ULSU Elections 2012 (Voting Thursday March 22)

sceptre

To vote, click here. Voting will take place on Thursday March 22.
Extra details on how to vote are provided here.

This is a list of the candidates for UL Students' Union elections at close of nominations on Thursday 15 March 2012.

Elections will take place on Thursday 22 March.

As manifestos are issued, feel free to discuss your choice of candidate and why. Some of the candidates have boards.ie accounts and may reply. As usual, If you are campaigning for a candidate or are a candidate, I expect you to declare that interest if posting. This will be done on the honour system, though in the interest of fairness I will point the finger at anyone who disregards this - for anyone who aims to deceive there's a good chance you'll be found out and I'll point the finger loudly (and probably forum ban for the duration). Any attempt to sock puppet will get a loud and public slap. Let people know your connection in your first post and there shouldn't be a problem - actually I'd like to see campaigners posting. Accusations of undeclared interest should not be made on-thread as it'll derail any discussion, use the report post button and I'll look at it (I'm quite good at spotting shills).

If candidates have a webpage and let me know, I'll edit in one link per candidate to an official webpage or facebook page (one per candidate) if they let me know by PM at any point during the week. You may have both of these. One of them will be listed here. It's your choice on which you want listed and your own responsibility to keep information up to date, accurate and link to your facebook page from your webpage or vice versa.

Additionally I will include details of any blogs declared as independent if I'm informed of them.

I'll add any other relevant/necessary details to posts I'll insert immediately below this one. Note that if you want to get replies to this thread sent to you instantly by email, click the "Follow thread" button on the top right of the screen.

Candidates, if you want your boards account to be listed here as verified by me, send an email to sceptreboards AT gmail DOT com (make an email address out of that) from your UL account only (ie your student or your staff account). You'll get a return email email from me to verify your access to that account. I can then list your username in this post as having been verified. It's entirely up to each of you individually but it negates the possibility that anyone can successfully pretend to to be you if you choose to avail of it.

Now the rules are out of the way:) (they're slightly different to last year's so please read them), here are your candidates:



President
David Hartery URL="http://www.facebook.com/DavidHarteryForUlsuPresident2012"]weblink[/URL [boards.ie account verified as shabouwcaw]
Eamonn Horgan
Adam Moursy

DP/Welfare
William Jennings URL="https://www.facebook.com/WillForWelfare2012?ref=ts&__adt=9"]weblink[/URL
Kelly O'Brien
Cathal Ronan URL=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cathal-Ronan-for-ULSU-Welfare-Officer/262539770498498"]weblink[/URL [boards.ie account verified as cjthecrow]

Education
Paddy Rockett
Jacqueline Woods

Council chairperson (part-time, non-paid)
Liam Gulifoyle (only candidate, deemed elected)


Thanks to Colm Fitzgerald and Dave Ryan for the confirmed list. Virtual medals, folks, I can't afford real ones.


Good luck to all candidates!

sceptre

Hustings:

Come see the candidates speak and offer their views in a public debate! Ask the candidates questions in a public setting! Don't let them wriggle away with just an online or printed manifesto or a sugar bribe, come and see whether they're actually worth voting for! Don't be shy about dropping in and out to the hustings when you can, it's up to the candidates to sell themselves and convince you that they deserve your vote!

Wednesday March 21, starting at 6pm in KBG12 (that's on the ground floor of the Kemmy Business School)

.

sceptre

Election blogs:

ULSU Elect


.

eldorro88

Where did you get this info from? Are these the final candidates?

Belly OS

Now that the candidates are official, I'd like to wish all running the very best in the week to come.

It takes a lot to put yourself out there and run for one of the positions. You will all be completely drained by the end of it, but it is a very rewarding feeling in the end, win or lose. I speak from experience here.

I look forward to seeing how the week goes and reading through ye're manifesto's and hope that those deemed elected next Thursday can bring the SU forward for the benefit of all the students.

