Transition Year students can win a week's work placement in The Irish Times. Send us your thoughts (200 words maximum) on a media-related topic - if your submission is published, the placement is yours.
Please note: there are virtually no places left for students on work placement between now and the end of March. You should enter the `over to you' competition only if a placement nearer the end of the school year will be convenient for you.
Malachai Mac Amhlaoibh, Meanscoil na mBraithre, An Daingean, Co Chiarrai
In the past, I would have regarded Home and Away as my favourite TV soap.
Today, the Flood tribunal would certainly take precedence - not even a shark attack in Summer Bay could wrench me away from the gripping tale unfolding at Dublin Castle. It really does have all the hallmarks of a soap. A loaded gun in the gents' toilets certainly caused a stir, but this and other incidents are only subplots in a story that has the ability to snowball and develop into our most embarrassing scandal to date.
For years the Irish people have felt suspicious and cynical of politicians, while the politicians have denied any allegations and reacted with deeply hurt looks - with insincerity written all over them. Now, hopefully, these suspicions can be turned into reasonable accusations.
And who would have thought an octogenerian, giving the impression of having one foot in the grave, could be the catalyst of it all?
The repercussions of this could eventually lead to a fresh start in Irish politics and eradicate the suspicion between punter and politician that has existed since the foundation of the State.
I await the next episode with bated breath.
Write to media scope by posting your comments to Newspaper in the Classroom, The Irish Times, 11-16 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, or faxing them to (01) 679 2789.
Be sure to include your name, address and school, plus phone numbers for home and school.
Or you can use the Internet and email us at mediapage@irish-times.ie.
media scope is a weekly media studies page for use in schools. Group rates and a special worksheet service are available: Free-phone 1-800-798884 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
media scope is edited by Harry Browne.
