The trumpets of the Literary and Debating society sounded loud as the long awaited immigration debate took place on the 2 nd February. The audience was empty of our law students as the law ball was on. General bitchiness, back stabbing and fake tan were all at an all time low. With their return this week pregnancy and STI's are expected to be at an all time high.

The 14 th meeting of the 159 th session of the Lit & Deb was held in the holy temple of the blessed Richard E. Kirwan. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Stephen Nolan, The Great Dictator. The minutes were passed and carried with objections by the ever dapper and handsome recording secretary, Mr. Cluskey. Zoe McNair opposed the record stating that she had sexually harassed half the house, saying the figure was closer to 6. Martin Collins, on a point of order, stated that a woman is unable to sexually harass a man. Zoë, appalled at this, stated that she was perfectly able to sexually harass someone and asked the gentleman would he like a private demonstration…

The sexual tension between the two was alleviated somewhat when Mr. Collins proposed “TTH, the Lit& Deb would put posters around campus depicting Mohammad with a bomb on his head.” He said that the sacking of the French editor who used the cartoon went against freedom of thought and expression and that satire must be accepted in a liberal democracy. Opposing was Mr. Robert Rooney, a pedantic narrow minded PD, who said that the cartoon had been blasphemous to the Muslim religion and also said that a right of freedom of speech does not encompass gratuitously offending people. Despite a sign on the door stating “this is not a soup kitchen- please go away- if you can only get one degree in 13 years you don't deserve to be here,” Dave Finn (OLD MAN) had turned up again. He said that in the past posters in college insulted everyone from naked women chained to kitchen sinks to groups of naked women chained to a variety of sinks of varying different colours. If various conditions are placed on free speech it ceases to be free. Mark “I am titania queen of fairies” Hannifey (science post-grad) said that we should allow people themselves to judge whether something is indeed offensive or satirical. Freedom of speech carries an obligation not to care about offending people. Steven Lydon, (2 nd Eng), fresh off some bridge somewhere said that we should alter what we say so we don't offend people. Yvone Deane (arts) said a balance must be struck between freedoms of speech v. alienation of the Muslim people. Donna Cummins (2 nd med and health science) as usual wanted to talk about hallucinogenic, thinking the debate was about Muhammad wearing a bong on his head. After confusion subsided she said that the French editor was fired because he was ordered not to include the cartoon in the paper. Rosin “politically correct” McGrogan (law) said that by publishing the cartoon we are agreeing with the message it is sending. Tristan Netheway (arts) said it was inciting hatred. Vincent Lacey (arts) said that satire is supposed to mock or exaggerate the truth. The motion was put to the floor and defeated as the riots continue to sweep through the Muslim world.

The chain was now passed to Sean Butler who has had it almost as much as Steve has. The motion was “TTHW open its borders.” This week we returned to offering only pride to the winner of main business as there was no trophy available.

Mr. Richard Waghorn talked about individual liberty for all and said that Ireland cannot be viewed as a country with only one identity and race. He shot down the idea that by opening our boarders the “darkies” would “take our jobs”. Economically we needed foreigners to fill the gaps in the workplace and ensure continued growth. In opposition was Mr Patrick Eston, leader of the British Veritas party, who said that he was a pessimist i.e. an optimist with experience. He said that opening our boarders were “reckless, bordering on madness” and that 80% of the British people were against this. He talked about the burden on the state as every 5 years the number of immigrants entering the country equates to the population of Birmingham . He proposed a regulated border control. For 2 nd proposition was Philip Watt talked about the increased diversification of business and culture and the economic benefits of opening borders. He said that employment laws must protect against the exploitation of workers. He said opposing the motion would be seen as Irish racism. For 2 nd opposition was The Great Dictator, Mr. Stephen Nolan, talked about the wonderful utopia that had been created in Gort for immigrants where immigrants are free to work and play. He went on to say that it doesn't work in larger cities, citing the “pogroms of Galway and Limerick ” as examples. Current rules don't reflect current European reality.

The motion was opened to the floor. Mattew Hall (arts) said talked about Ireland having a history of immigration and emigration. Martin Collins said that America , commonly cited as having good immigration policy, has a policy that doesn't work. He also asked “what type of Ireland do we really want?” Robert Rooney said everyone should be treated equally and talked about politicians feeding into a greater fear of the “immigration problem.” Dave Finn (still old) said that the average man gets his information on immigration from the “bastion of journalism” that is the star. He also mentioned problems such as brain drain that is experienced by counties with high emigration rates. The motion was summed up and defeated.

All in attendance rushed to leave as security descended. Armed with moderate intelligence, miniature Irish flags and copies of the Star they emptied the hall with ease. All retired to the local tavern where greater plans of world domination were further discusses. And my bell that I had so kindly allowed the society to use tonight was stolen by some bell stealing lout. That is all.