines for landlords who break the law.  The USI has indicated that this would be an uneffective measure as it would still leave students out of pocket.

The campaign will continue with a petition beginning next week.

Justyn Mackay, Vice President of NUS-USI, travelled down to the protest.  He said: “We all went down and they had locked the gates.  People started jumping the gates and about ten security guards came down and started questioning them but about ten minutes later they were allowed to stay.

“Increasing fines will just cause more red tape and beauraucracy. We want them to take the deposits away from landlords and put them in a central pot.

“This will make £65 million a year in interest from the money sitting in an account, the same amount of money they’re trying to find from increasing the registration fees.”

Fiona Kidd, VP Campaigns and Communications, said: “We had fully planned to go to support the protest but unfortunately we could not afford, time wise, to as it was only decided at the USI council on Saturday.

“We would like to do something similar in Queen’s but we have not yet lobbied the government about Rent Books so are unable to move to direct action yet.”

The USI Rent Books contain details of every payment that has been made to a landlord.  It also hold details of the landlord, the agreed amount of rent to be paid each month and an inventory.  There is a section that details tenants rights.

Gary Redmond, USI president, said: “Each year, students’ unions across the country and USI are contacted by distraught students about their rogue landlords, who refuse to return deposits without any legitimate reason.

“USI is calling on the Government to establish a Deposit Protection Scheme, where the deposit is held by an independent agency such as the PRTB protecting students from unlawful actions of some landlords.

“The DPS offers a cost effective way of supporting tenants and will eradicate the exploitation of students by unscrupulous landlords, who are deliberately targeting students and retaining their deposits illegally.

“With students & their families struggling to afford the basic costs of attending college this situation cannot be allowed to continue. On average, students will pay at least €3,500 on rent over the academic year and will also have to hand over a large deposit.

“Across the country many landlords and students have excellent relationships where students rent from the same landlord year after year however unfortunately some landlords see young students as an easy target for exploitation.

“I am calling on the Minister to implement the Deposit Protection Scheme promised in the programme for Government without delay to protect vulnerable students from rogue landlords.”

USI has conducted research in Ireland that found that forty per cent of students have had their deposit unfairly withheld. And over sixty per cent have had €200 unfairly taken off their deposit.

Over three quarters of cases reported to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) are in relation to deposit retention. The PRTB operates a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in the south.

BY BEN FINCH

Jason O’Neill, president of Queen’s Students’ Union, said, “The phone network at Queen’s was inundated with thousands of calls from people looking for a last minute place through clearing.  But the problem isn’t the number of calls, the problem is the number of university places in Northern Ireland.”

A spokesperson for Queen’s said, “The phones haven’t crashed at any stage. There is a high volume of calls coming through and people are asked to be patient or alternatively email admissions@qub.ac.uk or go to the Student Plus reception in Lanyon North, Queen’s – where assistance is available.

“The general admissions office account had received 980 emails. Individual members of staff are also receiving heavy volumes of inquiries and in addition there are faxes and inquiries being dropped off in person.  The call centre has answered 1253 telephone calls. Places in clearing are expected to be about 100, similar to last year.”

Figures released yesterday by CCEA showed that 34.5% of the pupils in Northern Ireland achieved and A* or A while the overall pass rate was 98.1%.  This compares to nationwide figures of 27% and 97.8% respectively. 32,582 students in Northern Ireland entered for an A-level this summer, an increase of almost 1000 on 2010.

As is usual girls outperformed boys in all areas with 9.1% of the females achieving an A*, 36.9% gaining an A* or A and 98.4 passing their exams.  7.9% of boys got an A*, 31.5% an A* or A and 97.7% passed.

Adrienne Peltz, president of the National Union of Students and Union of Students in Ireland (NUS-USI), said, “Today’s a really happy day for the NUS-USI. We wish the students going to university the very best.

“However, that comes with a warning that funding for Higher Education next year has still not been decided and we are very concerned about the education maintenance allowance.

“Also there are 23,000 people studying for their A-Levels. Last year we saw dwindling places in Higher Education and students going into Further Education instead. This is squeezing out other students who wish to stay in education.

