Volume XVIII - Issue 10 - Election Special

The University Observer su Election Special

28th February 2012

featuring: interviews with all eleven candidates & analysis of the Constitutional referendum

U O

LETTER FROM THE DEPUTY EDITOR

CONTENTS Page 3 President

An interview with sole Presidential candidate Rachel Breslin and an analysis of the race she is contesting.

Page 4 – 5 Education

Interviews with Education hopefuls Shane Comer, Sam Geoghegan and Patrick Wolohan and an analysis of the race between the three candidates.

Page 6 – 7 Campaigns AND Communications

We interview and analyse the proposals of James Atkinson, Karl Gill, Paddy Guiney and Aisling Sheerin, the four candidates in this year’s most keenly competed race.

Page 8 Welfare

Interviews with this year’s two Welfare candidates, Enda Conway and Mícheál Gallagher, and an analysis of the race thus far.

Page 9 Ents

An interview with Eoin Heffernan, sole candidate for the position of Entertainments Vice-President and an analysis of this year’s Ents race.

Page 10 – 11 Head to Head: The Constitutional Referendum

Yvanne Kennedy and Evan O’Quigley debate the merits and flaws of the new proposed Students’ Union constitution.

T

he UCD Students’ Union elections are a yearly affair where an astonishingly poor average of twenty per cent of students turn out and vote, despite the zealous efforts of campaigners that a far larger proportion of the campus population is bound to have come in to contact with over the past week.

As this academic year brought with it the news that the Union is in debt of some one million euro, it is possible that even more students will be dissuaded from associating themselves with the student politics that they already feel disengaged from and disappointed by.

However, this is a year in which participation in these elections is more vital than ever. It has been proved beyond any doubt that there are flaws in the current structuring of the Union, and it is up to students to decide if the new constitution is a commendable improvement or a document that requires further consideration.

As a member of the UCD Students’ Union, you have the right to vote, but with rights, as

the cliché goes, come responsibilities. Neither our Union nor our University is flawless, but we lose the right to complain when we do not exercise our right to influence matters through a medium as democratic as an election.

Sweeping changes have been made to both the Union and the University this year, and there is no doubt that more are to follow. There is little we can do to change the fact that further cutbacks that are going to be made, but we can at least fight for what we believe to be essential services, facilities and supports.

If you wish to have any sort of influence on the future of your University, vote in this week’s election. Even if you choose to express your dissatisfaction by voting RON in every race, or spoiling your vote, you are still expressing a valid opinion that deserves recognition from your representatives. Inform yourself, make a decision and vote – in a year of such change and uncertainty, it would be remiss of the student body to pass up on the essential opportunity to make its many voices heard.

The University Observer interview panel members are: Cormac Duffy, Matt Gregg, Jon Hozier-Byrne, Katie Hughes, Daniel Keenan, George Morahan, Conor O’Nolan, Dermot O’Rourke, Kate Rothwell, Emer Sugrue and Aoife Valentine.

Photographers: Dave Nowak and Caoimhe McDonnell Videographers: Saoirse Ní Chiaragáin, Caoimhe McDonnell and Jon Hozier-Byrne Many thanks go to the members of our interview panel and our photographers, without whose dedication this supplement would not have been a possibility, as well as FilmSoc and CTN for the use of their equipment and invaluable assistance.

what is ron?

I

n each of the five sabbatical elections, regardless of the number of candidates running for the position, voters will have the option of choosing ‘RON’, or ‘Re-Open Nominations’. This, in essence, is a ‘none of the above’ option – so if none of the candidates in each election meet with your approval, you can choose to vote for none of them in addition to your right to spoil your vote or to abstain from voting in the first place.

For electoral purposes, the RON option is treated exactly as if it was a human candidate – so under the Single Transferrable Vote system 2

used by the Students’ Union, which is similar to that used in Irish general elections, you can choose to give RON your number 1 preference, or number 2, or so on for the number of candidates in the election. So, for example if you have a genuine choice for who you want to win an election and if you would prefer to have nobody but your candidate get the job, you could give RON your number 2 preference.

If the RON option is ultimately deemed elected, the position remains unfilled, and the SU Returning Office will restart the nomination process for that position, thereby

allowing new candidates to enter the election for that position. If any of this week’s elections return a RON result, a second election would most likely take place alongside the SU Executive Elections.

The RON system means that candidates who are uncontested – such as in the Presidential and Ents elections this year – must still convince voters to elect them rather than being entitled to take the position by default. The RON option was first introduced in 1998, and won its first election against an uncontested Ents candidate, but has not been chosen since.

University Observer Election Special

president

Rachel Breslin Age: 20 Course: On Sabbatical as Welfare Officer, but has completed two years of Business and Law

What is the role of the president?

“The person who at the end of the day coordinates all the officers, makes sure that all of their activities are in harmony with each other, takes the lead on new projects being implemented by the Union.”

R

unning unopposed is apparently not the blessing one would expect it to be. Breslin is keen to emphasise that it can add pressure to the campaign. “RON isn’t an easy thing to run against,” she says, “because you are against people’s perceptions of the ideal president and so you need to make sure you match up to that.”

She says that running unopposed has not affected her basic approach to campaigning. “It hasn’t changed my manifesto. I always believe everything in there is achievable.”

Breslin is keen to point out how she has achieved the majority of goals outlined in her Welfare manifesto last year. Success is ongoing, as she cites the soon to be implemented Pay-Now, Use-Later taxi service and recently securing approximately 10,000 euro to outsource counselling services and cut waiting lists in UCD. Breslin pinpoints her experience as Welfare Officer as a reason to vote for her, particularly regarding her knowledge of the SU’s intricacies and its troubled finances.

When questioned as to what her weakness would be, she remarks: “My Ents side wouldn’t be as experienced as past presidents in terms of running events.” In response to the perceived failure of two Welfare-affiliated events from this year, First Fortnight’s Republic of Loose concert and the Residences Ball, she says that Republic of Loose was not an act that she booked, only an event that she endorsed due to it taking place on Mental Health day, while the Residences Ball was cancelled to avoid making a loss on the event.

