A Youth Perspective IRISH PRESIDENCY OF THE EU - European Movement Ireland November 2013 - EUKN
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IRISH PRESIDENCY OF THE EU
A Youth Perspective
European Movement Ireland
November 2013
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency i
First published in November 2013 by: © European Movement Ireland 2013 Designed by: Kaz Productions Printed by: Walsh Colour Print Photograpy: European Movement Ireland, YMIP journalists, Paul Sherwood Cartoons: Eoin Kelleher, YMIP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD 2
INTRODUCTION 3
Overview and Background 4
Youth in Action 4
THE JOURNALISTS 5
Who are they and where are they now? 6
THE EXPERIENCE 13
Timeline 14
Highlights of the YMIP Programme 15
Support and Training 17
Media Coverage 19
THE REPORTING 21
THE OUTCOMES 49
Achievements 50
Learning 51
THE PARTNERSHIP 53
Meet the Partners 54
Hear from the Partners 56
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 59
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 1
FOREWORD
Welcome to this Report on Digital Agenda Assembly and the
European Movement Ireland’s 2013 EU Youth Conference; our reporters
Programme, Youth Media and were there, covering developments,
the Irish Presidency (YMIP). EM interviewing high-profile delegates
Ireland was delighted to have been and speakers, and representing
successful in applying to Léargas Ireland’s young generation.
for funding for YMIP in 2012 under
the European Commission’s Youth I would like to take this opportunity
in Action programme. Since its to congratulate the 25 young
launch in January 2013, YMIP has citizen journalists from around the
grown and developed beyond all island of Ireland who took part
our expectations, evolving into a in YMIP and who, through their
huge achievement for everyone hard work, talent and enthusiasm,
involved – the 25 young journalist made the Programme such a
participants, the team here at success. In the following pages,
EM Ireland and our partner you will see a selection of their
organisations. work. A snapshot of the YMIP
coverage of the Presidency can also
This year is a unique and important be found and explored at www.
one in Irish-EU relations. The europeanmovement.ie/ymip and
seventh Irish Presidency, which ran its range and quality are a tribute
from January to June, coincided to the work and talent of the
with the fortieth anniversary of journalists. I have no doubt that all
Ireland’s accession to the EU (then 25 participants will succeed and go
European Economic Community). far in their future careers, and I look
2013 was also designated European forward to tracking their progress
Year of Citizens by the European over the coming years.
Commission, with the aim of
encouraging citizen participation YMIP would not have been
possible without the support and
“Tying in with
in the EU and creating a dialogue
between EU citizens and European important contributions of our the aims of the
representatives. Tying in with partner organisations – Community
the aims of the European Year of Relations in Schools (CRIS), European Year
Citizens, YMIP came about through European Movement Northern
EM Ireland’s desire to see a seventh Ireland, SpunOut.ie, and Youth of Citizens, YMIP
Advocate Programmes (YAP) Ireland
Irish Presidency which would fully
engage with and involve Ireland’s – and YMIP’s Media Consultant, came about
Marion Creely. My sincere thanks
young people.
also to Léargas, the Irish Presidency through EM
With YMIP, we set out to bring
a fresh youth perspective to
team and the Department of the
Taoiseach. Finally, I would like to Ireland’s desire
coverage of the Irish Presidency,
and so our team of 25 citizen
pay tribute to the work of the EM
Ireland team, in particular Ruth, and
to see a seventh
journalists attended and reported
on some of the biggest and most
also Billie and Neale, whose efforts
ensured the smooth running of
Irish Presidency
important events of the Presidency.
From the launch of the European
YMIP from start to finish. which would fully
Year of Citizens 2013 in January
by President of the European
engage with and
Commission, José Manuel Barroso, Noelle O Connell
Executive Director
involve Ireland’s
Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD; to the European Movement Ireland young people.”
2 Youth Media and the Irish Presidency
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency (YMIP) is an all-Ireland initiative
developed in autumn 2012 by European Movement Ireland, in YOUTH IN ACTION
collaboration with a number of partner organisations north and south of
the border – Community Relations in Schools (CRIS), European Movement YMIP is funded under Youth in
Northern Ireland, SpunOut.ie and Youth Advocate Programmes (YAP) Action, the EU’s mobility and
Ireland – and Marion Creely, the programme’s Media Consultant. The aim non-formal education programme
of YMIP was to open up the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European targeting young people aged
Union, which took place from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2013, to the between 13 and 30. Youth in
young people of Ireland by recruiting a team of 25 young citizen journalists Action aims to inspire a sense
to report on both the Presidency and broader European affairs in the first of active European citizenship,
six months of the year. solidarity and tolerance among
young Europeans and to involve
Recruited from across the island of Ireland, our journalists were aged them in shaping the future of
between 18 and 25 and all enthusiastic communicators, innovators and the EU. It promotes mobility
changemakers. EM Ireland worked with our partner organisations to recruit within and beyond the EU’s
participants from schools, colleges and youth clubs across the Republic of borders, non-formal learning
Ireland and Northern Ireland. The YMIP team was then brought together and intercultural dialogue, and
in Dublin for training and their first assignment – coverage of the launch of encourages the inclusion of
the European Year of Citizens 2013 and a Citizens’ Dialogue in Dublin City all young people, regardless
Hall – on 9 and 10 January 2013. of their educational, social
and cultural background. In
From then until the end of the Irish Presidency in June, our team of Ireland, Youth in Action funding
journalists were present at all the major Presidency events, attending is administered by Léargas, a
and covering Informal Meetings of Ministers, press conferences, the visit not-for-profit organisation which
to Ireland of Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International manages European, national
Monetary Fund, international conferences and more. Their presence at, and international exchange and
and coverage of, these events brought a new perspective to Presidency cooperation programmes in
proceedings – that of Irish and European young people. Not only were education, training and youth and
they raising awareness of the Presidency among their peers and in their community work.
local areas throughout the island of Ireland, they were also promoting
young people and their levels of engagement and interest to the politicians Further information about Youth
and other groups at these events. in Action can be found at eacea.
ec.europa.eu/youth.
