SU Elections

griffdlk

As per Life.dcu

General Election Nominations



Nominations for election to next years Students' Union Executive will open next Tuesday at 10am and remain open until 4pm on Friday March 23rd. All students are eligible to put themselves forward for nomination, and forms will be available from the Students' Union reception from Tuesday morning. The positions available are:

SABBATICAL:


President

Education and Welfare Officer/Deputy President

Campaigns and Information Officer/Vice-President

NON SABBATICAL:


Equality Officer

Clubs and Societies officer

Engineering and Computing Convenor

Business Convenor

Humanities Convenor

Science and Health Convenor

Chair of Postgraduate Committee

Postgraduate Education Officer


The elections will be held on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th April. Polling stations will be open around the campus and to facilitate as many students as possible late polling will continue in the Hub until 10pm on the Tuesday, and Early polling will be from 8am in the Street on the Wednesday.

For more information about the elections you can contact me by e-mail (andrew.harford2@mail.dcu.ie), or arrange to meet with me. If you would like more detailed information about the specific positions the current exec will be more than happy to answer your questions - their contact details can be found on http://life.dcu.ie/union

All the best,
Andrew

So is Gizmo running? ... no pressure:p

Winters

I dont think they can say anything yet.

Alanthroneus

well it is the worst kept secret in the world......

rugbug86

i haven't been in the hub in days and i've already heard lots of potential candidates!

Alanthroneus

yeah its gonna be hotly contested. ive heard some really good candidates so they have to fight to the death for my vote

andrew163

Alanthroneus wrote:

they have to fight to the death for my vote

Can it be a mudfight?

Alanthroneus

....no * slaps andy over the head *

robnubis

gizmo ftw!

:|

So the candidates have been announced, unfortunately I don't know who any of them are

public_enemy

[snipped] == Gizmo

That's all you need to know.

Alanthroneus

Winters

Winters heartly endorses the voting of [snipped] (Gizmo) for SU President.

gizmo

Yes, now that the nominations are closed I can finally make the whole thing official. I am indeed running for Student Union President in the forthcoming SU Elections.

More details of my campaign can be found on my website at [snipped] and after reading it hopefully you'll decide that I am the best person for the job.

Now, I don't want to hijack this thread so if people want to ask specific questions or leave feedback regarding my campaign and manifesto I'll create a new one so they may do so.

robnubis

official gizmo!! i lol'd

but clear leader of the pack imo.

:|

I'm just after reading Gizmo's manifesto there, sounds very promising, I think I'll support him
But does anyone know where I can read the other ones? Can't get into life

robnubis

wrote:

I'm just after reading Gizmo's manifesto there, sounds very promising, I think I'll support him
But does anyone know where I can read the other ones? Can't get into life

*waves hand

you don't want to read the other manifesto's...


...oh and these are not the droids you are looking for.

Matthewthebig

G'wan the gizmo

cooker3

Vote Simon Kilroy "working to create cliched political slogans on his posters"

sunnyjim

Meh, same manifesto, different candidate.

Amz

Care to share your own electioni campaign info and manifesto sunnyjim?

sunnyjim

Yeah, you can read my manifest @ www.I'mnotrunningforanyposition.com

Why get so offended 'AMZ'?

Winters

I think its more that you make a statement without providing any evidance as to your viewpoint.

Amz

sunnyjim wrote:

Yeah, you can read my manifest @ www.I'mnotrunningforanyposition.com

Why get so offended 'AMZ'?

I'm not offended, but I'm sick of seeing the "same manifesto different candidate" remarks every year, people are quick to comment and point out the faults, yet don't point out where the manifestos need to be improved. If you've got such great ideas (I'm presuming that's why you made such a remark? Or were you just being a sap?) why not run or help one of the other candidates in their campaign so that your fabulous ideas can be implimented.

sunnyjim

I'm not offended, but I'm sick of seeing the "same manifesto different candidate" remarks every year, people are quick to comment and point out the faults, yet don't point out where the manifestos need to be improved. If you've got such great ideas (I'm presuming that's why you made such a remark? Or were you just being a sap?) why not run or help one of the other candidates in their campaign so that your fabulous ideas can be implimented.

I don't have to point out where they are to be improved - I'm not the one running. Same for the "why not run or help one of the other candidates in their campaign so that your fabulous ideas can be implimented".

I'm the electorate. ITS NOT MY JOB TO COME UP WITH IDEAS. Its my job to vote for the person who has 1) The Best Ideas and 2) The Best Likelyhood Of Actually Implementing Them.

If everyone who had an opinion or criticism on a candidate took your advice, we'd ALL BE RUNNING IN THE ELECTION!!

Or were you just being a sap?

Ha, I'm a sap because I'm cynical? Nice.

I know its terribly critical of me to turn around and say "Uh, same minifesto... ", but I'm quite sure that when Simon Kilroy took on this challenge, he envisaged getting SOME criticism. And here it is. Nothing personal like, I just wanna see something better before I vote.

Amz

Better like what though?

