Junior Cert: Civil, Social, Political Ed:Thanks to the recent general election, most Junior Cert students had a chance of recognising Trevor Sargent, Enda Kenny, Bertie Ahern and Michael McDowell from their photographs on yesterday's paper.

Party leaders Pat Rabbitte and Gerry Adams failed to make the line-up, however.

"I think my students found it easier to recognise and name Trevor Sargent yesterday than they would have two months ago when the paper was set," said Maggie Congren, TUI subject convenor and teacher at Abbey Community College in Wicklow. Students also had to name the political party in each case.

Yesterday's paper was welcomed for its breadth and presentation. All seven main topics covered on the syllabus were featured, and there was something for students of all abilities. "This was a very student-focused paper, with much discussion about the possibility of lowering the voting age," said Ms Congren.

Bernadine O'Sullivan of the Association of CSPE Teachers described the paper as "global" and "topical".