This Report catalogues the work and findings of YMIP, and introduces the
people involved in the initiative – the 25 young citizen journalists and EM Read more about the work of
Ireland’s partner organisations. Léargas at www.leargas.ie.
“Being tasked with covering official events during Ireland’s
Presidency of the Council of the EU was both an exciting
and daunting task. It was great to have access to places
and people that the general public did not. As citizen
journalists, we had to provide material that would be
accessible and interesting to as many people as possible.”
Órla Ryan
4 Youth Media and the Irish Presidency
THE JOURNALISTS
THE JOURNALISTS
YMIP kicked off with a call from EM Ireland and our YMIP partner organisations to Ireland’s
young people, looking for individuals who wanted to see the concerns and opinions of
Ireland’s young citizens represented in coverage of the Irish Presidency.
We received a huge number of applications from all corners of the island, leaving us with
the unenviable task of whittling down the hugely talented group of applicants to just 25
participants. In the following pages our journalists, who are divided into five regions on the
basis of European Parliament constituencies, introduce themselves to you in their own words.
WHO ARE THEY AND WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
DUBLIN
Tarisai May Chidawanyika Eoin Kelleher (@EoinKr)
(@TarieMay) Eoin is a student of medicine at
Before joining YMIP, May was a the Royal College of Surgeons
first-year Law student in University in Ireland. He grew up and went
College Dublin. After six months to school in Dublin, and has
in the role of YMIP journalist, maintained an active interest
she has come to see journalism in both politics and art from
as a way to speak for those who a young age. He has been
cannot speak for themselves and reduced to the ‘lesser’ art
she is now considering an MA form of cartoons at this stage,
in Journalism. She is currently however. Eoin contributes
considering becoming a journalist for the UN given her political cartoons to The Phoenix and University
Law background. May particularly enjoyed accrediting Times, as well as various RCSI publications. He is
for and attending important events because her also currently the chief editor of the RCSI Student
media badges gave her a sense of pride and a feeling Medical Journal.
of achievement. The highlight of YMIP for May was
the field trip to a farm in County Meath as part of the
Informal Meeting of Agriculture Ministers as she got Laura Mc Loughlin (@90_laura)
an opportunity to experience Irish identity and culture. Laura is in her final year of
Today, May is an ambitious young woman who hopes to her English Studies degree at
one day become one of the EU leaders who inspired her Trinity College Dublin. She
during the Irish Presidency. She is now also a reporter for is project leader of WriteUp!,
the International Students’ Society in UCD for the year an Enactus TCD literacy/
2013/2014. journalism initiative aimed
at transition year students.
Laura’s interests include media,
Sallyanne Downes writing, blogging, travelling,
Sallyanne Downes is a media volunteering and working
graduate from Dublin City with children and young people. She currently
University, where she specialised volunteers as a student mentor at Bridge21, an
in video production. She is educational initiative between Suas and TCD. In
passionate about student March 2013, Laura was awarded an EIL Access
empowerment, youth Travel award to work on educational projects in
participation, mental health Mexico, where she spent the summer teaching
awareness, development and English to Mexican children. Since finishing YMIP,
social enterprise. In university, she Laura has continued to pursue her interests in
ran a social enterprise called ‘Raising and Giving’, which writing and media. She has written blogs for
aims to provide a support structure for students to set EIL Intercultural Learning and Spunout.ie. Since
up social initiatives that make an impact on Irish society. returning from Mexico, Laura has also completed a
Last September, she represented Ireland on behalf of FETAC Radio Course in Media Expression.
‘Raising and Giving’ at Enactus, a global social enterprise
competition in Washington DC.
6 Youth Media and the Irish Presidency
THE JOURNALISTS
EAST
Mary Browne (@MaryBrowne1) as Women for Election, Show Racism the Red Card,
Mary hails from Tullow, and Women with Altitude. Ciara currently works with
Co. Carlow. She recently the Ireland correspondent for France 24, assisting in
graduated with a degree in the production of packages for a number of French
Communications from Dublin TV stations. Ciara’s background is in research and
City University where she political communication. She previously worked in
studied photography as part the European Parliament, Dáil Éireann and Seanad
of her course. During her time Éireann. A returned émigré, Ciara hopes to now
in college, Mary served as continue working as a journalist in Ireland. She has
Events Manager in the Raising started a blog and often live-tweets from events she
and Giving Society, one of the attends – usually of a political nature. You can find
largest societies in the university which was recently Ciara’s extended bio on her website at ciaragalvin.
awarded ‘Best Civic Contribution’ for its work with wordpress.com/about.
young children in disadvantaged areas. Mary is a
big fan of social media and is constantly glued to
her Facebook and Twitter pages. YMIP has been David Nowak (@NowakDave)
a great experience and dramatically increased her David is an Economics and
interest in European politics, particularly on youth German student in University
issues. During Ireland’s Presidency term, she was College Dublin. Born in
most interested in the developments on the Youth Germany, he lived in Poland
Guarantee Scheme. before moving to Ireland. Dave
spent part of 2013 interning in
the Department of the Taoiseach
Ciara Galvin (@CiaraLeena) and is a member of Young
Ciara is a 24 year old freelance Fine Gael (YFG), holding two
journalist from Celbridge, Co. committee positions; Vice-Chair
Kildare. Since January her of Wexford YFG and Public Relations Officer of the
work has been published on Dublin Regional Council. Dave has been taking
TheJournal.ie, on Spunout.ie, photos since 2008 when he got his first camera.
and in regional papers. Her
photos have been used on social
media by organisations such
“Our education, employment, economy and rights are
constantly on the agenda of the EU. All the meetings I
attended sought to give fairer and better lives to those
who lived in the EU […] It is not an easy thing to ensure
that the inhabitants of 28 countries are satisfied, but I
have seen that the EU does make an effort through its
policies, directives and various institutions.”
