PSU President Elections

Bored Accountant · 16-02-2012 7:50pm #1

Posting this on behalf of Thomas Ryan

Hi all!

My name is Thomas Ryan and I am running for PSU President. I have some original and quite progressive ideas for the job as president if you elect me.
Here is a link to my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Ryan-For-PSU-President/241969559219946 My manifesto can be found on my Facebook page.
My campaign team and I are around the college canvassing each day so if you have any questions please feel free to come over and chat to us (We're the guys wearing the white t-shirts saying vote for Thomas Ryan). If you have any questions and would like to email me, I can be reached at 11147032@studentmail.ul.ie.
I can't stress enough how important it is that you vote next Tuesday 21st. Votes can be cast online at vote.ulsu.ie.
I am making a massive effort with my campaign and this effort and persistence will be visible in my performance as PSU President if you elect me.
Thanks

Thomas Ryan
Raising the bar
PSU President Candidate

cambridge · 16-02-2012 7:52pm

is the PSU a salaried position? Do they reimbursement to the tune of minimum wage plus a euro? I was under the impression it was a voluntary position but a friend insists they're on the same as SU president

Bored Accountant · 16-02-2012 7:59pm

cambridge wrote: »

is the PSU a salaried position? Do they reimbursement to the tune of minimum wage plus a euro? I was under the impression it was a voluntary position but a friend insists they're on the same as SU president

Yea far as I know they get the same as the other Sabatts.

Chimaera · 16-02-2012 10:01pm

There seems to be precious little in that manifesto for research postgrads who are a substantial group within the postgrad cohort. Does Thomas Ryan plan to only represent taught postgrads?

Polar Ice · 16-02-2012 10:47pm

You might want to research the role you're running for a little bit more.

It's the Postgraduate Student Association (PSA)
You say you're running for PSU President. You didn't just type it incorrectly once either, on the facebook page all references are to PSU and not PSA.

What's the PSU?

Popoutman · 16-02-2012 10:50pm

Power Supply Unit

cambridge · 16-02-2012 10:52pm

all very good for you guys on the side lines to take pop shots anonymously. the man has gone out on a limb to do something.

leave it out haters

Chimaera · 16-02-2012 11:00pm

all very good for you guys on the side lines to take pop shots anonymously.

How is asking after his plans to represent a large proportion of UL Postgrads taking a pop(sic) shot?

cambridge · 16-02-2012 11:07pm

not you mate you're was legit question.

bazkennedy · 16-02-2012 11:08pm

Polar Ice wrote: »

You might want to research the role you're running for a little bit more.

It's the Postgraduate Student Association (PSA)
You say you're running for PSU President. You didn't just type it incorrectly once either, on the facebook page all references are to PSU and not PSA.

What's the PSU?

Apparently the PSU is the current name (according to their fb page at least)
https://www.facebook.com/ULPSA

Polar Ice · 16-02-2012 11:22pm

Not according to the website:
http://www.postgrads.ie/

ninty9er · 16-02-2012 11:24pm

It's the PSU now.

The candidate is correct, and owed an oopsie.

cambridge · 16-02-2012 11:27pm

Polar Ice wrote: »

Not according to the website:
http://www.postgrads.ie/

hate to be you

Polar Ice · 16-02-2012 11:27pm

ninty9er wrote: »

The candidate is correct, and owed an oopsie.

:pac:
There's no oopsie smiley face

How come the PSU hasn't updated everything to reflect the change? I take it the change was recent?

cambridge wrote: »

hate to be you

nah

ninty9er · 16-02-2012 11:30pm

Polar Ice wrote: »

:pac:
There's no oopsie smiley face

How come the PSU hasn't updated everything to reflect the change? I take it the change was recent?

nah

It's since last semester, but I think a new website is in the pipeline.

cambridge · 16-02-2012 11:41pm

why hasn't the current psu president got around to it? is she another slacker? i quite liked her.

Mossin · 17-02-2012 12:10am

Best of luck to all the candidates running.
This election tends to get overlooked in UL, but considering how much postgrads have to pay to study there, it's a very important position.

For those criticising Thomas Ryan on his 'mistake' about the name need to give him some credit for actually investigating the name change, and actively promoting the new name in his campaign. Kudos!

cambridge · 17-02-2012 12:11am

he's also a very nice chap seemed very decent when talking to him

Popoutman · 17-02-2012 1:02am

To the OP - I do apologise, I wasn't aware of the name change and the current duplicity of naming conventions.

Good luck with the campaign.

