TY TALK:The girls and boys of St Gerard's School, Bray, Co Wicklow Declan Keaney, Neil Counihan, Sinead Baker and Clare Lavelle discuss current topics
On Penney’s
Clare Lavelle: "It's chic to go cheap. If you see something in Top Shop or River Island, chances are you can find something similar in Penney's. They've really improved their range."
On the Lisbon Treaty
Neil Counihan:"We need to remain as a first-tier European country, rather than being relegated to the margins. But people are angry at the government, so they may go against them in anger."
Declan Keaney:"Some of the posters can be a bit misleading, such as the claim on the 'No' side that the minimum wage will fall to €1.84. Everybody knows that's just not true."
On the Leaving Cert
CL:"Students and teachers have found ways of predicting what is coming up in the exam. By the time they get to college, they can't think for themselves. Some element of continuous assessment should be introduced to the Leaving Cert. There's a value in being able to think for yourself."
On Eating In
NC: “Since the recession hit, it’s the new eating out! People can’t afford to go out for dinner as often. It’s great to invite friends over, because it’s cheaper and better for your health.”
On Gaisce
DK:"When we got our Junior Cert results, the school took 70 students camping and on a big hike. It was to count towards the Gaisce Award (the President's award for people aged 15-25), and we're going for the Bronze Medal. It involves 13 hours of community service, 13 hours of sports and recreation, and a personal skill. It's a really worthwhile project to take on, and most of the class are going for it."
On College Fees
Sinead Baker:"One of the reasons for the Celtic Tiger was a well-educated workforce, ready to work. Re-introducing fees would be a step backward as a lot of people wouldn't be able to afford them. We'd be shooting ourselves in the foot."
On Oasis splitting up
NC: “This band defined a generation and have had a huge influence on a lot of other bands, such as The Killers. It’s sad that they broke up and that the two brothers can’t get along. Hopefully they’ll reform eventually for the money!”
On Kerry Katona and Katie Price
CL:"Kerry's public embarrassments have really brought her popularity down."
SB:"It's overkill on the publicity. The English newspapers will have a huge front-page story about 'Jordan's hurt inside', and then a tiny little bit about a new cure for cancer."
