A tireless charity campaigner who is a victim of excessive media intrusion? Or a talented self-publicist and estranged wife of a former Beatle who has been only too happy in the past to exploit her notoriety?
There was little doubt which side Trinity College students were on last night when Heather Mills received a warm welcome and several rounds of applause.
In her opening remarks Ms Mills could hardly hide her contempt for the assembled members of the media. At one stage she advised the audience that the meeting could be the "perfect example" of what they heard that night not being what was reported the next day.
Speaking at a meeting of the university's Philosophical Society, Mills, who is currently involved in multi-million pound divorce proceedings against her former husband Sir Paul McCartney, revealed how she had convinced well-known socialite Paris Hilton to stop wearing fur but she was critical of others such as model Naomi Campbell and actress Jennifer Lopez for failing to do so.
To a chorus of flashing bulbs from photographers she eventually asked had they got their pictures. This prompted those photographers present to leave the Edmund Burke Theatre shortly after.
Ms Mills, who still uses her married name on her website, heathermillsmccartney.com, was in town to receive an honorary patronage of the society.
The former model recounted how she had been hit by a police motor cycle in 1993 resulting in the loss of her left leg below the knee.
She also expressed her support for the various causes for which she campaigns including animal rights, anti-landmine initiatives and support for amputees.
She has previously complained that she has received worse press than a paedophile or murderer and that her treatment had even led her to contemplate suicide.