“We want to know what the Executive are going to do about it.”

Students hoping to attend Queen’s through clearing have been directed to http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/NewStudents/Undergraduate-UKandEU/ClearingandAdjustmentVacancies/ for further information.

There are no vacancies remaining within the Law School, School of Management, Theology or Medicine and Health Services.

Ben Finch and Emma Gallen

Gown Editors

10000 marched their way around for 2011 Belfast Pride. The 21st annual march was watched by 20000 in the city centre.

BY BEN FINCH AND LORCAN MULLEN 

The march left Custom House Square at two o’clock and headed to City Hall. Open-sided lorries carried pole dancing men, while red sightseeing buses were full to the brim with cheering crowds.

Mobile advertising hoardings stated: “Gay, lesbian, straight, we are all people.”  The bystanders watched approvingly as transvestites walked past in towering heels, walking with greater assurance than most girls would be able to in the same shoes.

As the parade passed City Hall there was heckling from an organised group of fundamentalist Christians. There was reports of an assault, but nothing confirmed by the PSNI.

The parade returned to Custom House Square for the Party in the Square, where Lisa Scott Lee and Cubstars performed.

Drag queen Dusty Drawers, dressed in a pink leotard with a rainbow tail and a red feather headdress, said: “It’s fabulous this year. It’s been really well organised.”

Pete Woolfe, a representative from the shopworkers’ union USDAW, was visiting from Manchester said Belfast was “just as lively, but smaller.” He also had some advice for dealing with protests which aren’t limited to Belfast. “In Manchester you get people waving the bible at you but there’s people in the parade waving the bible right back. We get people to line in front of the protests with curtains on their arms to block them out.”

Pride photographer David Hall said that while Northern Ireland is “still behind the rest of the UK”, the day allowed people the space to be themselves, to “get out, be who you are…just being alive.”

Padraig Lawlor said: “there’s still an element of watching your Ps and Qs, about not ‘rubbing it in someone’s face’.” Alanna McCormack felt that Pride has become less political. She said: “most of the political aims have been achieved, it’s much better than it was.” Steven Donnan, chair of the Northern Ireland Green Party’s LGBT group said:“the stigma is changing slowly but surely.”

The SDLP’s Conall McDevitt,  MLA for South Belfast said: “I thought this year was particularly good. One of the nicest things was the number of teenagers walking around and embracing the occasion and the diversity.”

The parade doesn’t meet the approval of all in the city. Some people who were approached for a comment during the parade simply shook their heads and said nothing. However, one ‘born again’ Christian who didn’t wish to be named said, “A man’s supposed to go with a woman. If your parents had been gay then you wouldn’t be here. When god made Adam he didn’t make another man.” He also stated that equality of any sort is impossible: “There isn’t equality. Christ is the head of the man and the man is the head of the woman.” He thought gay people should “just stay single. I mean I’m single and I’m fine.”

McDevitt described people like this as being “such a tiny minority in the city these days.”

Three complaints have been made about the Rainbow Flag hanging outside the Union this week. One was made by a student at the University, the other two by non-students.  The flag is hanging in support of Belfast Pride Week.

BY BEN FINCH

Treasa Harkin, VP Equality and Diversity, described the comments by the non-students as stating that homosexuality was a “disability.” She said: “they were extremely persistent in their arguments and continued by saying they had many friends that were gay but didn’t practice.”

Another of their comments was: “Many people with disabilities can lead happy lives.”

One of the facts to emerge from Pride on the Hill on Monday was that 70% of suicides in Northern Ireland are committed by people who are gay, due to the pressure they felt from society.

The two men are reported to have said that people were committing suicide purely because they were gay and claimed that the flag was therefore promoting suicide.

Another of the remarks made was: “You wouldn’t put a Nazi flag outside or a prostitution one.”

The student that complained called homosexuality a “disease”

Harkin said: “The flag outside is a symbol of support. It was all very draconian.

“Society’s attitude is very, very daunting. There’s a lack of acceptance. Everyone is entitled to complain and to their own opinion but it is dangerous when things are misconceived and myths spread.

“Especially in Queen’s University because the only support for gay people is the LGBT society and this is something we need to improve on.”