Breslin declares she will support the outcome of the proposed referendum on the Union’s stance on free fees, but she adds that the Union “also have a second duty, to people who didn’t vote for fees who would be disadvantaged by fees coming in.” She believes that “A better grant system, a graduate tax or a loan scheme would increase access.”

If elected, Breslin will be the first female president since the late nineties, but she does not

see this as reflecting on attitudes in student politics. She attested to encountering no problems from being a woman, but worries that consistently male election winners will put women off the election process. She feels that it is important that there are more female representatives, and notes “If I’m elected it will be important because females will see this isn’t a male organisation.”

She does admit that not having a welfare sponsorship proposal ready early in the year meant that she lost the opportunity to have a free bus to a supermarket for Residences students, though she says “it’s certainly something I would tell my successor to look into.”

Asked if the SU’s exorbitant debt levels may impede on her achieving her goals she says:

“I don’t think it necessarily needs to limit the scope of what we can achieve.” She notes that by cutting “unnecessary campaigns”, she managed to work with a welfare budget that was less than half of the previous year’s resources. She believes that the Union must work alongside the University to “quickly and effectively become financially liquid again.”

Asked if she would be willing to take a pay cut, Breslin comments that changes in how the SU pays tax has reduced her current pay. Upon it being pointed out that this does not constitute a nominal pay cut, she states this should be considered, but that she would be unsure about cutting sabbatical officers pay without knowing the officers’ own financial situations.

are an occurance as it is, the uncontested nature of the Presidential race hints at the extent of the difficulties that UCDSU’s next President will face. If the sitting President’s year engaged a running theme of identifying financial mismanagement, his successor’s tenure will most likely be spent attempting to rectify the dire situation in which the Union has placed itself. It is not an enviable position, and perhaps accounts for the somewhat saddening situation the electorate are faced with; a complete lack of real, democratic options with regards the single most important role in their Union.

With that said, a further explaination that

could be proffered regarding this lack of electoral choice is the admittedly high quality of the single candidate. Breslin has recieved almost universally positive acclaim from the University’s political commentators, and while in interview, the two standing Welfare candidates both reflected glowingly on the example she has set for her successor in the VicePresidential role, a remarkably sharp contrast when compared to either the Education or Campaigns and Communications positions. Excluding the unfortunate ‘1000 Condoms, 1000 Stories’ campaign, which was criticised by some as subtextually pressuring students into having sex, her work in Welfare has been exemplary, with more fully completed and functioning new schemes than comparible officers of years gone by.

One of Breslin’s greatest strengths may also prove to be a serious weakness; her somewhat fanatical work ethic. She has consistently over-burdened herself throughout her Vice-Presidential year, and although she has dealt well with the considerable stress of the Welfare position, to say nothing of the mental and emotional toll it exacts, the additional pressure of captaining an already sinking ship could hypothetically prove too much for her, and physical burn-out is not a trivial concern. With that said, there are few Union members, past or present, for whom this would not be a possibility should the job be performed adequately and the present difficulties fully addressed, and fewer still who have the skills, motivation and work ethic to do so. With electoral opposition or without, Breslin represents one of those few.

R

Do you think the current President has achieved the goals you believe a president should?

“Mostly, yes. He hasn’t had the license to go about these goals in as much a way as he would have liked as so much of his year has been dedicated towards urgent and pressing financial matters.”

Will you be voting for or against the new constitution?

“I will be voting for the introduction of the new constitution.”

University Observer Election Special

3

Education

Sam Geoghegan

Age: 21 Course: Second Year Economics & Politics, Current Students’ Union Education Officer

What is the role of the Education Officer?

“He or she is the link between the students and the university. After being Education Officer for the past eight months, I know what the role entails; I sit on over forty University committees and would have to deal with a lot of personal cases.”

How will you be voting on the proposed Constitution?

“I will be voting yes. I was one of the nine who sat on the Constitutional Review group and I think it’s a step in the right direction. There are a lot of things that I think were poor with the Constitution and I think that this is fit for purpose.”

How do you think you’ve performed this year in your role as Education Officer?

“I think I’ve performed quite well. I’m not going to lie – there is a learning curve and I think [the University Observer] alluded to it last year, that since I wasn’t a Programme Officer I didn’t have that much experience, that it would be a steep learning curve and it was. I think I’ve performed quite well and next year I’ll perform even better since there won’t be that learning curve.”

A

s arguably the most engrossing race of the SU Elections this year, Education has stood out as a protracted contest between three very different candidates.

Geoghegan has approached his campaign confident of re-election, and as such, offers little in the way of new proposals. Comer has presented himself as eager, confident, and remarkably well-spoken, although he admits to his lack of experience in Education. Wolohan, however, seems to have taken a more lackadaisical attitude to his campaign, so far missing several events to which he was obliged to attend, and openly marketing himself as the ‘Jack the lad candidate’.

Geoghegan, the incumbent, repeatedly claims he is the most experienced potential officer, a fact both true and somewhat implicit.

However, his primary campaign promise belies this experience; a largely unfeasible plan for all lectures to be recorded and placed on iTunesU, with little consideration given to the

4

financial ramifications of supplying digital voice recorders campus-wide, not to mention the antipathy held by many lecturers towards the concept. Comer, in contrast, presents a much more attainable manifesto, focusing largely on communication and increasing the visibility of the Education office, something a great many voters will find appealing. Wolohan, on the other hand, largely promises services that are already on campus, and presents wild ambitions, such as ending the University-installed freeze on new library books, although suggests no real plans as to how this might be achieved.

Education, however, is as much an interpersonal position as it is an administrative one, and candidates must interact with distressed students on a daily basis. As such, voters will look to whichever candidate has presented themselves as the most approachable; Wolohan, although perfectly genial, seems largely under-qualified for the more serious aspects of providing Educational assistance. Geoghegan, although perhaps the most capable in this regard, has widely come

D

ue to his year spent as Education Officer, Geoghegan shows an understanding of the various facets of the role to which he is currently seeking re-election. He cites access to education, a Postgraduate Loan Scheme and moving the University ‘into the twenty-first century’ using technology such as iTunesU as being among his top priorities for next year.