Tarisai May Chidawanyika
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 7
THE JOURNALISTS
NORTH-WEST
Sorcha Cusack (@sorchacusack) Clodagh Garry (@ClodaghGarry)
Sorcha studies Law with French Clodagh has recently
Law in University College Dublin. completed a Masters degree in
With years of experience as a Communications and Journalism
youth activist, Sorcha applied in the Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta
to join the YMIP team out Gaeilge at NUI Galway. For her
of a desire to help connect thesis, Clodagh studied the effects
more young people with the of media reporting on the fair trial
EU. YMIP was Sorcha’s first process. Clodagh is passionate
experience in journalism, having about the Irish language and Irish
previously only written on a culture and holds a degree in Irish
personal basis for her blog, www.astoldbysorcha. and New Media from the University of Limerick. Her
com. Since YMIP, Sorcha has kept up her interest training involves creating news packages, from recording
in EU affairs by studying in Paris. After her role to editing, for both television and radio. During the YMIP
reporting on events during the Irish Presidency, she programme, Clodagh was published on Foinse.ie, Beo!,
now has her sights set on developing her studies Campus.ie, The Daily Shift and has spoken on BBC Ulster
around EU law and French. Sorcha says that she and Newstalk radio stations.
learnt a lot more about the importance of social
media in getting articles and opinions broadcast and
has since developed her blog to include her views on Laura Gaynor (@_LauraGaynor)
current and social affairs as well as her own personal Laura is an eighteen year old
experiences. filmmaker from Sligo. Laura sat
the Leaving Certificate in June
2013 and is now a student at Dun
Isabella De Luca (@izdeluca) Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design
Isabella is twenty-one years and Technology. She started
old. She was born and raised in making movies when camera
Ireland but inherited her Italian phones came out and began
name, passion and good taste showing them to the outside world
in food from her dad. Isabella in 2010. Her films have since been
is studying Arts with Creative shown in Ireland as well as places like Greece, Croatia,
Writing at NUI Galway. Her Chicago and what have you. Four have been broadcast
third year in college has been on RTÉ Two. Another was partially shown during an
dedicated to keeping a blog interview.
aimed at young people which
includes news and commentary on social and current
affairs. The articles she wrote for YMIP became an Richard Manton (@mantonr)
integral part of that work. Isabella’s highlight of the Richard is a PhD student in Civil
programme was the opportunity to bring the Irish Engineering at NUI Galway,
Presidency closer to the youth of Ireland through researching the promotion
her more personal opinion pieces. Isabella is now of sustainable transport. His
going into the final year of her degree, and is looking main interests are politics,
forward to seeing where her writing and experience environment and education. He
with YMIP will lead her after she graduates. is also interested in international
development and has volunteered
in Haiti, Zambia and Germany.
Richard is a big fan of Irish culture, particularly Gaelic
Games, Irish language and music and a few pints of
Guinness! However, he does think it is possible (and
necessary) to have a truly inter-cultural Europe, based on
respect, peace and economic inclusivity.
8 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE JOURNALISTS
NORTHERN IRELAND
Órla Ryan Andrew Coffman-Smith (@CoffmanSmith)
(@orlaryan) At the outset of YMIP, Andrew was finishing
When she his MA Journalism course at the University
joined of Ulster at Coleraine. Andrew holds a BA in
the YMIP History and Political Science from the University
Programme, of Tennessee. Previously, he has worked as a
Órla was in staff writer for two weekly papers, a production
the middle of assistant for an award-winning documentary
a Journalism and a communications intern for a US
Masters in Congressman. During his time in YMIP, he had
NUI Galway. the great opportunity to meet various journalists,
She has since completed this professionals and politicians including the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.
course and is due to graduate His more memorable moments during YMIP include his first hands-
in November. While studying at on experiences with broadcast journalism and interviewing EU and
NUI Galway, Órla was a columnist Irish statesmen and Eurosceptic protesters. Since YMIP, Andrew has
and co-features editor with Sin, completed six-week placements at the investigative news website, The
the university newspaper, and Detail, and at The Irish News. A portfolio of his published work can be
contributed to the college radio found at coffmansmith.contently.com.
station, Flirt FM, on two current
affairs shows. Over the last few
months, Órla has completed Caithlin Corrigan (@CaithlinC)
internships with The Connacht Caithlin works for Concern Worldwide as a
Tribune Group of newspapers Direct Marketing Executive. She completed
and The Irish Times. She has her MA in International Relations and is
recently completed an internship currently studying for a post-graduate diploma
with The New York Observer in International Development. Before that,
and is currently interning with she studied for a BSc in Communications,
The Guardian. Following her Advertising and Marketing.
internships, she hopes to find
a full-time job in journalism.
Órla’s highlight of YMIP was co-
interviewing Christine Lagarde, Blaine Gaffney (@blainesligonew)
the Managing Director of the Blaine is an Irish politics Masters student at Queens
International Monetary Fund. Her University Belfast. In the future, Blaine would like to
main interests are journalism, work with a governmental department or public body
photography and running. Her in Ireland, the UK or the European Union, as public
biggest achievement to date affairs is his ultimate passion. His ideal role would
is running the Dublin City be a position allowing him to work with security and
Marathon with her family in 2012. defence related policies. Before YMIP, Blaine had no
Collectively they raised over prior experience of working in a journalistic role or
a11,200 for cancer services in with covering large scale events such as those involved
Sligo General Hospital. in the Irish EU Presidency. His main experience lay
in political communication and administrative roles.
Blaine recently completed his dissertation and has been appointed the
North-West International Officer on the new International Committee in
Young Fine Gael. Blaine’s highlights of the YMIP programme are the YMIP
training day in Dublin where he got to speak to the Taoiseach, exclusively
covering the announcement by Minister Alan Shatter about the Irish
Defence Forces deployment on the EU Training Mission to Mali and also
the really nice people he got to meet on the programme.he will be actively
seeking employment. Blaine has also been appointed as the North-West
International Officer on the new International Committee in Young Fine Gael.
