College Tribune | November 25th 2008
News
■ Ross: The UCD coffee establishments were a mine of material for Paul Howard (inset)
Roysh back in the thick of things ■ Charlotte McCarthy Author of the infamous Ross O’Carroll installments Paul Howard last week re-visited Belfield, his “original source for material.” Speaking after last Wednesday’s L&H comedy debate, Howard said “when I first starting writing Ross O’Carroll Kelly I was going out with a girl who was in first year Commerce and she was just an invaluable source of material, a bit of a D4 head herself, you know.” When queried on whether upon his return he noticed any difference in the recessionary UCD, Howard said “No, not really. It will be next year I would say before changes start kicking in around Belfield. It’s too early now. No one knows how this is going to play out, and there is
a lot of uncertainty out there at the moment, people are weary of spending their money. That said, I don’t really notice it up here that much. I used to hang around in the coffee shops and in 911
where everyone used to buy their rolls so I got a lot of material there.” A famous pastpupil of UCD, Ross O’Carroll Kelly has become synonymous with words such as “roysh” and “orts”. Despite the prevalence of the O’Carroll Kelly books and columns, Howard feels that the character is still relevant to life in the college. “I think the audience tonight proved he’s still relevant. It’s becoming more relevant. I read to an audience of 400 last night in Galway and without wanting to sound my own horn the new book went to the top of the best seller list, selling more than number two, three, four and five combined which when you’re on your eighth book is really gratifying.”
Future of LGBT Auditor hangs in balance ■ Tadgh Moriarty The LGBT has called an extra general meeting (EGM) after details of the auditor Sean McGovern’s Halloween antics emerged in last fortnight’s College Tribune. Controversy erupted following the auditor’s decision to dress as an aborted foetus, with “blatant disregard for the sensitivities of others”. The EGM has been called to discuss whether the current auditor is to remain a “suitable representation” of the society. A source close to the auditor revealed that impeachment is a very possible outcome. When interviewed a fortnight ago, the auditor failed to apologise for his costume choice. Instead he “didn’t actually care really” about how others viewed his costume. He appeared indifferent to the fact many may have been offended or upset by his outfit. The costume consisted of fake blood, and plastic refuge sacks. McGovern previously stated, “ In this day and age, if I can stir enough controversy simply with a Halloween costume it just says a little bit too much about the way people are worried about political correction.” Students’ Union Welfare officer, Connor Fingleton, voiced his distaste at the outfit adding that it did not represent the “good values for the society”. Ryan Griffin (LGBT RO) added to these sentiments by commenting that McGovern “did not take into account the sensitivities of others” and had caused insult to a number of people as a result. Despite this, the SU will not be getting involved in what they call the “internal politics” of the soci-
Centra
For the way we live today
Low prices everyday! Sandwiches from €2.00 Hot 10” pizza €3.99 Coffee/Tea €1 Smoothies from €1.99
■ McGovern: EGM called after Halloween antics ety, nor will they “openly condemn” the auditor for his costume, Aodhan O Dea has said. All members of the LGBT have been encouraged to attend and to cast their vote. The EGM will be taking place on Thursday 27th November, and it is here the auditor will be forced to “stand accountable for his actions”, and accept the verdict of the other members of the society.
3