Having secured an extended study facility during this year’s Semester One exams, Geoghegan is determined to maintain various frontline services for students, including protecting library opening hours, addressing the reduced book-buying budgets and reinstating the Disability Support Service’s Peer Note Taking Service.

Geoghegan is eager to “keep as many post grads in higher education as possible” by introducing a Post Graduate Loan Scheme. Should lobbying USI and the government to introduce such an initiative fail, he is willing to approach a commercial bank on behalf of UCD students to set up a loan system similar to the one found in DCU. Geoghegan identified his lack of visibility on campus this year as his major weakness, “with the volume of cases and volume of meetings … it’s hard.” He also admitted to there being a lot of “red tape” in terms of Education in UCD, which “made it hard to get things done.” However, he feels this experience stands to him, “I know what is achievable and not achievable.”

He deems his current manifesto to be more realistic than that with which he won last year’s uncontested Education election. He admits that a lack of experience in writing his manifesto last year meant he was unaware of the feasibility of carrying out a large amount of his promises, but points out that he still has four and a half months to complete these tasks.

across as dismissive of the other candidates during interviews and debates, which may be perceived by the electorate as arrogance.

Comer has comported himself well in all debates and interviews, and held up remarkably well under questioning. Perhaps more than any other candidate in the SU elections, he has benefited from the emphasis on video media presented by both University newspapers this year, as his live appearances have cut a likeable figure that may swing the election his way.

Ultimately, there are two candidates with a chance of winning the election, with Wolohan left somewhat out in the cold. Geoghegan has experience, but offers more of the same in a year with one of the most contentious SU administrations in living memory. Comer, on the other hand, represents a likeable fresh face and simple, important developments for the Office. If pressed for a prediction, one might suggest that in student politics, approachability and good oratory will beat experience, time and time again.

University Observer Election Special

Patrick Wolohan

Age: 21 Course: Final Year History & Economics

What is the role of the Education Officer?

“The main role is a support role for the students of UCD, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to make sure they are getting on fine with their course and subjects. I see it as a reference role - you can refer them to people who can help them with their problems, as well as trying to help them yourself.”

How do you feel this year’s Education Officer has performed?

“I think Sam did a fine job this year. There are one or two things maybe he did slip up on, but nobody is perfect ... He said there would be expos each semester, they didn’t happen. But then again he has been good, I liked the way he got the out of hours study area. I would definitely try and maintain and further that idea next year if I was to be elected.”

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution?

“I’ll be voting for it. I think there are several good points in it. I think the accountability of the finance committee would be the main one. I think the residence coordinator is a great idea because I have been on campus for two of the last three years and I think residence has a big role and that it needs more representation.”

What is the role of the Education Officer?

“To represent the students from an educational point of view, to represent their educational needs. To stand for them on their educational requirements, that’s problems of any description that impede on their education. They come to the Education Officer if they have a problem like that that is affecting their educational and academic experience.

How do you feel this year’s Education Officer has performed?

“One thing that I would have done differently this year is manage the bookshop debacle a lot differently. In times when everyone’s watching the pennies, to see waste like that is simply just not right.”

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution?

“Currently, I’m leaning towards voting ‘Yes’, but I understand there is going to be quite a significant ‘No’ campaign. I will obviously keep an open mind.”

S

hane Comer represents a different take on the role of Education Officer, and his manifesto certainly contrasts with those of recent years. Comer has not made any wild, sweeping promises, and instead pledges little, but little done well. “I’m a huge believer that simple things done well are better than great ideas done badly.”

Comer emphasises communication as a key area which he seeks to improve on, stating “I feel the Education Office isn’t an office that is as publicised as it should be … I want to create a UCDspecific education blog, a Facebook, a Twitter: simple ways of connecting the students with me, the Education Officer, if I’m elected. I want students to reengage with their education.” He also points out that this online presence is also cost-effective.

Perhaps the most strongly-worded section of Comer’s manifesto concerns his enthusiasm for free fees, University Observer Election Special

P

atrick Wolohan is the self-professed “Jack the Lad” candidate in this year’s race for Education Officer. Wolohan is the current Gender Equality Officer, and reports that he ran for his current position on a dare are something he wishes to dispel. “That is a rumour I want to quash. I’m very interested in the subject and I do care.” It is also something that he hopes will not be assumed of his current candidacy. “I wouldn’t run if I wasn’t serious ... my ideas are just as good, I have some ideas that are good, realistic goals.”

Of Wolohan’s goals, his suggestion to replace Blackboard with Google Docs is certainly his most ambitious. Although he sees Google Docs as more “efficient”, there is little likelihood that he could convince all lecturers to switch from Blackboard to what would appear to be a very similar system.

On a national level, Wolohan says that he will make grant applications easier for students and lobby TDs to ensure that the welfare of Irish students is not compromised by the Government. Regarding the latter issue, he believes that “persistence is key at end of the day... there’s no point doing nothing and then complaining about it, you have to try at least.”

The specifics of how Wolohan would achieve Blackboard lessons, interview workshops, and provide support for students suffering from stress are vague, and many of his proposed services are already provided on campus. However, he concludes: “There are some things in the manifesto that we already have but everything can be improved ... I wouldn’t put something down if I [thought] I couldn’t achieve it.”

Shane Comer Age: 20 Course: Third Year Science leading to doubts over the possibility of Comer accepting a mandate to fight for an alternative method of payment, should the upcoming referendum on SU policy result in a change of stance on the issue, but he is quick to emphasise his respect for the wishes of the electorate. “My professional opinions would have to be in line with the Union. I will always believe education should be free; I will always maintain that. But if the students decide on a [different] policy for the Union, that is their democratic right to decide that, and I will continue to represent that.”