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 9THE JOURNALISTS
Una Kelly James Mulhall (@dodgeyjammer)
When Una joined YMIP she James is 22 and has just finished
was a final year student of Law his journalism Masters degree in
and German in Trinity College the University of Ulster, Coleraine.
Dublin. She has since successfully He comes from a tiny place
completed her final exams and called Walsh Island in Co. Offaly.
is due to graduate in November. He moved to Galway to study
Originally from Derry, Una Sociology, Political Science and
currently lives and works in Berlin Geography in NUI Galway in 2008,
and is enjoying further developing before moving to Coleraine in
her language capabilities every Co. Derry for his postgraduate
day. After spending a year studying in Hamburg she studies. At the moment, James is finishing up his thesis
developed an interest in meeting other young Europeans on the topic “Has the media in the Republic of Ireland
and hopes to get to know other cities and people influenced people’s perceptions of Northern Ireland?”
across the continent in the future. Una was involved in while he is on placement with SpunOut.ie. James
journalism before YMIP, having completed internships loves to travel and hopes to do so after his studies are
at BBC Radio Foyle and The Irish Times. She was also complete. He has also volunteered in the past and would
a reporter for Trinity News and online news editor at very much like to do so again. An amateur linguist,
The University Times. Having gained more skills and James completed an intermediate certificate in Irish while
experiences through YMIP she hopes to pursue a career studying for his postgraduate degree.
in journalism, with a particular focus on human rights and
international law. Her highlight of the YMIP programme
was a social media workshop, as she feels she learned Aine O’Doherty (@aineodoherty)
a lot about the indispensable role of social media in the Before joining YMIP, Aine was
rapidly changing world of journalism. studying for a professional
journalism qualification in the
North West Regional College in
Maeve Montague Derry. While there, she worked
Maeve has always been interested for a local newspaper on a ten-
and curious about the world we month placement, and also gained
live in, and impassioned by social two weeks work experience with
justice and rights. She has always UTV. Along with this hands on
wanted to be involved in changing experience, YMIP helped Aine to
the world for the better and, develop her inter-personal skills, and gain real experience
being a ferocious reader, thought at important, high-profile events. Since YMIP, Aine has
it would be journalism which gained employment as a full-time reporter with the
would do this. Five years ago, Tyrone Constitution in Omagh. Aine’s highlights of YMIP
she moved from her native Tyrone include the regional workshop in Belfast, where YMIP
to Dublin to study medicine and she hopes to work with members were given time to question former Minister
Médecins Sans Frontières after graduation, and stay Lucinda Creighton TD and visit Stormont for a session on
involved with development. Youth in Europe.
“I was surprised that finding
the “human element” or hook
in EU stories wasn’t as hard as
I expected it to be.”
Andrew Coffman-Smith
10 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE JOURNALISTS
SOUTH
Marie Dromey (@mariedromey) Tricia Purcell (@purcell_t)
Marie has recently completed Before joining YMIP, Tricia had
a Masters in Psychology in recently completed a graduate
the University of Limerick. diploma in journalism from the
Previously, she graduated with University of Limerick and was
a degree in Applied Psychology working as a subeditor intern
from University College with SpunOut.ie. Hailing from
Cork. Outside of studies and Tipperary and now living in
Psychology, she has spent the Dublin, Tricia has returned to
last few years acting as an work with SpunOut.ie as an
alumnus with the European online journalist and subeditor
Youth Parliament, which has brought her all over on a 12-month contract. She hopes to build her skillset
Europe. She also enjoys debating with university. over this period and continue a career in the media
In her spare time, Marie is an avid music and sector. Tricia’s highlight from the six months as a YMIP
photography fan. reporter was co-interviewing Christine Lagarde on
International Women’s Day. The interview with the head
of the IMF was recorded and used on RTÉ. Giving the
Carlynn McCarthy (@Carlynnmcc) Presidency a youth perspective in Ireland was another
Carlynn is a multi-disciplined highlight of Tricia’s and she hopes to continue to shine a
journalist and blogger with a light on youth issues in her future work.
degree in European Integration
Studies. She has worked in
radio, print and online. Her Aisling Twomey (@taisling)
experience includes marketing, Aisling is 23 and studied at
copy writing, editing and the University College Cork for four
management of social media years, completing a BCL (Hons)
platforms. Carlynn speaks fluent in 2011 and an LLM (Criminal
Spanish and has a good working Justice) in 2012. She has six
knowledge of Italian, Portuguese and French. She years of journalism experience,
has a penchant for all things social media, boxing and locally, nationally and
using the word penchant. internationally, both in print and
online. Aisling is a dedicated
social media user and currently
works in political communication.
“The past six months have gone too fast; YMIP introduced
me to on-location media procedures and gave me the
chance to use social media for news delivery during live
events, which taught me a great deal about the power of
the internet in the 21st century.Better than that, YMIP gave
me an insider’s glance at EU politics, the sheer scope of EU
policy and the level of organisation needed to keep the
European project running on a day to day basis.”
Aisling Twomey
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 11THE JOURNALISTS
“Probably the most important skill I feel I
gained [through YMIP] was the confidence
in my own verbal communication skills. Prior
to the YMIP programme, for example, I
would have never engaged with high-ranking
politicians or personalities due to my anxiety
and nervousness when asking a question.
Now, however, I am always on the lookout for
someone to grill with difficult questions.”