Peter Agnew, President of Queen’s LGBT Society, said: “The way we look at this is that we pity them. They’ve such a tunnel vision that it’s embarrassing to themselves. We just think, ‘god love them’.”

Adam McGibbon, VP Welfare, said: “This is an appalling attitude. For every complaint that we get the flag we buy for next year gets bigger.” He speculated that the flag would double in size for every complaint.

Tomorrow is Belfast Pride.  Come on down to the Albert Clock at 1pm and join in celebrating the diversity and the right to love.

BY EMMA GALLEN

With the DUP not sending any representatives to the Pride on the Hill on Monday 25 July, this is your chance to show the biggest party in Northern Ireland that they are not in touch with students on this matter.

During Pride will be a SlutWalk contingent, so get ready for chants of “Whatever we wear, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no.”

The weather forecast says that it should be sunny with clouds, here’s hoping that the skies smile on us.

The QUB University Challenge team tonight succumbed to a particularly nerdy team from the University of Newcastle.

BY BEN FINCH

The team that faced Jeremy Paxman’s forthright style of questioning consisted of captain Thomas Haverty, Niall McDonald, Joshua Greenwood and Ronan Kernan. Haverty did us all proud, announcing that he “studies maths” instead of the usual “reading mathmatics.”

Kernan answered the first starter for ten leading to a series of questions on Latin that had the team harried by Paxman.  A mistake by Kernan in a starting question allowed the red polo necked, brown jumper clad Dunbar to buzz in and Newcastle never looked back, while QUB wore forlorn faces as question after question puzzled them.

Haverty answered a question which no reasonable person could possibly understand, but being a maths student was able to pull the Hubble Equation out of the bag to drag the team to 30 points.  However, Newcastle were almost immediately on 60 as Pang’s “Magical Realism…?” drew a yes from Paxman.

Greenwood began to look slightly embarrassed being chastised by Paxman for what seemed to be a wild guess of The Rape of The Lock.  At this point the team seemed to become unstuck, but hope was raised as Dunbar appeared to collapse into a very quiet Dent.  Unfortunately he nearly leapt with excitement across the rest of the very un-Geordie team to answer correctly.

A knowledge of Greek mythology had a relieved looking Greenwood  answer a starter for ten and Queen’s began a comeback.  Kernan followed it up but they were unable to take the bonus points.  By this stage Newcastle were nearly 100 points ahead.

As Newcastle pulled past the 200 point mark it began to look well beyond Queen’s reach and they couldn’t seem to reach their buzzers before Newcastle’s Turner, who was unstoppable.  Kernan’s correct answer saved Queen’s some face but it was too little too late as they were stuffed 235 to 85.

It has emerged that a man injured in the Holylands at around 9.00pm on Sunday night did not suffer a gunshot wound as first thought.

BY BEN FINCH

A statement from the PSNI said: “After a further thorough medical examination, we no longer believe this male to have sustained a gunshot wound.

“At this stage we are still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and how his leg injury was caused but are no longer treating this as a shooting incident.”

Police are appealing for witnesses that may have seen anything suspicious in the area.

QUBSU picked up the NUS Equality and Diversity Award for 2011 on Wednesday night. Over 500  attended the ceremony hosted by Leeds University Students’ Union.

BY DARAGH ROBINSON

The NUS awards recognise the efforts of students and students’ unions in voluntary work and campaigns. Liam Burns, NUS President, said: “Once again we’ve seen an exceptional field of nominations that recognise the vital role that students play in their local communities.

Burns went on to say that despite the events of the past year he still has a “real sense of hope for the future and the fight to get more support for students from a cynical government.”

Burns said of the Equality and Diversity Award: “The steps Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union has taken to improve its equality and diversity impressed me. By strengthening existing activities and developing new ones, it has really improved the student experience for its members.”

Last year’s VP Equality and Diversity Samantha Tan said: “It’s truly an honour to have won this award. I feel it reflects the amazing work put in by the sabbatical team and all SU staff this year. We’ve come extremely far and I hope this success is used as encouragement to continue striving towards building a more equal and diverse Students’ Union for everyone.