Comer also plans to run three different educational fairs during the year, a feat which the sitting Education Officer has not achieved even once.

When asked whether this constitutes over-ambition on his part, he admits that there are potential difficulties. “I don’t think it will be easy; I think it will be challenging certainly, but I think I have the drive and the ability to succeed in doing so.”

Although he lacks a background in Education, Comer makes up for it with considerable administrative and Welfare experience, and talks not with massive confidence, but with eloquence, consideration, and warmth. Whether he is suited to role of Education Officer remains to be seen, but he does proffer an emphasis on communication and an approachability that voters may find appealing come polling day.

5

C&C

campaigns and Communications

P

atrick Guiney is involved in the Students’ Union both as Sports Officer and class rep. He speaks emphatically but shows an obvious nervousness while being interviewed.

Guiney supports the introduction of the new constitution, even with its elimination of the C&C Officer, arguing that the President and Welfare Officer could take on many C&C duties.

“The Welfare Officer can cover a lot of campaigns and the President, like other colleges … covers national campaigns like the fees march.”

Getting more students “involved” in the Students’ Union is one of Guiney’s priorities, and he supports this common mantra with a plan to introduce work experience within the SU. He acknowledges that the idea is cost-effective but denies that asking students to design an app or a poster for free would be taking advantage of them. “I don’t think payment should come into this whatsoever … I’m just trying to look at student creativity.”

Karl Gill

Age: 21 Course: Second Year Social Science

What is the role of the Campaigns and Communications Officer?

“I think it’s quite an important role in the University as it’s to lead, be part of, and organise very important campaigns on behalf of students. It’s also very important that students know what’s going on in their own Union and ensuring that they know how to run for class rep, how to run for sabbatical election and how to be involved in their own Union, and that they know where the money is being spent.”

T

he term ‘social media’ is heard frequently during SU electoral campaigns, but nowhere has its harnessing been promised more often than in Campaigns and Communications. The main focus this year is Youtube videos – Aktinson proposes videos featuring special guests, Sheerin wants to “appeal to the Youtubers of today”, while Guiney makes a more innovative, if achievable, suggestion of screening SU videos across campus.

6

Age: 21 Course: Final Year Politics & History

Patrick Guiney

What is the role of the Campaigns and Communications Officer?

“The first part is communicating with students, letting them know what the Students’ Union does, through social media, advertisements in media outlets …

The second thing is campaigning for issues that students care about, whether that be simple things like student issues on campus like ‘Save our Track’ or national issues.”

How do you feel this year’s Campaigns and Communications Officer has performed?

“Basically, I think I can do a better job. I can do a much better job and I can add my own level to it, I can take it up a notch.”

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution?

“I’ll most definitely be for. I think it’s a fantastic constitution, it’s so open and it’s more democratic. It allows more students to get involved and I think it caters to students’ needs, especially with the times we live in.”

Guiney would hold a march with a view to securing a cap on fees and a reintroduction of postgraduate grants rather than free education.

His talk of ‘town hall meetings’ is juxtaposed by his comment that how “campaigns work is behind closed doors”, a statement he plays down when its contradictory nature is highlighted. When asked about specific details regarding the grading of the ‘Credits for Life’ scheme, he points out that that

responsibility would lie with the Education Officer.

Guiney states that he has spoken to vendors regarding the implementation of Laser facilities and a ‘Deal of the Week’, although nothing has been confirmed as of yet, while his sitting on a car parking committee supports his claim of being able to secure more car parking spaces. So far it seems that he has been hands-on with these ideas; whether he would carry through on his claims remains to be seen.

How do you feel this year’s officer has performed?

“I think that the organisation around the anti-fees march was quite good, however I think I would have done things a bit differently. I don’t think that recently things have been very good at all. My experience over the last few days, getting signatures for nomination, [is that] students don’t know who their Campaigns and Communications officer is.”

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution?

“I’ll be voting against the introduction of the new constitution. I feel it’s far too bureaucratic. I think there’s even more of a separation between the main student body and the Union, councils and the Union reps. I like the idea of the independence of the Ents Officer, differentiating between a student position and an actual full-time position. I don’t like that the conveners or the PROs would be paid at the discretion of the sabbatical officers. It also removes the right for any student to call a Union General Meeting … I think that needs to be kept in.”

econd year Social Science student Karl Gill has experience both in campaigning and representing students, having helped protest the closure of the SU Copy Bureau earlier this year, as well as being Societies Rep at SU Council. A number of his ideas, such as leaving class parties to a dedicated Ents class rep and holding more union assemblies, revolve around what he sees as the proper representation of the student body.

Gill is auditor of UCD Socialist Worker Student Society, a member of the United Left Alliance and is strongly anti-fees, which could prove contentious should he be elected. The impending vote on UCDSU’s stance on education could show its members to no longer believe that the free fees model is sustainable. When questioned about whether he would consider his mandate to be altered should this occur, Gill remained intransigent.

Gill would be willing to take a pay cut, stating “I’d happily be on €300 a week and give €100 to the Welfare Fund” and maintains that union “junkets”, citing USI’s annual congress being held in a five star hotel as an example, should cease. “Conferences need to go ahead and discussions need to be had however, they need to be relevant.”

Gill does not discuss social media in great detail, but instead steps away from praising online resources by suggesting a ‘Union News’ leaflet.

Gill and Sheerin will be voting against the new constitution, while Atkinson and Guiney support it. However, in what is perhaps a sign of uncertainty as to what way the student populous will vote, none of the candidates are promoting their stance to any great extent.

Sheerin purports to be the only candidate with-

out any political affiliations, while Aktinson and Guiney also state that they are free from such associations, although Guiney acknowledges his connection to the Kevin Barry Cumann.

Gill’s political affiliations as auditor of the UCD Socialist Workers Student Society and as a member of the United Left Alliance are well known, but omitted from his manifesto. Gill and Guiney have the most experience in campaigns, but neither the Copy Bureau nor the Save Our Track

S

University Observer Election Special

James Atkinson

Age: 20 Course: Final Year Commerce

What is the role of the Campaigns and Communications Officer?