Why not use constructive criticism?

rugbug86

hustings tomorrow at 2 outside the HG

should be interesting

Amz

I think a lot of the people with criticisms about "Same manifesto etc." don't seem to realise how restricted the SU President really is. They're in office for a year and to expect them to change the world or do anything particularly earth shattering is a little unfair.

It's presumably the hope everyone who intends to vote that their choice will improve their quality of life etc. within the university, but I don't think anyone has unrealistic expectations of what the SU executive can achieve with their limited resources and the significant amount of red tape and bureaucracy involved in trying to get anything done within DCU.

Unfortunately we, unlike other 3rd level institutions in Ireland, don't have a history of a strong SU or a University, which is particularly open to correspondence or co-operation with the SU and the general student population. I would imagine part of the reason why “Better communication” is such a consistent feature of candidates’ manifestos is that they have yet to achieve what would be considered adequate communication between the SU and the university and it’s unfortunate that the place many of us sped a significant part of our developmental years, DCU, doesn’t seem to be particularly interested in ensuring we leave with a fond memory of our time there.

The Union and the people aspiring to represent the students of DCU have limitations and it would seem to me, after five years in the college, that they are only capable of moving in baby steps. Hopefully at some stage, maybe even this year, the relationship between the university and the students will improve and we’ll maybe feel like the university sees us as an asset to DCU rather than as an inconvenience simply to be tolerated so it can continue to make money through its various commercial ventures and generate careers for its employees.

sunnyjim

Amz wrote:

Better like what though?

Why not use constructive criticism?

Ok. An open letter to Simon Kilroy

Dear Simon,

As I read your manifesto, I noticed that you have the same problems as me. I find the ATMs to be 'out of order' quite often - how do you plan on getting a good service routine for them? You mention lobbying, but I find that vague.

I do admire your plans for extra funding for on-campus publications - they are very important for the college and student life in general. I also applaude the fact that you wish to give another shot to the Union shop - altough I was on placement during the last one, I followed what Mikey, Eoin and Charlene did, and it was definitly an epic affair - and would be a great injection of moral for the student body.

On a similar matter, this is my 3rd year in DCU, and by far is the best for on-campus entertainment. I put this down to the hard work and skills of the 3 sabbats, and others like Al O'Connor, Bob and Russel (forgive me all, but I'm just naming those off the top of my head). The SU definitly has a better and more attractive image this year, from their hard work. Do you have any plans to involve these people in next year if you are elected, even on an informal consultancy basis? The current lot are a hard act to follow, do you have any plans to better them?

Yours

Ciaran Callaghan

Amz

Now, doesn't that feel better?

sunnyjim

Much better

Please notice, that if I wanted to be an actual sap,I would have been all over that thread on life about grammer...

Amz

I'm sure you would *ruffles sunnyjim's hair*

gizmo

Oh it's Ciaran, hi.

First off, thanks for the feedback, glad to see you've taken the time to read my manifesto. So now, the ATM. First off I've been talking to the folks in AIB and they are aware of the problem regarding the cash flow around campus. I then inquired as to the possibility of setting up a branch based ATM which would go a long way in alleviating the cash flow problem. Their feeling is that it would be viable but as with any such work, would require a considerable push from the Union end. As for service routines thats an issue they need to look at themselves but something that I would make sure to keep an eye on while they do so to ensure it is examined effectively.

As for the Union Shop, as I said the main problem with the concept at the moment is that the University will simply not allocate the space on campus for it. While continuing to lobby for a dedicated space will be a priority I will also act in the interim by working to expand the products on sale in the SU reception but also working with Hodges Figgis to do likewise. As I'm sure you are aware this shop is operated on a leased basis, so we would have some pull on the matter.

Events. Yes, as with every year they'll be a major priority. To answer your question, I count myself lucky to both know well and have worked with Alan and Bob throughout my years involved in Clubs & Societies work in DCU. As a result I know I will be able to work effectively with both on any and all events we run. Unfortunately we're losing Russell this year but over the summer we'll be getting as much input as possible from him on all of our plans for the year.

As for plans to do better this year, check out my thoughts on the Casino Ball/University Ball for next year on Life and see what you think. Outside of that I have several other ideas for events already, each of which I believe would be great fun and would definitely be as successful as those run this year.

Finally, as for the "same manifesto, different candidate" issue you have to remember there's a reason for this. As amz said these issues are consistently highlighted due to the fact that they are still in need of improvement (one could even say they need to be made better ) and as such need to be focused on. That said there are still other issues, sometimes smaller such as the ATM, which would simply make life on campus easier for students and it is my belief that time and focus should be given to them also.

Anyway, keep the questions coming.

KenHy

Vote Kate Fitzgerald #1 for Deputy President, Education and Welfare officer.
http://katefitzgerald.wordpress.com/
http://kate4deputy.bebo.com

Amz

Why?

<edit>

I'm considering banning accounts from this forum who sign up just to post links and images for candidates without engaging in discussion or at least posting something useful.