Blaine Gaffney
12 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE EXPERIENCE
THE EXPERIENCE
TIMELINE
Date Event
Early January 2013 YMIP team are brought together for the programme’s induction and first training days
10 January 2013 Launch of European Year of Citizens 2013 and Citizens’ Dialogue in Dublin City Hall
with Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD and President of the
European Commission, José Manuel Barroso
YMIP Press Conference with Vice-President of the European Commission, Viviane
Reding
January-June 2013 YMIP journalists attend and report on official and associated Irish Presidency events
in Dublin and around Ireland
Mid-February 2013 Regional Mentoring and Reflection Session for YMIP South Constituency
journalists, Cork
Early March 2013 Regional Mentoring and Reflection Session for YMIP Northern Ireland Constituency
journalists, Belfast
8 March 2013 International Women’s Day
Two YMIP journalists – Tricia Purcell and Órla Ryan – interview Christine Lagarde,
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
Late March 2013 YMIP Midway Training and Reflection Day, Dublin
Early April 2013 Regional Mentoring and Reflection Session for YMIP North-West Constituency
journalists, Galway
Early May 2013 Regional Mentoring and Reflection Session for YMIP Dublin and East Constituency
journalists, Dublin
Mid-June 2013 YMIP Social Media Training Day, Dublin
Late July 2013 Final YMIP Training Day, Dublin
July-November 2013 Feedback on YMIP and input into Report from YMIP partners and participants
20 November 2013 Launch of YMIP Report
“As part of YMIP, I have met the Taoiseach, countless
government ministers and 24 talented, enthused young writers,
videographers, photographers, cartoonists and more from
across Ireland, North and South. I have had opportunities
I most certainly would not have gotten outside of the
programme and for these opportunities, I am very grateful.”
James Mulhall
14 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE EXPERIENCE
#Verbatim Citizens’ Dialogue. #Verbatim is a
soundbite-based project devised by two of our
YMIP journalists, Marie Dromey and Aisling Twomey,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YMIP PROGRAMME which presents multiple viewpoints of events through
memorable quotes, word for word.
Launch of the European Year of Citizens 2013 and Citizens’ Dialogue
On Thursday, 10 January 2013, the European Year of Citizens was launched in Dublin City Hall by the
Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD, and President of the European Commission, José
Manuel Barroso. This Launch was followed by a Citizens’ Dialogue between 200 citizens, Vice-President of the
European Commission, Commissioner Viviane Reding, and then Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda
Creighton TD.
Thursday, 10 January 2013 was also only the second day of YMIP for the 25 young journalists. Just the day
before, they had all met each other for the first time at the YMIP induction and first training days. The day’s
programme, put together and delivered in collaboration with EM Ireland’s partner organisations, featured
team-building exercises, informal Q&A sessions with journalists and media experts, and briefing sessions on
the EU; its institutions, work and the Presidency of the Council of the EU. This allowed the group to get to
know each other at the outset of the Programme, learn about the work of the Irish Presidency and hear from
media and political experts on how best to navigate European affairs and the Irish Presidency over the six
months ahead.
The Launch of the European Year of Citizens and
the Citizens’ Dialogue were the first assignments for
the 25 YMIP journalists and saw them competing for
interviews, photos and soundbites with professional
journalists from around the world. The journalists
were also afforded an exclusive YMIP-only press point
with Vice-President Reding after the conclusion of
the Citizens’ Dialogue. What better way to cut their
journalistic teeth?!
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 15THE EXPERIENCE
Briefing with the Taoiseach
At the YMIP Midway Training and Reflection Day in
March 2013, the YMIP journalists received a surprise
visit from the Taoiseach, who popped in to say
hello and sit down for a chat with the journalists.
Despite being taken aback by their surprise guest,
our journalists stepped up to the mark and served
him some tough questions, on issues ranging from
the Presidency and the economic situation, to
emigration and youth issues.
Christine Lagarde
On Friday, 8 March 2013, Managing Director
of the International Monetary Fund, Christine
Lagarde, visited Dublin for talks with the
Taoiseach and Tánaiste. EM Ireland, in
collaboration with the Press Section of the Irish
Presidency, secured a one-to-one interview for
YMIP with Ms Lagarde.
On International Women’s Day, Tricia Purcell and
Órla Ryan found themselves in the incredible
position of interviewing one of the most
successful and powerful women in the world.
Their articles were published in the Tipperary
Star and online by The Daily Shift and Campus.
ie. Soundbites from their interview were also
used by Galway Bay FM and Flirt FM, and the
interview was featured on RTÉ Television’s daily
afternoon show, Today.
You can listen to the interview in full online at
soundcloud.com/european-movement-ireland/
ymip-christine-lagarde.
16 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE EXPERIENCE
Three of our South Constituency journalists with
Mary Smithwick, Political Editor, Evening Echo.
SUPPORT AND TRAINING
Throughout YMIP, a strong emphasis was placed on providing the 25 citizen
journalists with opportunities for learning, upskilling, peer collaboration,
mentoring and reflection. These were designed to complement the informal
learning which was taking place as the journalists attended and reported on
events. This support and training was delivered through a series of support,
“The experience mentoring, reflection and training sessions held over the course of the
Programme on both a regional and national basis.
has been a steep
Regional Mentoring and Reflection Sessions
learning curve. It Regional Mentoring and Reflection Sessions were held during the Irish
all feels like a bit Presidency in each of the five YMIP Regions, or European Parliament
constituencies; South, East, Dublin, North-West and Northern Ireland. The
of a blur, from the purpose of these sessions was twofold: to allow the YMIP journalists from
that region the opportunity to reflect on their experience of the programme
moment I found out thusfar, and to meet with a working journalist from their region in an informal
and friendly setting.
I had a place on the
programme, to the In the Reflection Session, participants discussed YMIP, their experiences of
and hopes for the Programme, and their goals for the remaining time. These
two-day crash course Sessions were an opportunity for the journalists to re-focus themselves and
their work, and also to hear and learn from their fellow participants. These
in January and then Sessions were facilitated by youth workers from the respective regions.
right into the deep The second part of the day was a Mentoring Session – simply put, a couple
of hours of chat with a professional journalist based in the region the YMIP
end covering events participants represented. This afforded the YMIP journalists the opportunity
in Dublin every to meet with a practising journalist in an informal setting where they would
be able to discuss experiences, ask questions and compare notes on careers
month.” in journalism and the Irish media.
Isabella De Luca
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 17THE EXPERIENCE
Midway Training and Reflection Day
In mid-March 2013, EM Ireland organised a Midway Training and Reflection Day in Dublin for the YMIP
journalists to allow everyone involved in YMIP – the EM Ireland team, partner organisations, and YMIP
journalists – to catch up with each other, discuss their progress and to look ahead to the remaining three
months of the Irish Presidency and the YMIP Presidency coverage.