“The primary functions are to serve as a communication tool between UCD and the students, to keep class reps doing their jobs, to organise class rep training, to promote the positions of class rep and the availability of sabbatical positions.”

C

&E Society Vice-Auditor James Atkinson fully believes in his ability to accomplish great things in the role of Campaigns and Communications Officer. His studies in Commerce appear to be the basis of such confidence, despite the experience he has gained as a class rep, as well as in his current role in C&E. “I’m a third year Commerce student. I’m going into a communications job after this; that’s where my future lies – it’s in media, communications, and it’s in marketing.”

How do you feel this year’s officer has performed?

“I’ve talked to people who have worked with him the whole year round – they don’t think his performance is up to par.

From what I’ve seen, with his promises in his manifesto to revolutionise the way the Union communicates with you; it simply didn’t happen.”

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution? ”I’ll be voting for it. The thing I like about it is that it makes officers more accountable. Officers who haven’t been up to scratch with their reports could be penalised with the [Independent Appeals Board].”

Aisling Sheerin

What is the role of the Campaigns and Communications Officer?

“To communicate what the Students’ Union is doing with everything, across the board … they’re in charge of the Facebook groups, the website, providing class rep training and I think that’s enough.”

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution?

“I will be voting against it as the role of C&C is gone and I feel that it is an incredibly important position. I do like the way they’ve decided to professionalise Ents and there are some parts of the Constitution that I do really agree with … I feel that the Students’ Union needs to be revamped and there is a need for a new Constitution … [but] there are certain changes that need to be made to this one to make it right. Also, I don’t believe that Convenors should be paid.”

Atkinson says that “one of the biggest problems facing the Students’ Union is communication,” and aims to increase the visibility of the C&C Officer while improving the Union’s media infrastructure. However he shows little experience of contacting the national media with whom he hopes to build “good relationships” and seems to have a somewhat naive view of the effort involved in securing celebrity interviews, which he plans to include in C&C YouTube videos. “For example, Padraig Harrington was in the L&H. If I go down there with a camera and say ‘How’s it going, Padraig. Listen, just two minutes.’”

If elected, Atkinson plans on making fortnightly YouTube videos and setting up “a table on campus every week, handing out cups of tea” so as to engage students. He says that students think the current sabbatical team are “lazy” and “don’t come down to things as much as they should.”

Atkinson’s opinions on most issues are qualified by those of the students, and he is initially hesitant about giving his own views. He is open to a new Union policy on fees and would campaign on the result of the upcoming referendum, no matter what the outcome. He believes that everybody should be allowed to attend college but concedes that “it’s not sustainable to have free education for everyone, because … we’re so far in debt that it is just not going to happen.”

Age: 20 Course: Second Year Spanish and Irish

isling Sheerin is currently heavily involved with the Students’ Union, having served as both a class rep and Arts and Human Sciences Programme Officer, and describes herself as the candidate with “the most experience.”

Sheerin promotes her desire to bring “fresh

ideas” to the position, stating that there is “so much more to the job than has been done in the past.”

However some of her proposals, including plans surrounding International Week and careers talks, are already largely catered to on campus. She also proposes to implement strong Gender Equality campaigns, although should the new Constitution

come into force the Gender Equality co-ordinator will report not to the C&C Officer, but to a forum chaired by the Welfare Officer.

Among her other plans are the introduction of on-campus class rep training, the provision of parking stickers to reduce park-and-ride problems, and the selling of SU diaries to all students.

Two further proposals are the relocation of the SU Bookshop to the library tunnel and the introduction of ‘deals of the week’, but Sheerin has not yet made enquiries about the feasibility of either, stating that she hadn’t “discussed [the bookshop] with Buildings and Services” and that, “deals for students are so easily achieved, I don’t think it’s something I need to look into now.”

Sheerin realises the gravity of the SU’s financial situation but ultimately would not take a pay cut. “I would accept a pay cut next year. I’m not too sure [how much]… They are currently on minimum wage… I don’t think it should be below minimum wage, I don’t think that’s fair… Well then, no pay cut.”

protests led to an ultimately successful result.

Both Guiney and Sheerin propose to implement career services that are already in place, claiming rather weakly that they would assist those running the Career Centre, although their planned promotion of the service would no doubt be beneficial. Both make a number of pledges regarding deals and facilities, but while Guiney has initiated discussions with University staff, Sheerin has not.

However, Guiney speaks less confidently under

pressure, and must learn not to make slip-ups such as the hastily retracted statement that campaigns work best “behind closed doors.”

Cost-effectiveness is another hot topic in this and every race, and Atkinson has made it a stand-out aspect of his manifesto, claiming he would publish his expenses and donate ten per cent of his wages to the Welfare Fund. Guiney proposes internships within the Union and postering cuts, while Gill would bring an end

to Union ‘junkets’. Bar the common pledge to hold on-campus class rep training, Sheerin does not give any great indications of planned costcutting measures, and was the only candidate to refute the proposal of a voluntary pay cut.

Campaigns and Communications is a genuinely varied race that is bound to be tight, but whether the successful candidate will win on their promises of financial prudence or passion for YouTube videos remains to be seen.

A

How do you feel this year’s officer has performed?

“I feel that Brendan could have done things better in some areas, particularly in helping the Exec officers with their campaigns … In terms of Facebook and Youtube videos, I feel there weren’t many Youtube videos, there was only really one at the start of the year.”

University Observer Election Special

7

Mícheál Gallagher

welfare What is the role of the Welfare Officer?

“The role of the Welfare Officer is to look after the welfare for each and every member of the Students’ Union and campaign actively to look after it.”

How do you feel this year’s Welfare officer has performed?