“I would also just like to thank all those who helped achieve this in any way – the various clubs and societies, staff members, student councillors, national unions and the rest of my team. It’s not just about winning this award, but about making sure that every single student voice is heard and responded to in equal measure.”

QUBSU was nominated for the Best Students’ Union award but lost to Northumbria University.

The General Dental Council has carried out an inspection of Queen’s School of Dentistry following a complaint about the amount of resources directed at teaching.

BY BEN FINCH

A draft report of the inspection has been provided to the school, to which they have 28 days to respond.  This is then passed to to the GDC Education Committee for discussion.

The Education Committee will then make recommendations to the school for improvement.  This could include the removal of the school’s teaching status. However, a spokesperson for the GDC said, “There is nothing to suggest that this could could happen. There’s no reason to speculate about it.”

Dentistry at Queen’s was rated number one in the UK by the Times Good University Guide in 2008.

The Dental School and University have declined to comment.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness today restated the pledges in their election manifestos to keep tuition fees at the current level.

BY BEN FINCH

Speaking at a press conference they confirmed fees would be maintained at £3290 for students beginning courses in 2012. They stated that the only rises would be in line with inflation.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning and Alliance MLA, said: “We haven’t come to any firm decisions.

“We need to be clear what the funding regime is going to be.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) said: “Discussions are still ongoing at DEL, there’s lots of detail still to be worked out.” It appears today’s statement was made without the knowledge of the department. DEL is the department responsible for universities.

Farry denied that Robinson and McGuinness had “jumped the gun.”

Jason O’Neill, president of QUB Students’ Union, said: “It’s fantastic to hear an official announcement from the First Minister and Deputy First Minister that fees will be kept at the current rate.

“This will ensure that Northern Ireland can maintain it’s place as a region in the UK which has the highest proportion of students from low income backgrounds.

“Now the onus is on the executive to ensure that £40m shortfall in the DEL budget is filled so that the provision of higher education is kept to a high standard.”

Queen’s were not prepared to make a statement. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister were unavailable to comment.

Students from Northern Ireland falling farther and farther into debt, while MLAs are still struggling to come up with a plan on tuition fees for 2012.

BY BEN FINCH

The amount of money owed to the Student Loans Company by students and graduates from Northern Ireland was today reported as being £1,539,973,000 in the Belfast Telegraph.

This means the average student is in £9,618 debt. This includes students from before the incresased top up fees and today students are graduating with around £19,000 debt.

57,600 former students were unable to make any repayments, while the average amount repaid last year was only £407.39.  Any debt incurred through the use of credit cards or bank loans is not included in these figures.

Adrienne Peltz, President of NUS-USI, said that a lack of jobs could be attributed to the inability to pay back loans.  She said: “I would like to see an inquiry launched into students’ personal debt and would urge the executive into creating more jobs.

“There’s a brain drain, we have our best and most talented graduates leaving to go to London, but most graduates from other universities stay within twenty miles.  They’re not doing enough to attract students to stay.

“During the last recession it was young people that spurred everything on.  This time we’ve got the most debt, we don’t have the spending power.”

On top of this there has been no decision on tuition fees.  Stephen Farry MLA had planned to discuss a paper at Thursday’s executive meeting, but it was removed from the agenda.

Farry has said that there needs to be a decision taken before the end of July. However, the Assembly is now in recess until September.  He told the BBC: “There are mechanisms by which decisions can be taken outside the context of formal executive meetings.  Discussions will happen over the next few days and we will see where those lead to.”

Peltz said: “I want to put as much pressure on them as possible.  We’re really, really disappointed.  We’d been given assurances that the paper would be tabled.

“What is it they’re afraid of? They need to stand up and make a decision.  I’m concerned about the length of time it’s taking and how much it’s costing.”

There have been two independent reviews in the past five years.  In this time, Westminster has had one review and come to a firm decision based on this, regardless of how students felt about it.

She continued: “Currently we have potential students in limbo, there’ll be a knock on effect of students being unable to get places or being put off going to universities.”

Stephen Farry and Jason O’Neill, SU President, were unable to be contacted.

