'I'd say that most politicians' expenses are too high'

TY TALK: Hazelwood College , Dromcollogher, Co Limerick

TY TALK: Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, Co Limerick

ON NAMA

Patrick Twomey:"This proposal seems to make a lot of sense. All the banks are heavily in debt, so anything freeing them up can only be positive for everyone."

ON GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI

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PT:"He's done a great job as manager, and we played very well against Italy. It wasn't fair of Eamon Dunphy to describe Ireland's performance as a disgrace: he just wants to be controversial. Trappatoni is one of Ireland's most experienced managers."

ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Joy Dunne:"It's a global issue that needs to be tackled at a global level. I hope people can and will get a grip on the problem. As things stand, we may lose some of our beautiful land due to rising sea levels. But many people still aren't even recycling."

ON THE LIFESAVER PROJECT

Michael Byrnes:"This road safety show demonstrated that it's stupid not to obey the rules of the road. The programme highlighted safety, speeding and the importance of wearing a seatbelt. It really brought the reality of road deaths home."

ON CAR MAINTENANCE AND ROAD SAFETY

Mark Ryan:"Car maintenance is my favourite class in TY. I love cars, and I've been saving up for one since I was 12 years old. My car will be souped up, but I'll drive responsibly. A relative of mine was killed by a drunk driver, who walked away without a scratch, so I'm conscious of the dangers to myself and other people of dangerous driving.

But the image of anybody with a modified car as a dangerous boy racer is unfair. Most people with modified cars take good care of them and aren’t going to write them off through stupid bravado.”

ON POLITICIANS’ EXPENSES

PT:"John O'Donoghue stepped down as Ceann Comhairle because he had lost the trust of the people due to his high expenses. I'd say that most politicians' expenses are too high, and they should be setting an example by making cuts."

MB:"We know ministers need to go abroad to represent Ireland, but surely they should be flying economy class. If they want an upgrade, let them pay for it themselves. We shouldn't they be charged for their leisure?"

ON THE APPRENTICE

JD: "It's entertaining and educational. You can learn what is expected of a manager, and what a manager expects of his or her team. An addictive show."


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