CianSpillane · 17-02-2012 9:25am

Hi all,
My name is Cian Spillane and I am running for PSU President. The elections are next tuesday and I would appreciate any support. This is a link to my facebook page where you can find my manifesto http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cian-Spillane-for-PSU-President/253831971361698 . My email address is 11101288@studentmail.ul.ie. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Regards
Cian Spillane

Bored Accountant · 17-02-2012 5:33pm

Chimaera wrote: »

There seems to be precious little in that manifesto for research postgrads who are a substantial group within the postgrad cohort. Does Thomas Ryan plan to only represent taught postgrads?

First off, at a recent researchers focus group that was arranged by the current PSU President, only 6 research post grads turned up.
For students problems to be solved, they must first ask for help.

From discussion with research post grads prior to compiling the manifesto many of the problems experienced by them are departmental problems or problems that the PSU President would be unable to fix.

Thomas will do everything that he can to help all postgrads and not just taught post grads. Obviously the job will entail solving problems as they occur and not just trying to implement policies that are on the manifesto.

Do not be afraid to approach Thomas while he is out around campus and express your concerns and problems.

Presidential Hustings will be taking place this Monday at 3pm in the PSA Common Room! So come along and have your voice heard and meet the candidates.

Bored Accountant · 17-02-2012 5:39pm

ninty9er wrote: »

It's since last semester, but I think a new website is in the pipeline.

A vote was taken at the PSU AGM to change the name last semester. Sarah-Jane has been trying to get a new website developed but this hasn't happened as of yet.

Thomas who is currently studying computers for his post grad plans to develop a new website himself and to keep this well updated so that there is a place where Post Grad Students can refer to and find the information their looking for easily.

Chimaera · 17-02-2012 6:29pm

Bored Accountant wrote: »

First off, at a recent researchers focus group that was arranged by the current PSU President, only 6 research post grads turned up.
For students problems to be solved, they must first ask for help.

From discussion with research post grads prior to compiling the manifesto many of the problems experienced by them are departmental problems or problems that the PSU President would be unable to fix.

Thomas will do everything that he can to help all postgrads and not just taught post grads. Obviously the job will entail solving problems as they occur and not just trying to implement policies that are on the manifesto.

That may be the case, but to exclude them from his manifesto is going to alienate a lot of researchers before they ever even meet/hear him. TBH, my first impression of him was that manifesto and based on that I had written him off because it looked like he was only interested in taught postgrads. He's got work to do now

Bored Accountant · 17-02-2012 6:48pm

Chimaera wrote: »

That may be the case, but to exclude them from his manifesto is going to alienate a lot of researchers before they ever even meet/hear him. TBH, my first impression of him was that manifesto and based on that I had written him off because it looked like he was only interested in taught postgrads. He's got work to do now

There are a number of policies within his manifesto which relate to both research and taught post grads.

Trying to increase the bursaries and financial aid to be able to aid even more students in difficulty. This can help all post grads who need it.

Creating an induction period. Although this will not relate to current postgrads, it will help future postgrads who come to UL to make more friends. Taught post grads can have no problem making new friends as there in classes and a structured environment, however it is much more difficult for research postgrads, as they are usually working in a one on one environment with their supervisor.

Actively Oppose Increased Fees: This has an impact on all Postgrads. especially research postgrads who may have part funding for 3 years, but then must pay continuation fees to complete their study. It is important that these do not increase as it will hinder the completion of studies, which will in return not reflect well on the college that research isn't being completed.

Polar Ice · 18-02-2012 2:01pm

While I do apologies for my mistake on the PSA vs. PSU stuff, I am still humoured

Bored Accountant wrote: »

Presidential Hustings will be taking place this Monday at 3pm in the PSA Common Room!

Did they forget to update the name of that too :pac::D

Bored Accountant wrote: »

A vote was taken at the PSU AGM to change the name last semester. Sarah-Jane has been trying to get a new website developed but this hasn't happened as of yet.

I know Thomas would know this, but maybe Sarah-Jane doesn't: You don't need a whole new website to reflect the change of the name.

Bored Accountant · 18-02-2012 2:37pm

Polar Ice wrote: »

While I do apologies for my mistake on the PSA vs. PSU stuff, I am still humoured

Did they forget to update the name of that too :pac::D

I know Thomas would know this, but maybe Sarah-Jane doesn't: You don't need a whole new website to reflect the change of the name.

My mistake on the Hustings taking place in the "PSA" Commonroom. I just copy & pasted from Sarah-Jane's post on the PSU Facebook page.

And actually looking at the www.ulsu.ie, they never updated name on the link to the PSU page.
So really, the name was changed last semester, but very little was done to implement the name change around the campus, and this needs to be addressed so that Post Grads actually know the name of the Union who is representing them.

A whole new website isn't needed, but the current one needs to be updated and kept up to date. I know Sarah-Jane has had discussions with people to create a new website, but the student she was talking to never got back to her. If you check around the website, I think the only piece that has been updated all year is the President Profile. All other positions are still last years profiles and all news stories are quite old.

