Transition Year work placements in The Irish Times have all been filled for this school year. There's a £20 book token on offer for each student whose submission is published in Media Scope's weekly Over to You column..
Norah Dineen, Scoil Mhuire, Wellington Road, Cork
With more political skullduggery being dug up by the tribunals, one cannot help but notice the difficulty that our politicians have in answering questions to which the public demands answers.
Instead of effectively and truthfully answering those questions, they have developed certain tactics to help them avoid answering awkward questions posed by the media. One such tactic is to adopt the stance of a spoiled and petulant child when back into a corner by the questioning of judge, lawyer or journalist. The tone of voice becomes defensive and rude; I almost expect a foot to be stomped in stubbornness.
It is almost as if they believe they possess a godlike shield which will protect them from tedious questions.
Why, in our free and democratic state, should we have to tolerate such rhetorical whimsy used by politicians to get them out of tight spots? After the years of continuous lying, scandals and corruption, there seems to be little public credibility left in our politicians.
And until the politicians grow up and answer our questions, we will have to continue to question their answers.
Eoin McAleese, St Michael's College, Ballsbridge, Dublin
I recently spent three weeks in France and attended two French schools. A typical school day began at 8 a.m. and usually finished at 4 or 5 p.m. Classes were one hour long and there was no messing in class, as the students were under pressure to perform well.
When a teacher was absent, instead of the students relaxing there was a rush for library places.
The principal lived on the school grounds. There was no school uniform, and any sort of dress/jewellery was allowed.
The schools were mixed and free. There were no religion classes taught in any French school, and this meant all ethnic groups mixed freely in school. It was an eye-opening experience and I was impressed by both teachers and pupils.
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media scope is edited by Harry Browne.