Training sessions on the day were designed based on feedback from the Regional Mentoring and Reflection
Sessions, and focused on correct and effective use of social media and issues of libel and ethics in journalism.
There was also a panel discussion with a cross-party group of political representatives on the Youth Guarantee,
one of the major topics of the Irish Presidency, and the Taoiseach popped in for a surprise chat and briefing
with the journalists.
Social Media Training Day
In response to repeated requests for information and training on social media and its use in journalism and
branding, EM Ireland organised a full-day social media training session in June 2013. Delivered by digital
communications and online publicity strategist, Krishna De, the training day covered topics including writing
content for the social web; building online visibility through blogging; using Twitter to connect with the media;
using LinkedIn profiles to build your online profile; enhancing communications using multimedia content; and
social media monitoring.
Final YMIP Training Day
In July, to round off YMIP and its learning for the 25 journalists, we held a final training day in the Digital Hub,
Dublin. The aim of the training day was to cement everything the journalists had learned over the previous
six months and to equip them as they moved on from YMIP to further studies and careers. The day therefore
had a focus on media and professional skills and learning. A session on on-camera skills was delivered by DHR
Communications, Clear Ink provided training on clear writing skills, and Young Social Innovators facilitated a
session on social entrepreneurship.
“At just my second Presidency event, a meeting
of EU Defence Ministers, I walked through tight
security with a camera and audio equipment
borrowed for the day from my university
newspaper. Unused to such settings and thinking
I would be dismissed as too young, I quickly saw
that it was best to throw myself in at the deep
end and be assertive, whether confidently asking
that question or elbowing for space along with
national and European news reporters, all striving
to get the best angle for their photo.”
Una Kelly
18 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE EXPERIENCE
MEDIA COVERAGE
Over the course of YMIP and beyond, our 25 citizen journalists
managed to secure a huge amount and range of media coverage of
the programme and of their own YMIP work. Over the six months of
the Irish Presidency, YMIP work was featured:
• In the online and print versions of a number of Ireland’s
national newspapers, including The Irish Times and The Irish
Independent;
• On Ireland’s national television station, RTÉ1;
• In regional media around the country, including The Connacht
Tribune, The Western People, The Tipperary Star, The Sligo
Champion, The Fingal Independent and Foinse;
• Online, on TheJournal.ie, Broadsheet.ie, The Daily Shift,
Campus.ie, and Beo!
The journalists also gained exclusive access to high-profile individuals
through press conferences and interview opportunities, including:
• The Taoiseach;
• The Tánaiste;
• Managing Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde;
• Vice-President of the European Commission, Commissioner
Viviane Reding;
• Commissioner responsible for International Cooperation,
Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Kristalina Georgieva; Social Media
• Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD; Social media, and in particular
Facebook and Twitter, have been
• Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello TD;
key to building the profile and
• Former Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD; visibility of YMIP and the citizen
• Emer Costello MEP; journalists. EM Ireland set up a
• Television presenter, Lloyd Grossman. Facebook page for the promotion
of YMIP, the journalists and their
content, and we also regularly
YMIP journalists have been a hit on the radio too, appearing on RTÉ tweeted about the programme.
Radio 1, BBC Northern Ireland, Newstalk, Radio Kerry, Galway Bay The citizen journalists also used
FM, Flirt FM and Spin South-West. Facebook and Twitter themselves
to promote their work to their
This interest in the YMIP journalists has not subsided with the end of followers, as well as directly
the Irish Presidency. Since the Presidency came to a close in June, to people they felt would be
the journalists have continued to receive requests for articles and interested in their work, with some
comment, and to appear as panelists on radio, television and at amazing results!
live events. Carlynn McCarthy has appeared as a panelist on RTÉ
Radio 1’s weekend show, Marian Finucane, for example. Perhaps the
most exciting example of this is Clodagh Garry, who was asked to
participate in an Irish-language panel debate at Electric Picnic about
young people and Europe and engaging citizens in EU politics! Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 19THE EXPERIENCE
“During my time with YMIP, I learned how
to professionally tweet, record and edit
audio podcasts; layer tracks to create
atmosphere and interview the man-on-
the-street for broadcast. Through YMIP, I
also had my first experiences behind and
in front of the camera where I got to learn
everything from the logistics of shooting
to editing footage into a final product
suitable for broadcast. It was also through
YMIP that I found my broadcast voice
and learned how to write an informative
but engaging analysis op-ed that is not
outright partisan.”
Andrew Coffman-Smith
20 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE REPORTING
THE REPORTING
In the following pages, we have gathered a selection of the articles, photos, cartoons and other reports
completed by the 25 YMIP journalists over the six months of the Irish Presidency. If you are interested in
reading some more YMIP coverage, check out the YMIP blog at www.europeanmovement.ie/category/
ymip/.
JANUARY 2013
EU – Engaging with our Union
Órla Ryan
We live in an age where unprecedented levels of the European Economic Community and our six-month
political connection are possible, and not just in Presidency of the Council of the EU.
terms of technology. Despite this, many people feel
disconnected from their public representatives at local, The formula is seemingly straightforward: a moderator
national and international level. In modern democracies, oversees a Question and Answer session between
the encouragement of citizen engagement with members of the public and Viviane Reding, Vice-
politicians has become an increasingly common feature. President of the European Commission. The audience
size varies from 200 to 500 people. An indigenous
In 2012, the President of the European Commission, politician is also present for questioning – in the Irish
José Manuel Barroso, called for a broad debate instance, State Minister for European Affairs, Fine Gael’s
between officials and citizens of the European Lucinda Creighton, TD.
Union. There are over 500 million citizens in the EU.