“I think this year’s Welfare Officer has

A

Age: 21 Course: Final Year Social Science

M

ícheál Gallagher believes that students should vote for him because he is “passionate about student welfare” and is “truly the most experienced candidate”. He has served as both vice-secretary and secretary of the Welfare Crew, while his degree choice strongly suggests his passion for the position is genuine. Additionally he believes his role of Arts PRO this year has improved his organisational skills, something he admits has been a “weakness in the past”. been fantastic and one of my aims would be to live up to the same expectations and, hopefully, exceed it [sic].”

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution?

“I will be voting for the constitution. I like a lot of the technicalities ... such as officers not being able to make a profit off their position.

That is something I feel very strongly about.”

s arguably the most essential VicePresidential sabbatical position, both the race for, and the realities of the Welfare position demands perhaps the most of its candidates.

Would-be Welfare Officers must have the voters’ confidence that they could serve as both counsellor to students in crisis, and financial adminstrator for one of the Union’s most essential services.

Of the two candidates, Gallagher comes across as somewhat more approachable, and as such, many voters may feel he would be more capable when it comes to providing emotional and therapeutic support to the students the Welfare Officer must deal with on a daily basis. Although

Enda Conway Age: 20 Course: Second Year Geography, Planning & Environmental Policy

E

nda Conway maintains that he “wouldn’t be in UCD at this moment in time if it wasn’t for Welfare.” He is not a member of the Welfare Crew, but states that his personal experience of Welfare is the reason students should vote for him.

“I believe students should vote for me because I can offer a new view of Welfare, something that is going to give students what they need. I’ve been through Welfare and I understand it; I believe I can offer students that experience.”

Among his top priorities is reducing the cost of food on campus by introducing a loyalty card for restaurants and food outlets, a proposal which seems unusual in light of the SU’s difficulties with a loyalty card scheme that was withdrawn earlier this year. Conway also says

8

Conway’s electoral team presented an extensive ‘Conway Cares’ campaign, many voters could still feel that Gallagher cuts a more empathetic figure.

In contrast, Conway presents a more confident figure when pressed, with Gallagher clearly shaken by extensive questioning, including unfortunate slips such as “talking is a sign of weakness.” Conway, although a more confident orator, became clearly agitated and somewhat antagonistic during questioning about possible flaws in his manifesto, a characteristic arguably unsuited for the Welfare Officer role.

Gallagher’s manifesto presents several poorly thought-out ideas, such as getting ‘famous people’ to attend Please Talk day, or the possibilWhat is the role of the Welfare Officer?

“To help every student in whatever they need, whether it be mental health issues, financially or just to be a person to talk to. I believe also [he/she] is there to organise any campaigns that need to be organised in relation to welfare, such as LGBT, Money Matters and Mental Health Campaigns.”

Gallagher outlines tackling the stigma associated with mental health as his top priority, something he hopes to achieve through the use of viral ad campaigns and a series of “famous” guest lecturers. Other notable ambitions include lobbying to ensure that there are no cuts to frontline services, tweaking elements of the residence policy and producing information booklets, such as a “cheap lifestyle guide” or “mature student handbook”.

Somewhat surprisingly, there is no mention of Sexual Health or Education policies in his manifesto. Gallagher states that this is because he has been “very involved in organising SHAG week in the last three years and [is] very happy with the format at the moment.”

A number of Gallagher’s ideas appear to be in their formative stages with details, such as what guest speakers would be sought or how receptive the Residence Services would be to his proposals, remaining ambiguous. Nevertheless, he believes that his experience will allow him to develop quickly if elected. “I am a very experienced individual. I know how to follow through on these priorities and I know that I will.” ity of a ‘reach-out’ clinic hosted by the already over-subscribed counselling service. Conway presents comparible short-sightedness in planning to cut Welfare’s advertising budget, while making up for it with ‘enthusiasm’, or the feasibility of the admirable idea to lobby the Ents Officer to only run events in wheelchairaccessible nightclubs.

Of all the contested races, this is perhaps the hardest instance to predict a clear winner, with both candidates presenting some solid ideas and seeming genuinely concerned for students’ welfare. If pressed, one might suggest that Gallaghers’ approachability may provide him with a narrow edge when the race goes to the polls. personally and given me the drive and ambition to help other people.

Will you be voting for or against the introduction of the new constitution?

“I will be voting for the introduction of the new constitution. We’re looking for a constitution which is going to be better than the older one, and I believe this one is.”

How do you feel this year’s Welfare officer has performed?

“I think she has done exceptionally.

Rachel Breslin has helped me he will lobby for a reduction in the price of on and off campus outlets. He plans to organise Come Dine With Me nights on residences, an idea which was proposed by both Regina Brady and Rachel Breslin in last year’s Welfare election but has yet to come to fruition, and wants to ensure that all Ents nights are accessible to those in wheelchairs, by lobbying next year’s Ents officer.

Conway believes that corporate sponsorship could be used to raise funds for Welfare; and is willing to take a twenty per cent pay cut if the money would contribute to the Welfare Fund.

When faced with cuts, Conway would cut pa-

per and poster costs. He states that he would highlight important issues and Welfare events through personal lecture addressing and Facebook, citing “enthusiasm” among students as the reason that these could be as successful as poster campaigns.

University Observer Election Special

Eoin Heffernan

R

unning unopposed, long-time Ents crew member Eoin Heffernan has put forward an ambitious manifesto to overhaul entertainment at UCD. With the Union in substantial debt, it looks likely that cuts will be made to next year’s Ents budget. Heffernan plans to raise €30,000 for Ents in sponsorship funding. “UCD Ball you can get sponsored separately, the Ents card itself ...with 16,000 students between the ages of seventeen and twenty-two in UCD - it’s a huge market to advertise to.” Heffernan also stated that he would end the exclusivity deal with the Signature Group, which he maintains “didn’t work well at all” and would be willing, if requested, to take a substantial pay cut of over fifty per cent.

He also promises to make the UCD campus the centre of student life, citing the opening of the new Student Centre and renovated Forum Bar as reasons why this common pledge would be more successful than in previous years.

