Former Irish President visits, isn’t made to feel awkward enough

by Josh Studor

The first female president of The Republic of Ireland gave the keynote address at the University of Idaho’s 59th Borah Symposium April 2 but before she did, she spoke briefly at the College of Law. The Hon. Mary Robinson joined Professional Responsibility to discuss her experiences as a lawyer, stateswoman, and world human rights leader and then stopped to answer two questions. The first question started out harmless enough. Mikela French, 2L, asked something about including human rights requirements in international economic agreements. It was the second question that left the crowd – and Pres. Robinson – scratching their collective heads. A 3L student then asked something about a new law that Great Britain supposedly passed that would keep history teachers from teaching kids about the Holocaust because it offends Muslims. Pres. Robinson stumbled for a moment – visibly shocked – but recovered to answer the question in the most diplomatic way she could. She said she hadn’t heard anything about that (probably because she doesn’t read the Drudge Report) and that she didn’t think the story was accurate. She reiterated that the British have a great solemn remembrance of the Holocaust and, because of that, she thought the 3L had his facts wrong. Needless to say, it was uncomfortable for everyone involved. However, no one was more visibly mortified than Professor Monica Schurtman, who stood up and practically pleaded the audience for a decent question. Thankfully, R.J. Linnan, 2L, took the bait and saved the day with a softball question about peace agreements. Pres. Robinson, who looked relieved, took the question, ran with it, and ended with the audience laughing because “Dr. Paisley said ‘yes.’” While many students felt inspired, the whole experience left some students thinking to themselves, “What could Mr. 3L have asked that would have been less awkward?” Well, here are some answers to that question: • Can I take you out for a “Black and Tan” after your presentation? And as a follow-up, can we get in a fight later? • Was it a good idea to allow Prince Harry to serve in the military? • Why are you always after me Lucky Charms? • Why can’t you Irish just accept British rule? • How come you aren’t wearing a kilt? • Is there anything ironic about you being in a state famous for potatoes? • Where is your pot o’ gold? • Are you and Colin Farrell friends? • Do you have family in Boston? • How did you become one of the most prosperous nations in the EU by selling goats? • What do you think of “The Black Donnellys?” I supposed the question could have been worse. Maybe we should try again. Next time we should bring King Abdullah of Saudia Arabia to the law school and someone can ask him why he can’t keep his terr-er-est friends from blowing themselves up.