About Aoife Mullen

I'm a Journalism student in DCU, self confessed political nerd, intrigued by the random and always searching for a cure for boredom. I do be on the twitter machine @aoifemullen (original, I know)
Author Archive | Aoife Mullen
Referendum on EU Fiscal Treaty to be held

Referendum on EU Fiscal Treaty to be held

The government has announced that a referendum is to be held on the EU fiscal compact treaty. Taoiseach Enda Kenny today announced in the Dáil that the Attorney General (AG) has advised the cabinet to hold a referendum. Speaking on the treaty, the Taoiseach said; “At this morning’s Cabinet meeting, the AG conveyed her advice that, as this treaty is a unique instrument, outside the European Union treaty architecture, on balance, a referendum is required to ratify it” and he believes; “ratification on this treaty will be another important step [...]

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The Break-Up Playlist

Breaking up is hard to do. Whether you’re the receiver, or the one doing the breaking up, you need your ‘mourning’ period. There are a number of ways we choose to do this: some girls turn to the more reliable men in their lives – Ben & Jerry; some girls and boys go on the rebound; some resort to bad-mouthing their ex – from their shoes to their mother. But for others, the mourning period involves blocking out the outside world, sticking on the iPod or heading to YouTube and [...]

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Bus Etiquette (The unwritten code of how to behave on public transport)

Bus Etiquette (The unwritten code of how to behave on public transport)

I’ve never been one for public transport, always opting for the parent’s taxi service instead. Unfortunately, when I flew the nest and took off to the big smoke, that service didn’t follow. And so, I’ve had to embrace buses with open arms, which in my first semester has led to some strange (and sometimes awkward) scenarios. In all the weirdness and boredom on the long journeys, it’s made me ponder if there is a certain bus etiquette to be followed. The list that follows is my version of how one [...]

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‘Tis the season for festive telly

‘Tis the season for festive telly

Christmas has arrived. Queue the Christmas specials, review shows and period dramas rolled out on every channel. There’s so much on this Christmas and it’s hard to find something to keep everyone happy. I’ve picked out the comedy and chat show highlights, dramas not to be missed, the best of the review and sports shows and the top cookery programmes to help you cope this festive season. Comedy: The Savage Eye Christmas Special (10.30pm, RTÉ Two, Christmas Eve) – Satire King David mcSavage asks the important question on everyone’s lips: [...]

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Budget 2012: Promises to Students Broken

Budget 2012: Promises to Students Broken

Day one of the Budget 2012 saw Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin ignore pre-election promises and announce several cuts to third level education. Severe education cuts will affect both undergraduates and postgraduates, putting further pressure on families with children in third level education. Despite Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn promising not to increase fees before this year’s general election, the third level registration fees, or contribution as the government puts it, will be increased by €250 to €2,250. In the run up to today’s announcement, [...]

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Relocation of DIT may start next year

Relocation of DIT may start next year

The relocation of Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) to Grangegorman will go ahead with private backing if it gets planning permission, a Bord Pleanála inquiry heard yesterday. Chief executive of the Grangegorman Development Agency, Michael Hand told the inquiry there were “multiple” methods available to fund the regeneration project at the site in Grangegorman, North Dublin City, which includes relocating DIT. Mr. Hand told the inquiry the project could be funded through the sale of DIT’s existing premises, savings made from DIT’s relocation, philanthropy and the sale of assets. Mr. [...]

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Life as a Freshman: Living away from home

Freedom! For most of us, college is the first time we get a taste of full independence as we fly the nest. Our parents drop us and run (they pretend to be upset with their hankies, we know it’s all lies!) leaving us with our bags to unpack as we settle into our new lives. At this stage of the year we should have settled in and be able to manage ourselves relatively well, but for some, it can still be overwhelming and the struggle continues. For those of you [...]

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Life as a Freshman: Tips on how to live while waiting on a grant

Life as a Freshman: Tips on how to live while waiting on a grant

It’s hard to live when you’re waiting for a grant. Believe me, I know. I’ve spent six weeks in college, living away from home, with €50 a week to keep me going. This might sound like a lot, but you’d be surprised. Over the weeks, I’ve learned how to be a tight arse and live like an authentic poor student. If like me, you’re still waiting, or like many of my friends you’re still waiting to be approved for a grant, here’s a few tips to keep you going. Even [...]

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Life as a Freshman – The Intro Bit

I am a first year Journalism student in Dublin City University and unfortunately society now views me as being a responsible young adult (gulp). I’m also living away from home for the first time, which is the consequence of some sort of weird karma (but that’s a story for another time).

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Presidential Election : Post analysis

After the drama and controversy in the run up to the 2011 Presidential Election, it’s fair to say the final result was a bit of an anti-climax. It was clear from early tallies coming in from the 43 constituencies on Friday morning, that it was a one horse race. Michael D Higgins was going to be the ninth President of Ireland.

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