On Thursday the 8th of April, two BCL students, Chikemka Abuchi-Ogbonda and Rí Anumudu, participated in the first semi-final of the Irish Times Debate competition, securing Maynooth University a spot in the final. The highly competitive debate was held online this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, although this change did not stop the speakers from putting on a brilliant display. Chaired by Senator Lynn Ruane, the motion read ‘This house believes An Garda Síochána are failing the state’, with the girls falling on side proposition. The black-tie event saw students from all over Ireland offer an insight on what they understood to be the strengths or failures of An Garda Síochána. The main point of contention on the night was centred around whether a “few bad apples” ought to define an institution. Proposition brought forward the idea of inequality in treatment when it came to marginalised groups, like the travelling community, highlighting it as a crucial failure on the part of the Gardaí. Conversely, the opposition pointed to lack of government funding and inadequate training as being the fault of the State and not the Gardaí. It was a dynamic and entertaining debate with both sides offering nuanced and well-articulated lines of arguments. Being a part of such a talented room of young people was an invaluable and memorable experience for both Chikemka and Rí, who are ecstatic to be moving on to the final round.
We wish Chikemka and Rí the very best of luck in the final!