Successfully bringing together a pool of people diverse At the Citizens’ Dialogue in Dublin, the debate was
enough to truly represent this community is quite an split into three sections: the current economic crisis,
undertaking, before one even begins to factor in the the rights of European citizens and the future of the
element of productive discussion with a view to policy EU – with a particular focus on where we hope to be
formation. in 2020. Topics covered included the possibility of an
EU banking union and Minister for Finance, austerity
Since September of last year, five ‘Citizens’ Dialogues’ budgets that target the most vulnerable, restructuring
have taken place throughout Europe, the most recent of of the promissory note deal, unlinking bank debt and
these being held in Dublin City Hall on 10 January. This sovereign debt, youth unemployment, retirement
series of public-politician forums, entitled ‘A Debate age, climate change, gender inequality and the pay
on the Future of Europe’, will continue until the end of gap, discrimination against individuals and smaller EU
2013. These dialogues coincide with the European Year countries, active citizenship and the idea of a ‘human
of Citizens, the 40th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to rights scoreboard’ for member states.
Vice-President of the European
Commission, Commissioner Viviane
Reding, at the Citizens’ Dialogue in Dublin.
Photo: Dave Nowak, YMIP.
22 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE REPORTING
A multifarious list, but one that merely scratches the are. The Commission website includes information on
surface of our Union. Minister Creighton stressed the rights, but citizens have expressed their desire to receive
inclusive nature of the EU at the forum, saying: “Every information from other platforms, most notably television
Irish citizen, every one of the citizens of all member states (52 per cent); social networking websites (49 per cent)
and candidate countries have a right to influence the and ‘Europedia’ – an online discussion forum (34 per
direction of our union – to improve it, to make it better cent). One in ten citizens, meanwhile, felt there was no
for the future.” need for extra information to be shared3.
Only a small fraction of those present got to ask their “Politicians are Listening”
question. This is far from ideal but, logistically, was As a politician from Luxembourg, the EU’s smallest state,
somewhat unavoidable. Such events cannot provide a Ms Reding regularly speaks directly to citizens and would
portrait of the EU, but they can offer a snapshot and the like to see this process replicated across the continent
process of citizen engagement has to start somewhere. and Union at large. “Something which has bothered
One issue to consider in terms of the audience is that me at European level is that we are making too many
those who apply to attend are often people who are big speeches, instead of going out and looking the
already interested in politics. This leads to a continuous citizens in the eye and asking them their opinion.” She
cycle of the same faces, the same voices and the added that the EU should involve citizens in the entire
same sense of disconnect felt by those on the political decision making process, not just present them with a
periphery. policy in its final form. “[The Citizens’ Dialogue series] is
the beginning of a new adventure together [...] where
One can easily become disillusioned with politics and politicians are listening,” she assured.
the seemingly impenetrable mound of bureaucracy
that surrounds it. Vice-President Reding stated that 69 At the close of the public discussion, Minister Creighton
per cent of EU citizens believe their voices don’t count. acknowledged that many changes and reforms are
What so for this silent majority? Are such debates simple needed within the EU as it “certainly isn’t perfect”.
posturing, no more than lip service? She maintained that the Union must acknowledge its
deficiencies and strengths alike in order to better itself.
This disengagement could well be one of the As a follow-up to the Citizens’ Dialogue in the capital, her
contributing factors to the steady decrease in voter office will organise a number of regional debates across
turnout since the first direct European elections took Ireland where individuals, civil society organisations
place in 1979. General turnout in the last elections in and NGOs can voice their opinions in a similar fashion.
2009 stood at 43 per cent1. The findings of a Europe- Minister Creighton also spoke of the need to improve
wide survey from 2010 show that over eight in ten accountability, democracy and engagement at European
citizens believe this figure would increase if voters level. She said that genuinely involving citizens in the
received more information on the programmes and political process would be a challenge, but one that
objectives of European Parliament candidates and would be met. “The evolution of Europe and Ireland’s
how political parties’ programmes impact on people’s place in Europe is an on-going process,” she added.
daily lives2.
Unprecedented change has occurred in both Ireland
In 2012 the European Commission undertook its largest and the EU since our marriage 40 years ago. Whatever
ever public consultation, surveying almost 12,000 the next four decades will entail, one thing is for certain:
European citizens about their experiences with EU citizen engagement is vital. Citizens’ Dialogues are a step
rights. Commissioner Reding admitted that almost seven in the right direction on a very long journey. Whether or
in ten European citizens don’t know what their rights not they will lead to tangible results: time will tell.
1
EU Citizenship Report 2010: ‘Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens’ rights’
2
Eurobarometer Qualitative Survey: ‘European Union Citizenship: Cross-Border Mobility’ (August 2010; as listed in EU
Citizenship Report 2010).
3
EU Citizens’ Agenda: Public Consultation on EU Citizenship (2012 European Commission survey of 11,598 European
citizens).
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 23THE REPORTING
FEBRUARY 2013
Irish and British armies to join forces in Mali
Una Kelly
As EU defence ministers came together on a wet
February day for an informal meeting in Dublin Castle, Irish Defence Minister Alan Shatter greets
the biggest development to emerge concerned our Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary
relationship to our UK neighbours. In a significant General. Photo: Una Kelly, YMIP.
announcement, Irish Defence Minister Alan Shatter said
Ireland and Britain will send a joint deployment of troops on the situation in Mali. In a press conference after the
to war-torn Mali as part of an EU training mission. While meeting, Mr Shatter said there had been constructive
Irish and British defence forces have previously co- engagement on all issues and that there was broad
operated with each other on UN peacekeeping missions, support and recognition for the French effort in Mali. He
this is the first time the two countries will work together stated that the French intervention was seen as being
to produce a joint task force. Britain will lead the eight protective of Europe. He emphasised that defence is of
Irish soldiers and 18 British soldiers under the First Royal importance to everyone in Europe, citing the potential
Irish Regiment, which could see troops from both sides of threat of suspected chemical weapons presently in Syria
the border working together for the first time. coming in to the wrong hands.
