The Big Irish Times Christmas quiz of 2012
Test your wits with the first part of our prize quiz, compiled by EOIN BUTLER
Here are your first 50 questions. Fifty more will appear in various editions of The Irish Times this week and next, with the final 10 on January 3rd.
World
1 Which legendary Hollywood star performed a double act with an empty chair at the Republican National Convention in Florida in August?
2 “He was very good at hiding in plain sight. He created a smokescreen comprised of the truth.” Which disgraced former BBC presenter was Graham Linehan discussing on Have I Got News For You in October?
3 In October, 15-year-old Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban. In what type of vehicle was she travelling at the time?
4 In March, this embattled Middle Eastern dictator’s hacked emails revealed a fondness for the music of New Order, Right Said Fred and country singer Blake Shelton.
5 Over what issue did Australian prime minister Julia Gillard attack leader of the opposition Tony Abbott, in a speech that made headlines around the world in October?
6The Greek MP who punched a female politician on live TV in June was a member of which neo-Nazi political party?
7 According to RTÉ news subtitles, “Mohamed Morrissey” was elected president of which Middle Eastern country in June?
8 José Mujica, the world’s poorest head of state, lives in a tiny farmhouse and, in 2012, donated 90 per cent of his income to charity. Which South American country is he the president of?
9 What was the significant date on which the US Consulate in Benghazi was attacked and Ambassador J Christopher Stevens killed?
10 The marriage of North Korea’s most eligible bachelor, Kim Jong-un, was announced in July. Before the announcement, who did the Western media mistakenly identify his companion as: (a) a singer (b) an actress (c) stand-up comedian?
Ireland
11 Which former Fianna Fáil party leader was expelled from the party in March, following publication of the Mahon Tribunal report?
12 In April, what did Fine Gael TD Michelle Mulherin identify as “the single most likely cause of unwanted pregnancies in this country”?
13 Which American sportswear giant apologised after launching a “Black and Tan” shoe to mark St Patrick’s Day?
14 In July, All-Ireland winning managers Mickey Harte, Joe Kernan and Seán Boylan were among 4,000 who marched in support of beleaguered ex-billionaire Seán Quinn. In what town did the march take place?