With the era were in now, where everyone wants information straight away, the PSA website should be an important tool for the President to be able to communicate with all the Post Grad Students quite easily, and it is Thomas's aim to do this.

Bored Accountant · 20-02-2012 12:16pm

Just to let everyone know hustings has been changed to 5pm this evening in the PSU Commonroom.
Feel free to come along and grill the candidates to find the best one.
There will also be free tea, coffee & biscuits available.

johnny-fatality · 20-02-2012 1:14pm

Bored Accountant wrote: »

Just to let everyone know hustings has been changed to 5pm this evening in the PSU Commonroom.
Feel free to come along and grill the candidates to find the best one.
There will also be free tea, coffee & biscuits available.

Just read the change of time email now, means I can't make it. Pretty annoying to be honest, changing the time on the day of the event.

Bored Accountant · 20-02-2012 1:28pm

johnny-fatality wrote: »

Just read the change of time email now, means I can't make it. Pretty annoying to be honest, changing the time on the day of the event.

No idea why it was changed. I only found out and posted here.

If you have any questions for Thomas post them up here I'll get an answer off him as quick as possible. Obviously not the same environment as the hustings. Alternatively PM me and i'll see if he can arrange a different time so you can talk to him, if you haven't already met him.

johnny-fatality · 20-02-2012 1:56pm

Bored Accountant wrote: »

Obviously not the same environment as the hustings.

Just annoyed to be honest, don't have any pressing questions for either candidate but was looking forward to a bit of debate. Thanks for the offer anyway.

horsemeat · 20-02-2012 8:33pm

Hi Thomas,

Can I ask as regards your involvement/affiliation with Fianna Fail/Fianna Fail Ogra?

Do you think this will affect your ability/focus to do your day to day job working for the post graduate students? You may have to make decisions/choices which conflict with the official party line etc

Bored Accountant · 20-02-2012 10:16pm

horsemeat wrote: »

Hi Thomas,

Can I ask as regards your involvement/affiliation with Fianna Fail/Fianna Fail Ogra?

Do you think this will affect your ability/focus to do your day to day job working for the post graduate students? You may have to make decisions/choices which conflict with the official party line etc

Reply From Thomas:

As is the case with most of the current and past sabbatical officers, the existence of a party allegiance is quite common amongst candidates running for electoral positions within universities. However, all sabbatical positions are non-political appointments. The PSU president is elected to represent Post Graduate students and their needs, and not implement policies of any party. Any political affiliations are left at the door in the role, and the needs of the postgraduate community which I am elected to represent come first.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 1:59am

i though tom was a decent lad but if he's another fianna failer like derek i'd have to go with the other lad spillane.

horsemeat · 21-02-2012 2:40am

Wow what a disgusting post. Hope that wasn't thomas ryan who did that.

sorry I see it's been ninja edited. not before a few of us saw it though. nice to see true colours shine through at election time.

johnny-fatality · 21-02-2012 2:48am

horsemeat wrote: »

Wow what a disgusting post. Hope that wasn't thomas ryan who did that.

sorry I see it's been ninja edited. not before a few of us saw it though. nice to see true colours shine through at election time.

What's this all about?

Also, what's so awful about both candidates?

fogey88 · 21-02-2012 3:30am

BRING BACK DAN!! The man with the plan. I was delighted to work with Dan, as Vice President. Well done to Sarah over past year.
Votin for Thomas, best of luck!

What do people think of the student centre plans re postgrads???!!

johnny87 · 21-02-2012 3:50am

has neone frm mary i every been on psa? research postgrads need stronger representation out here lads

Mikel91 · 21-02-2012 4:28am

I heard that Fogarty fellow who was vice chair made a balls of things so I did!

cambridge · 21-02-2012 4:48pm

absolutely disgust with thomas ryan's smear campaign there. I do saw exactly what he posted and insinuated.

I will definitely be voting for spillane now.

Bored Accountant · 21-02-2012 4:52pm

cambridge wrote: »

absolutely disgust with thomas ryan's smear campaign there. I do saw exactly what he posted and insinuated.

I will definitely be voting for spillane now.

What bulls**t are u on about now Cambridge?

YFlyer · 21-02-2012 5:01pm

Just voted.........

Bored Accountant · 21-02-2012 5:05pm

YFlyer wrote: »

Connection problem on the PC in A1-084.

Can't vote yet lads......

Any problems voting call in to the SU and ask for Roisin she'll sort out voting for you.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 5:15pm

Bored Accountant wrote: »

What bulls**t are u on about now Cambridge?

another boards user i identified as Thomas Ryan posted a link up to a BEBO account of guy called Cian Spillane. A completely different person to the PSU candidate. The bebo belonged to a 19 year old and hadn't been updated in 3 years. The bebo made some homophobic account and thomas ryan's boards account tried to imply that cian spillane is a homophobe.