Heffernan has met with the Bar Manager to discuss his plans, which he says were met with “good feedback”. His manifesto also promises non-alcohol events such as poker nights, movie screenings and zumba classes in the Student Bar. Heffernan’s main suggestion for reinvigorating the UCD Ball is setting a theme such as ‘frat party’, ‘full moon party’ or ‘barn dance’. “If you go to four UCD Balls in a row they’re all pretty much the same, you need something different.

So my idea was to start a competition where people can send in suggestions and theme ideas ... I just think it might add a different dimension to it.”

Heffernan presents some realistic and fresh ideas for Ents, and his plans would be aided by the timely opening of the new Student Centre, but whether or not he would be able to secure his proposed sponsorship funding is debatable.

When asked how his campaign promises were different to those made by previous officers, Heffernan confidently joked that they had never before “been promised by me.”

I

t is a shame to see any electoral race go uncontested, and when paid positions are more sought after by soon-to-be graduates than ever, it is strange to see the position of Ents Officer being sought by only one candidate. The entertainment that is provided for a 23,000-strong student body is, by its very nature, something that needs to be met with a fresh approach from year to year. While some would argue that the Ents scene is not reinvigorated regularly enough, if indeed ever, the absence of choice in this race does not even allow voters the opportunity to decide between as little as two proposals of activities, and leaves the sole candidate under worryingly little pressure to provide an innovative manifesto.

Eoin Heffernan is a long-time member of the Ents crew, and while the race would be made more interesting by the presence of

Age: 21 Course: Second Year Food and Agricultural Business Management

entertainment

What is the role of the Ents officer?

“To provide entertainment for the students on campus, but that incorporates Erasmus students, your undergraduates, your postgraduates, so just to make sure everyone on campus is entertained and there’s something provided for them at all times.”

What do you think of the performance of the previous officer?

“I think Stephen did a very good job bringing in the likes of LMFAO and stuff like that, it’s probably one of the biggest acts we’ve ever had in. I think there were a few things that didn’t go his way, acts cancelling in the bar and stuff but that’s kind of out of Stephen’s control. I think he did a relatively good overall job.”

What are the five last gigs you went to?

“Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, I just saw Faith SFX last week in The Button Factory, I was at the Cheesefest, LMFAO... They’re the ones I can remember offhand.”

Will you be voting for or against the new constitution?

“I will be voting for the introduction of a new constitution.”

another candidate with experience grounded in entertainment outside of UCD, it seems not to be regarded by many as a contentious issue for this particular position.

Heffernan’s promise to raise 30,000 euro to fund Ents is an ambitious one, but enticing for any voter who is keen to see a dent made in the excessive SU debt, or at least the avoidance of a further step into the red. Even the most ardent sceptic might be tempted to throw a vote his way just to see if he can live up to his pledge. His plan to step away from an exclusivity deal with the Signature Group could also sway those frustrated by its current restrictions.

The opening of the new Student Centre is a timely event that Heffernan seems set to make use of, yet it is also a somewhat lazy aspect of his campaign in that events will be running and films showing at the Centre regardless of

University Observer Election Special

whether or not he is involved. However, the facilities do make the age-old failed promise to bring Ents ‘back to campus’ seem somewhat more realistic.

Heffernan’s plans for the UCD Ball are not exactly groundbreaking, but perhaps this is because he has understood that extravagant promises regarding this particular event could come back to haunt him.

In short, RON is not likely to prove a formidable opponent for Heffernan, as he proposes some seemingly achievable ideas and also a potential aid to the financial challenge that is so pertinent for this particular office, as its activities come at a large cost to the Union and do not always prove profitable. However, a competing candidate or two could have given students more hope for a rejuvenated Ents scene next year.

9

yes

by Yvanne Kennedy

O

n the 29th of February and March 1st, the UCD student body will be given the chance to vote on the new Students’ Union Constitution. A review group has been working since September to draft a Constitution that they feel can better serve the needs and requirements of all UCD students.

The reasons for the proposed changes are part financial and part logistical, but all have the purpose of bettering the student experience in our interactions with the Union, and how they engage with the University as a whole.

The most relevant change for most of us will be the introduction of College Councils, which are to be made up of Class and Union Council Reps within each College. The Union Reps are there to assist in forming Union policy and to hold the Union to account. The benefit of this new position and these councils is that there will be a direct link between the Union and every faculty on campus. Regardless of what you’re studying, there will be someone representing you at a Union level. At present, there is only one representative from your course to do this for you, but the Council aims to bring your opinions to people who can make them reality.

The reviewed Constitution also hopes to streamline the offices within the Union so that each officer is more focused and in control.

While we currently have a President and four Vice-presidents, it is hoped that there will now be a President and three Vices: Welfare and Equality, Undergraduate Education, and Graduate Education. There is a worry that this will mean less of what we want on campus, especially with relation to entertainment, but the Ents position will be replaced by an ‘Ents Forum’ made up of elected students, and an ‘Ents Manager’ from the staff. Which helps ensure that the only activities of this type on campus are the ones that students have chosen for themselves.

The Union accepts the financial problems across the University and wants to make sure that they are rectified in a timely manner. Under the new Constitution, the Union will be obliged to have their accounts audited and then published annually so that they are, quite literally, an open book. The sabbatical officers will be banned from profiting from their office, which should in turn ensure that only the most student-oriented people are enticed to these positions. There will be penalties for underperforming officers, including an automatic vote of no confidence if they are late with or fail to provide their officers’ report, and there will be nowhere to hide.

10

Two innovative aspects of the new Constitution are the changes to elections and the introduction of a Campaigns Forum. Each facet of the college community will be represented at this forum, meaning that whether your interests lie with gender equality, sport, the environment, or residences, a co-ordinator will be present to ensure that all campaigns relating to that area are fully implemented.

Elections will also be overhauled so that both sabbatical and executive elections will be held simultaneously in Semester Two, but more importantly, there is the opportunity for election candidates who face financial difficulties to have their expenses covered by the Union.