The announcement, which due to troubled history would Significant visitors at this Irish EU Presidency event were
have been unthinkable until recently, was described NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and
as “historic” by Mr Shatter, particularly after the visit UN peacekeeping representatives. The first official
of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland two years ago. “It visit of a NATO Secretary General to Ireland was seen
is yet another indicator of the total normalisation of as an effort to enhance cooperation between NATO
relationships between all of us on this island, the island and the EU. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)
of Ireland, and between this State and the United is a military alliance of countries and Ireland, although
Kingdom,” Mr Shatter said. “In that sense it is a historic not an official member, conducts its relations with
step and provides a tangible manifestation of the very the organisation through the Partnership for Peace
positive relationship and the mutual respect that now framework, which Ireland joined in 1999. NATO and
exists between our countries”. Ireland and Britain may Ireland actively cooperate on humanitarian, rescue,
join forces for future UN mandated missions, however, peacekeeping and crisis management, and Irish troops
Mr Shatter added: “If you’re asking me is Ireland and the have been a part of missions in Kosovo, Bosnia and
UK going to declare war on someone or invade I can tell Afghanistan. At the event, Mr Rasmussen welcomed
you no, that’s not part of the agenda.” Ireland to further enhance its cooperation with NATO in
the future as, he stated, further cooperation is of benefit
The EU training mission to Mali aims to boost the to both parties in times of crisis, and acknowledged
country’s defence forces and also help to protect civilian Ireland’s history of contribution to peacekeeping.
and human rights. The mission will be made up of about
500 personnel in total, including 200 instructors. It will UN peacekeeping representatives also made a
be deployed by mid-March and is expected to last for presentation at the meeting of EU defence ministers,
15 months. The present conflict in Mali began in March and under discussions of how there can be greater
2012, when the president was ousted in a military coup, engagement between the EU and UN, broad consensus
leaving a battle for power among several forces. One was reached that the EU must do the utmost to ensure
of these forces has been hijacked by Islamist extremists the relationship is more “operational”.
who have since taken control in much of the country. In
January 2013, France responded to a call for foreign Although no decisions from the informal meeting are
aid by sending 4,000 French troops to intervene and binding or enforceable, it was clear that the intention
push back extremists. France now hopes for an African for greater commitment to common defence policies
peacekeeping force to take over. is on the agenda for the EU. Although there has
been progress, it was stated that there has also been
The domestic announcement of co-operation between complacency in some areas. As for Ireland, that most
Irish and British Defence forces may have somewhat geographically detached of EU states, it is apparent that
over-shadowed the other items on the agenda of the EU the Irish Presidency will be used to strengthen our links to
defence ministers meeting, one of which was a discussion the EU and the wider world.
24 Youth Media and the Irish PresidencyTHE REPORTING
COFACE & ICA Conference Day 1:
“Vulnerable Families – What Can Europe Do?”
Aine O’Doherty
The Sixth European Families Conference was held
in Dublin on 4 and 5 February 2013. Organised
by the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) and
the Confederation of Family Organisations in the Ireland’s Minister for Children and Youth Affairs,
European Union (COFACE), the conference focused on Frances Fitzgerald TD, at the Vulnerable Families
vulnerable families and what the European Union can Conference. Photo: Aine O’Doherty, YMIP.
do for them.
promotes the ‘traditional’ family, and argues against
Delegates travelled from all over Europe for the event, homosexual and promiscuous heterosexual behaviour,
including Portugal, Belgium and Bulgaria, to reflect to the event.
on Europe’s current position is in relation to these
families, and the trends which have emerged since the This was not the view of all the delegates at the
financial crisis. conference; during the second plenary session,
delegates were given up to date presentations with
The delegates were welcomed by Liz Wall, the statistics about vulnerable families across the EU. This
President of the ICA, and Annemie Drieskens, included single parent families, and other types of
President of COFACE. They were then treated to ‘non-traditional’ families.
keynote speeches by Ireland’s Minister for Children
and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald; Juan Menéndez- Child poverty was one of a number of serious issues
Valdés, Director of Eurofound (the European tackled on the day, along with single parent families
Foundation for the Improvement of Living and and the roles of carers. Bea Cantillon, a lecturer from
Working Conditions – an EU body based in Dublin); the Sociology Department in Antwerp University
and Julius op de Beke of the European Commission. focused on child poverty, pointed out that “Child
poverty in most countries is at a higher level than
Ireland is considered a model for all other EU member overall poverty.” The presentation included steps
states in terms of its work for and support of the that could be taken by the EU to help alleviate child
family, and Ms Drieskens, outlined her organisation’s poverty in member states, and imbalances in policy
high expectations for the Irish Presidency: “European frameworks.
countries recognise families as important social
institutions, and the majority of the countries have Speaking about the creation of the Ministry for
adopted different policy measures to support families. Children and Youth Affairs, Minister Fitzgerald said,
COFACE always says that families need RST – “I think it’s very important because we can hear from
Resources, Services and Time. the conference here how important and the huge
contribution that working effectively, particularly with
In her speech, Minister Fitzgerald championed the the more vulnerable children and families can make.
policy of early intervention, saying “The State must The importance of co-ordinating services at a high
endeavour to provide a level of support that helps level, the importance of focus in this area, budget
parents to create a safe and caring environment for in this area makes a huge difference, so for example
their children. Of course early intervention is key. There holding the children’s referendum, being in cabinet
is a delicate balance to be got between the provision was very important; so I think it’s about being at the
of ongoing support to a family, and the ultimate state table and influencing others and making sure that this
of intervening to remove a child from a situation which agenda is part of the agenda of the government. So it
is detrimental to their safety and welfare.” gives an opportunity to do that.”
There was an opportunity for questions from the floor The second day of the Conference focuses on
for the panel in the first plenary session. Delegates breakout sessions, which will see delegates making
from the UK, Slovakia and Croatia asked questions, their voices heard and putting forward propositions.
with the Croatian delegate speaking about his With such a wide range of delegates from many
organisation, the Family Centre in Zagreb. He had different backgrounds, it is sure to be a day full of
brought some literature about his organisation, which interesting debate.
Youth Media and the Irish Presidency 25You can also read