BY SEAN ASHFORD

Jason O’Neill, Fiona Kidd, Treasa Harkin, Aidan Hughes, Adam McGibbon, Niall McShane and Nuala McAdams have all taken up their positions they were elected to earlier this year.

O’Neill has taken the reins from Gareth McGreevy in the role of President. Alongside him will be his fellow election ticket members Treasa Harkin, in Samantha Tan’s old position of VP Equality and Diversity, Aidan Hughes, who inherits Jay Downs role of VP Community, and Niall McShane, who beat incumbent Niall Bole for the position of VP Clubs and Societies. Joining them will be Nuala McAdams in the role of VP Education which she is taking over from Nathan Anderson. Incumbent officers Fiona Kidd and Adam McGibbon were re-elected unopposed this year to the positions of VP Campaigns and Communication and VP Welfare respectively.

After a difficult year, dominated by the campaign against tuition fees, the incoming team will face the challenge of consolidating the work done by the outgoing team as well as maintaining the promises made in their election manifestos. Whether they are able to build on the successes of this year remains to be seen but they plan to work for students and continue to improve the situation of all those who attend university at Queen’s.

After years providing fiction, drama, prose and textbooks to students and the wider community Queen’s Bookshop is set to close its doors on 31 August.  Tim Smyth, manager of the bookshop simply said, “It’s the end.”

BY BEN FINCH
He continued, ‘I have to concede that this model, in terms of a bricks and mortar bookshop and concentrating on academic books, is no longer economically viable.  In my judgement the greatest difficulty has been, in addition to internet providers making books available, but more than that there’s an assumption now amongst younger people that the internet is a very appropriate and relevant resource and therefore why should you buy a book.”  Despite this, Smyth claims that the content of the books is accurate 99 times out of 100.

Recent years have seen a dramatic turnaround in how people access information with more and more knowledge now gleaned from the internet.  Smyth commented, “I think there are wider consequences here because obviously a lot of the stuff you can get on the internet cannot be verified on its content and its accuracy and so you can make the point that these books still have value to learning and are fundamental to the undergraduate experience.”

Queen’s Bookshop is wholly owned by the University and the decision to close has been taken by the Board of Directors.  Smyth stated that he was very happy to say that he wouldn’t challenge this because “they problems that are manifest at the minute are going to become even more prevalent.

“It was either a choice of ending it with our reputation held high rather than staggering on having our stock selection diminished because we haven’t got the money to buy more books.”  Queen’s Bookshop is considered one of the best on the island for its selection of books on Irish History.

Smyth said he “would like to thank all our customers, and generations of students and staff that have supported us.  They have made it what it is; quite a unique institution.  But equally the world has changed and, unfortunately with regard to our undergraduate customers, they’re just not coming in.”

Queen’s is one of the few Russell Group Universities to still have an independent bookshop.  Other members of the group have franchises of Blackwells, Waterstones and John Smith’s on campus.

There is currently a sale advertised in the windows of the bookshop.

Queen’s Students’ Union has been shortlisted in two categories for the upcoming annual NUS Awards. The nominations are for Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year and the Equality and Diversity Award.

BY SEAN ASHFORD

The prestigious event is said to recognises excellence within the student movement and Queen’s Students’ Union has become one of the six finalists shortlisted for the Higher Education Students’ Union of the Year.

Outgoing SU President Gareth McGreevy said, “Being nominated as one of the top six HE Students’ Unions in the UK is a great credit to the work of the elected student officers and staff of our Students’ Union. This year has been particularly challenging with the student tuition fee debate, proposed cuts to HE Funding within Northern Ireland and indeed attempted cuts at the SU Subvention. By working as a cohesive team, we have overcome these challenges and have remained honest in our approach. For me one of the major achievements this year was the increase in sabbatical officer recognition from 23% to 52%. This is a major achievement and while some of this could be attributed to the fees campaign, it is also a result of the student officer team driving the Union forward and engaging with the membership.”

Queen’s SU was also recognised for the work done in advancing equality and diversity at the university, being one of the three nominees for the Equality and Diversity Award. VP Equality and Diversity Samantha Tan said “It’s a great privilege to even be shortlisted, and I really didn’t expect that at all because although we’ve made a lot of progress this year, I think we have a long way to go in terms of equality and diversity.

