Minister for Education in Hipster Glasses Pic of the Day

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23/04/12 3,372 Views 18 Comments

EDUCATION MINISTER RUAIRÍ Quinn is a busy man but every now and then he likes to make sure that we are aware that he is down with the kids.

And what better way to do that then to don a pair of trendy glasses, just as he did today at the launch of the Undergraduate Awards, an international academic awards programme which aims to recognises innovation and critical thinking within third-level coursework.

Behold, the Minister in aforementioned glasses with students Richard Shaffrey and Grainne Pollak:

RQ in HG

No word yet on whether he’ll be making a permanent switch from his more sedate specs:

UA1

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Aranthos Faroth 23/04/12 #

0 47

You know, if I see anyone wearing glasses who don’t have any need for them (Without actual corrective lenses) I get this sudden strange urge to punch them in the face.

*Needed to wear glasses for 22 years.

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Undergraduate Awards 23/04/12 #

4 31

As stated in the article, this was taken at the launch of the Undergraduate Awards – an international academic awards programme that is based in Ireland. It’s an initiative that encourages students to innovate within coursework and, this year, will be bringing some of the world’s top undergraduate students to Dublin for the UA Summit. Great for Ireland, great for third level education, even better for young achievers who are looking for a platform to showcase their work particularly in the current job market – hence Minister Quinn’s support.

Find out more here: http://www.undergraduateawards.com/

Probably worth noting that those are lens-free joke-shop glasses, not Ray Bans :)

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- Noel Carroll 23/04/12 #
  
  13 6
  
  Fair enough but it’s still a stupid photoshoot! I fail to see what glasses have to do with academic achievement and intelligence in general!
  
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- John Egan 23/04/12 #
  
  3 18
  
  Does it really matter? It’s about the Undergraduate awards which is one of the top undergraduate programs in the world and based in Ireland – instead of boasting about the fact that they bring the smartest kids on the planet to Ireland once a year to encourage and incentivise learning and educational achievement you’re concerned about joke glasses and what they may or may not imply? Realllllyyyyy? That’s your issue? Cause if it is i can IM you the contact details of the Realistic Photoshoot Association
  
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Jake Behan 23/04/12 #

12 26

… Who comes up with these stupid photoshoots ?

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- John Watson 23/04/12 #
  
  7 27
  
  Highly paid PR agencies
  
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simontuohy 23/04/12 #

10 9

Why the constant need to reinforce “nerd” stereotypes with Science no wonder it is hard to get kids into science. It is as if they showed someone reading Shakespeere wearing a Mcdonalds hat

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- Dean McDonnell 23/04/12 #
  
  2 13
  
  Actually with the advent of The Big Bang Theory, Apps and iProducts, it seems nerds are cool now :)
  
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Marty Simpson 23/04/12 #

13 7

So Ruairi Quinn’s shortsightedness is literal and not solely confined to his and his government’s policies..?

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Diarmuid Clancy 23/04/12 #

34 6

Who stumped up the cash for those Ray Bans? The taxpayer, thats who. Makes me sick to my stomach this sort of carry on.

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- Hitthepotthomas 23/04/12 #
  
  0 6
  
  Ray bans? They look like poxy cineworld 3d glasses with the lenses removed!
  
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Sheila Byrne 23/04/12 #

40 5

Hugh,

I really don’t understand this article with R Quinn wearing ‘where’s wally’ glasses? Really, what does it mean when it says, “getting down with the kids”??????? Can you explain? Thanks.

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- Jay funk 23/04/12 #
  
  1 65
  
  If you have to ask your old and not down with the kids
  
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- Hugh O'Connell 23/04/12 #
  
  2 41
  
  Hi Sheila,
  
  This post is intended to be a bit tongue in cheek and a light-hearted break from the serious news of the day.
  
  ‘Down with the kids’ is a term which refers to being on the same wave length as the younger people in society or to be cool and clued-up. More here: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=down%20with%20the%20kids
  
  As I said, it’s all tongue in cheek. Thanks,
  
  Hugh
  
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- Sheila Byrne 23/04/12 #
  
  43 6
  
  Hugh, Jay Funk,
  
  I know what ‘getting down with the kids mean’ I have 2 of my own thank you! What is the article about, what is it covering? discussion? Another question, was he driven to this place for this photo? Was it educational? Sorry, maybe I’m losing it! I don’t get this article at all. Mr. Quinn could have been putting his well earned time into something more constructive and educational. Just my opinion. Thanks Hugh.
  
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- sluazcanal 23/04/12 #
  
  2 42
  
  He is launching the undergraduate awards and he is wearing the glasses for the photo shoot. I wouldn’t read into it too much.
  
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David Hughes 24/04/12 #

2 0

They’re not even reading it.

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HI SPRUIKER 23/04/12 #

5 0

Ha
Ha
Ha
Ruairi.
You’re so funny with your specs on with those young actors.

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Minister for Education in Hipster Glasses Pic of the Day