As one of the largest potential monetary outputs during college, this amendment ensures that this alone should not be a barrier for anyone willing and determined enough to give it their best shot.

The Union is for the students. They understand this, and they understand the fact that it hasn’t always fulfilled this aim in the past. Real change needs a fresh start and a more open and inclusive Union, and that is what this Constitution offers. I would encourage you to vote YES tomorrow, to ensure the Students’ Union can work for you and with you to reach its goal of making UCD a better place to study and spend your time.

Rebuttal

T

by Evan O’Quigley

here are undoubtedly some proposals for reform outlined in the constitutional referendum that could fundamentally change our SU for the better, all of which are highlighted in the ‘YES’ article. However, the more negative and potentially unpopular portions of the document, such as the removal of Belfield FM from the Union banner, not to mention the failure to tackle wasteful spending, have regrettably been ignored.

It is unfortunate that the vote is being carried out in a simple black and white, yes or no, all or nothing, manner. It is also unfortunate that students who agree with many of the ideas set out in the referendum will not be able to vote for the parts with which they agree, and vote against the parts with which they disagree. It is also unfortunate that students were not consulted, or given any real, open opportunity to input ideas, which is why students may consider ‘No’, and hope for a Round Two. University Observer Election Special

Should we pass the constitutional referendum?

no

by Evan O’Quigley

T

here is certainly a great need for imminent action to be taken with regard to the UCDSU constitution.

The deficit of €1 million that the Union has acquired is no laughing matter, and needs to be addressed. However, while some of the proposals in the constitutional referendum are perfectly acceptable, for the most part they are lacking in progressive and creative ideas that could fundamentally change how our SU operates.

Many of the proposals are primarily aimed at cutting costs and making the SU a fiscally responsible entity, and tackling the current debt problem. This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately; however, the manner in which it is being handled is somewhat lacklustre.

The amendment proposes that the executive be reduced to a smaller size, made up of the Sabbatical Officers (who are themselves one less in number), the College Conveners and the Oifigeach na Gaeilge. This aim is likely to be presented as a means of achieving a smarter and smaller SU, but may ultimately lead to an exclusive and undemocratic Union, with less representation of students. It would make far more sense to instead remove some unnecessary paid posts, and replace them with a number of voluntary officers.

With regard to Ents, the abolition of a fulltime elected sabbatical officer in order to instead introduce an “Ents forum” is to be welcomed, as it could help encourage students to take a more active role in their duties as Ents officers for the various different classes in the University. The proposed amendment does not, however, acknowledge the greater problems that prevail with regard to the Ents office, such as continuously loss-making events and an increasingly narrow field of interests being represented.

Much of the amendment is vague and ambiguous, such as the plan to elect class reps ‘on a less formal basis than the current system’. This could be interpreted in a wide variety of ways: would these reps be elected by the students, or by the executive? The amendment also states that it would introduce a “ban on elected officers profiting from office”. This undoubtedly is something that needs to be addressed, although there is no clear plan outlined as to how this will be carried out. The latter may be ambiguous to the point of being entirely pointless.

The amendment also proposes to remove Belfield FM from the Union’s responsibilities, instead allowing it to operate independently.

As Belfield FM Station Manager Peter Brani-

University Observer Election Special

gan recently stated regarding the possibility, “We feel that exiting the SU structure would be a large step backwards for the station and would not be beneficial for its volunteers.” It may be true that currently the campus radio station is not financially viable; however, its removal from the SU is not the solution to this.

A strong student radio station is important in training and giving students who are interested in media as a career choice invaluable experience, especially since unlike most other major universities in Ireland, UCD does not offer any courses in media. Instead, the Union could focus on achieving a profitable station, which could be pursued, for example, by promoting it in new creative ways, such as ensuring it is played in the SU shops, the Student Bar and other student outlets.

There certainly has to be action taken to resolve the current financial problems that the Union is facing. There are, however, alternatives to the current amendment that could be considered. Instead of simply voting yes or no to a wide variety of different proposals, students should instead have equal opportunities to make suggestions as to where the money we pay as SU members should go.

Rebuttal

M

by Yvanne Kennedy

any of the proposals are based around cutting costs, for no doubt with good reason. That €1 million isn’t going to appear out of nowhere, but what is overlooked is the knock-on effect of these cuts. Streamlining the executive will absolutely achieve “a smarter and smaller Union” and it is from this that the idea of an “Ents Forum” was born. It doesn’t matter how people get involved, it matters simply that they do. Ents may not be the top of the political ladder, but in allowing students create, develop and run their own events, we are putting power and skills into their hands that they wouldn’t otherwise receive.

The reforms, as far as I can see, are there to produce a more inclusive university, not an elitist one. Every area of UCD will be represented at the “Campaigns Forum” and every class at the College Councils. They exist purely to include students; if anything, a strong student voice being backed by larger groups than before could be seen as a headache for the Union officers, but an understanding of the importance of that voice is pushing this referendum forward.

11

NUI Awards 2012 Three NUI Post-Doctoral Fellowships Each valued at €80,000 (over 2 years).

Two are offered in the Humanities; including the inaugural Dr Garret FitzGerald Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Humanities.

One is offered in the Sciences.

Closing date: 27 April 2012

NUI Travelling Studentships Tenable for up to 4 years, valued at up to €64,000.

The Studentships are designed to fund postgraduate studies at doctoral level.

Four in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Two in the Sciences.

Closing date: 30 March 2012

NUI E J Phelan Fellowship in International Law Valued at €25,000 (over 18 months).

This Fellowship is offered to NUI graduates at an advanced stage of their doctoral studies in any area of International Law.

Closing date: 30 March 2012

Full details and application procedures for all NUI Awards and Scholarships are available at www.nui.ie/awards

Ollscoil na hÉireann / National University of Ireland 49 Cearnóg Mhuirfean, Baile Átha Cliath 2 / 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Teileafón / Telephone: +353 1 439 2424 Facs / Fax: +353 1 439 2466 Ríomhphost / Email: awards@nui.ie