If anyone disagrees get the moderator to show you the deleted post.

Ryan has lost all credibility in my eyes.

horsemeat · 21-02-2012 5:29pm

Not exactly the actions of
a) a post grad student; clearly the guy is devoid of any maturity.
b) the whole thing strikes me as very petulant, thomas a bit sour cause his little fianna fail secret was revealed. I wouldn't have been keen on him anyway as a result of his political leanings, but that childish behaviour is ill befitting anyone who wants to represent a populus.

I spoke to Thomas and he really didn't strike me as being a very intelligent individual. A bit on the slow side, probably isn't the sharpest tool in the box.

Hope Cian wins.

johnny-fatality · 21-02-2012 5:34pm

horsemeat wrote: »

Not exactly the actions of
a) a post grad student; clearly the guy is devoid of any maturity.
b) the whole thing strikes me as very petulant, thomas a bit sour cause his little fianna fail secret was revealed. I wouldn't have been keen on him anyway as a result of his political leanings, but that childish behaviour is ill befitting anyone who wants to represent a populus.

I spoke to Thomas and he really didn't strike me as being a very intelligent individual. A bit on the slow side, probably isn't the sharpest tool in the box.

Hope Cian wins.

Hold yer horses biys - A: Is that actually Thomas Ryan who posted this now- phantom post, or someone trying to (ironically) smear Thomas' campaign by posing as him?

B: This isn't the Irish presidential election. Is a candidate for the PSU really going to link to a Bebo account that acrimoniously? Surely, surely not.

C: I know Bored Accountant has the whole agent psychology thing going on, and that's perfectly fine, but why isn't Thomas replying himself, rather than dictating replies? Is Bored Accountant actually Thomas speaking in the third person?

Bored Accountant · 21-02-2012 5:37pm

cambridge wrote: »

another boards user i identified as Thomas Ryan posted a link up to a BEBO account of guy called Cian Spillane. A completely different person to the PSU candidate. The bebo belonged to a 19 year old and hadn't been updated in 3 years. The bebo made some homophobic account and thomas ryan's boards account tried to imply that cian spillane is a homophobe.

If anyone disagrees get the moderator to show you the deleted post.

Ryan has lost all credibility in my eyes.

Well I can tell ya I've been with Thomas all day and he's been nowhere near a computer all day so can't have been him. Fair play to the mod to remove it immediately cause that sort of thing is not called for in any election campaign.
I've been keeping an eye on boards on my phone and never saw it, so i'd say very few saw it.

Bored Accountant · 21-02-2012 5:40pm

johnny-fatality wrote: »

Hold yer horses biys - A: Is that actually Thomas Ryan who posted this now- phantom post, or someone trying to (ironically) smear Thomas' campaign by posing as him?

B: This isn't the Irish presidential election. Is a candidate for the PSU really going to link to a Bebo account that acrimoniously? Surely, surely not.

C: I know Bored Accountant has the whole agent psychology thing going on, and that's perfectly fine, but why isn't Thomas replying himself, rather than dictating replies? Is Bored Accountant actually Thomas speaking in the third person?

Thomas doesn't have a boards account so I said i'd post up on his behalf and let him concentrate on meeting people rather than having any abuse/rumours thrown at him affecting his head while campaigning.

Secondly I'm not Thomas Ryan.
I have no bother identifying myself as Mark O'Donovan, President of the Handball Club.

johnny-fatality · 21-02-2012 5:44pm

Bored Accountant wrote: »

Thomas doesn't have a boards account so I said i'd post up on his behalf and let him concentrate on meeting people rather than having any abuse/rumours thrown at him affecting his head while campaigning.

Secondly I'm not Thomas Ryan.
I have no bother identifying myself as Mark O'Donovan, President of the Handball Club.

Cheers for that.

I guess my real point was to Horsemeat - that whoever put up that post (that I didn't see) can surely have nothing to do with Thomas Ryan's campaign, and therefore doesn't deserve contempt on that one issue at least. Your own opinions are your own obviously.

cambridge · 21-02-2012 5:48pm

how do we know it wasn't thomas? the person who made the posts was a member of ff oige, as is thomas.

i think the moderator needs to sort this out.

MajesticDonkey · 21-02-2012 5:52pm

cambridge wrote: »

i think the moderator needs to sort this out.

A moderator needs to sort you out.

horsemeat · 21-02-2012 5:58pm

Here's the profile of the person who did it.

posts deleted from forums but still visible under account gp.

highly likely it's thomas ryan

http://www.boards.ie/search/?u=454271&sort=newest

PSU President Elections

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