“The short-listing is a testament to how much work everyone in the Students’ Union has put in in terms of equality matters this year, as it isn’t just in the remit of the VP Equality, but for the whole team. Hopefully we will all take pride in this and continue to work hard towards a more equal Union for all students.”

The judging panel of the awards, which will be held in mid-July, includes Director of Liberty Shami Chackrabarti and NUS President Aaron Porter.

The Eglantine Inn was hacked at 5.30pm on Tuesday 21 June to promote “Nigguh Fridays.”

BY EMMA GALLEN

The Facebook page is not directly ran by the bar, but by the marketing team at Wine Inns, who closed twenty minutes before the page was changed.  The hacker asks “who getting their jigaboo on this Friday?” just before half five and promoted the event as: “YOUR NEW SPOT FOR HIP HOP, R&B AND AND ANYTHING ELSE A COON CAN STOMP THEIR FEET TO!!!”

The bar appeared completely unaware of what had happened on the page and when asked, said to contact Wine Inns head office between 9am and 5pm upon hearing the mention of Facebook.

The People and Planet Green League have placed Queen’s University Belfast in 53^rd position amongst UK universities, with a score of 33 out of 70 for their environmental management and performance.  Although Queen’s has placed similarly as in academic university guides, Oxford and Cambridge score much lower, coming in 103^rd and 68^th respectively.  In contrast, University of Ulster is in the top 20, placing 19^th with a score of 41.5 and receiving a first class award.

BY EMMA GALLEN

VP Welfare, and member of the Green Party, Adam McGibbon, wants Queen’s to focus more on ethical investment. He said: “Queen’s should look to its fellow Russell Group institution University College London for inspiration on ethical investment.” UCL scored full marks in its evaluation of ethical investment as did Russell Group member London School of Economics, which is the only Russell Group University to have received a first overall.  UCL placed 83rd.

McGibbon said: “In particular, as the Green League shows, QUB’s record on ethical procurement is pretty abysmal. One example of this is the sponsorship of Belfast Festival at Queen’s by Ulster Bank, an RBS subsidiary.” RBS have been involved in funding the exploration of Canadian tar sands in order to extract oil, which McGibbon describes as “horrifically polluting and unethical.”

Although he says he won’t be happy until Queen’s are number one, McGibbon is pleased with the progress, as QUB have moved up 12 places since last year.

Vice Chancellor Peter Gregson has been awarded a knighthood for his services to higher education on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Professor Gregson said, “It is enormously humbling to receive this honour.”

BY BEN FINCH

Gregson continued, “Throughout my career I’ve been inspired by successive generations of students and by my peers around the world. Any contribution I have made has been through the magnificent teams of people with whom I have been privileged to work, and with the support of my wife and family.

“Nowhere has this been more true than at Queen’s, where I’ve been fortunate to work with so many dedicated colleagues and friends within the university and across Northern Ireland. The success of Queen’s is built on the extraordinary achievement of men and women from all areas of the University. Our greatest strength is our people: our graduates, our students and, above all, our staff. Their service and commitment are remarkable, and it is an honour for me to lead this exceptional university.”

Professor Gregson has been congratulated by Pro-Chancellor Sir David Fell, Chair of the University Senate. Sir Fell said, “Professor Gregson’s leadership of the University has been outstanding. He led Queen’s into the Russell Group of the UK’s 20 leading research-intensive universities in 2006 and to the status of the Times Higher Education Entrepreneurial University of the Year in 2009.”

Vice Chancellor Gregson is one of 53 people in Northern Ireland have been awarded an honour today. Other people from Northern Ireland who were awarded include David McClurg, chairman of the Northern Ireland Police Fund, who was given the OBE for services to the police, and golfer Jan Dinsdale who has won recognition for her services to golf after winning the USA Blind Open Championship in 2008.

There has also been a degree of controversy over the list, with a petition circulating on Twitter to have Brian Souter removed from his proposed knighthood. The petition claims Souter is homophobic due to his ‘Keep the Clause’ campaign to keep Clause 28 in law in Scotland.