I'll give KenHy 'til tomorrow to get back and actually contribute to the forum otherwise I'll just consider it spam. That goes for everyone.

Evangelion

this is like an anti-popularity contest.
I've seen 4 S.U. presidents come and go, and each time they have been "the most useless president ever".....and usually this is right. They all go to big efforts in their manifesto and then it all falls by the wayside, the students suffer as a result and they get some nice CV padding. There was even mention of a vote of no confidence with one of the last two.

As a general rule, the nicest poster wins. And that poster is the biggest effort they'll make. I sugest vote for the one who looks like a waster, might surprise people.

Welfare officer is the one who does all the work. Think about this one.

Smellyirishman

That is one HUGE signature. GL Gizmo, I would vote, but I won't be in the country.

KenHy

Sorry for that, Didn't think the poster was quite so big. I wanted to inform people that kate is running. I provided a link to a website http://katefitzgerald.wordpress.com/ which has her manifesto and other contact details.

Why vote Kate? Because shes very enthusiastic about DCU and student life here, look at what shes done in the past. Shes on the SPC, got Debate soc back from near extinction and clearly has not only the interests of DCU's students in mind but also has the work ethic to get things done.

Mad_Max

Personally i don't see why KenHy should be apologizing, The thread is called "SU Elections" and Gizmo also posted a simple reply with his banner and links included. Amz has been showing a possible preference to Gizmo's campaign and i think others should be freely allow to post their campaign links and posters. May be wrong but just my opinion.

Amz

KenHy wrote:

got Debate soc back from near extension

Is extension not a good thing?

I've never heard of her before so that kind of thing doesn't make me want to vote for her, I've been here 5 years.

What will she do for me, the average student?

Will she make it easier for people not in cliques to get on the SPC etc. given her connections and her desire to help the students?

Amz

Mad_Max wrote:

Personally i don't see why KenHy should be apologizing, The thread is called "SU Elections" and Gizmo also posted a simple reply with his banner and links included. Amz has been showing a possible preference to Gizmo's campaign and i think others should be freely allow to post their campaign links and posters. May be wrong but just my opinion.

Dear Max,

Please not the fact that Kate and Simon are running for different positions, so I can *shock horror* vote for both to win their respective campaigns!

I don't appreciate people joining the forum to post once and then sod off, what if people who post here have questions about the candidates etc. the poster pushing for them to win should be willing to put in the time to answer such questions in an effort to ensure that victory.

I didn't ban/delete posters and links I allowed KenHy tiime to return to contribute to the thread. I would have been the same with gizmo, but gizmo a) took the time to come here and post himself and b) he also answered queries and posted a more substantial contribution about his campaign on the thread.

Also Max, gizmo's initial post containing the link to his site was a little more than just his link and his poster, so please try and keep the exaggeration out of the thread and get your facts straight, particularly when the evidence against you is so apparent.

KenHy

That was meant to be extinction.

Not having heard of her is no fault of hers. As I said shes involved in SPC so a lot of people in societies will know of her and her work. Besides not knowing of someone previous to an election campaign is not a good reason not to vote for them. Isn't the whole point of campaigns to raise the candidates profile. Most of the people who know them will vote for them anyway, Its the people that don't know them that their trying to persuade.

As for what will she do for you, read the manifesto to find out, If you then have further questions ask them.

Mad_Max

Like i said, might be wrong but "shock-horror" i am entitled to an opinion, as i said it was. I know they are running for different posts but for me it seemed like you shot KenHy down almost immediately. Again could be wrong!

Also why should my lack of posts make a difference? What is the minimum number of posts i need to catch your attention?

Edit: Sorry, just realised it was kenHy's lack of posting you were talkin about.

Amz

That's why I was asking the questions and taking an interest, in an attempt to get you to convince me to vote for her.

Amz

Mad_Max wrote:

Like i said, might be wrong but "shock-horror" i am entitled to an opinion, as i said it was. I know they are running for different posts but for me it seemed like you shot KenHy down almost immediately. Again could be wrong!

Also why should my lack of posts make a difference? What is the minimum number of posts i need to catch your attention?

Wow you really have some kind of inferiority complex going on.

Did I mention your lack of posts anywhere? No.

I never said you weren't entitled to an opinion either, I was just pointing out that your assumptions about me and my actions were incorrect.

Mad_Max

Amz wrote:

I was just pointing out that your assumptions about me and my actions were incorrect.

Fair enough, like you with KenHy i await to be convinced.

Amz

If you have a particular axe to grind this thread isn't the place for it.

:|

I think alan flanagan would stand a better chance if he hadn't shaved his head.

I haven't seen any posters for the 3rd president. I'll vote for the person who can get me onto life

gizmo

What problems are you having getting into Life ?

rugbug86

i think i remember him saying before that his account was deleted or something.

i'm sure it'd be easily fixed by front/csd system update...

robnubis

I like the method of voting by who's hotter on their poster

cooker3

robnubis wrote:

I like the method of voting by who's hotter on their poster

You mean people use other methods?