Again, best of luck to all of you.

Alan.

djnr8

Apparently it's Horgan not Hourigan

eldorro88 wrote: »

Where did you get this info from? Are these the final candidates?

These are the names which were announced at the Union at 6pm this evening.

Although I will be campaigning for one person in each of the 3 roles, I would like to extend my best wishes to all nominees. May it be an enjoyable and enlightening week,

Regards,

Nick

Woodwork4Life

Can we agree on an appropriate twitter hashtag?
Pretty please.

wnolan1992

#voteUL is probably the best. Twas the one used last year apparently according to ulsuelect.

I too want to wish all the candidates the best of luck. It takes serious balls to put yourself out there in front of the student body, and I think for that everyone listed there deserves serious credit.

And I hope that whoever is elected, they can carry out the position to the absolute best of their ability, 'cos Christ knows the Union needs people performing at the top of their game, now more than ever.

rebelette2011

This is going to be one of the most exciting campaigns yet! My votes are for Jackie and Eamonn (as I will be campaigning heavily for both) but I would like to wish every candidate the very best of luck in their campaigns!!

Ditzyish

My vote is going to Jackie and Eamonn....think they will definitely bring something fresh and exciting to the union! I'll be strongly campaigning for both! Best of luck to everyone though...it's going to be a fun week!

Merger

My Vote Will be going toward William, Jackie and Eamonn.

Fresh air is needed

Best of luck guys

freyners

right im not involved in any campaign team but my loyalty will lie towards Adam Moursy for president so ill let that be know

No personal favourites for anyone else at the moment, good luck to all candidates

Cossax

No John Cambridge?

wnolan1992

Cossax wrote: »

No John Cambridge?

Or no Inanimate Carbon Rod.

Is there any point in voting at all lads?

sceptre

Woodwork4Life wrote: »

Can we agree on an appropriate twitter hashtag?
Pretty please.

As wnolan1992 said, #voteUL probably works best. Nice and simple.

Tighearnan

Good to see everyone who is running would do a good job in each office. now to see what each has to offer in terms of campaign idea entertainment my favourite over the last four years was Ginges unicorn

Polar Ice

We're back! :eek:
ulsuelect.com will be covering the elections, like last year.

We are still tampering with the election feed, which includes as much up to date information found on the web as we can grab. All tweets with the tags #voteUL will appear, as well as other source as we find them.

shabouwcaw

hey guys, Dave Hartery here.

I'll be using my usual boards account for the election season, see no reason to start another one.

Best of luck to everyone running! Should be an interesting week.

freyners

i wonder if cambridge will say anything when his ban expires slap bang in the middle of next week:D

RDJMPC

Ahhh my favourite time of the year

Pity no ladies decided to throw their names in for President!

I must admit that I'm concerned should both Kelly and Paddy be fortunate to be deemed elected, considering they don't appear to be the best of friends. This is even more important this year as the number of sabbats are down to 4. What do people think?

Chimaera

I certainly won't be voting for Paddy Rockett. Anyone who lacks the ability to analyse something before jumping on the bandwagon shouldn't be let anyway near an important position like Education.

Fishooks12

RDJMPC wrote: »

Ahhh my favourite time of the year

Pity no ladies decided to throw their names in for President!

I must admit that I'm concerned should both Kelly and Paddy be fortunate to be deemed elected, considering they don't appear to be the best of friends. This is even more important this year as the number of sabbats are down to 4. What do people think?

One of many reasons why they shouldn't be elected.

It would mean 50% of our sabbats could be fighting like petulant children all year

OhMSGlive

Right, better get my declaration out of the way.

I'll be campaigning actively (well, sort of) for Kelly O'Brien in the race to become the next Welfare Bear(!). Not sure where I'm going after that, but either way I'd like to congratulate all the candidates on getting nominated and wish them all the very best of luck for next week.

No cambridge?!

selfishfish

I think the team of Eamon, Jackie and Will would be perfect! Fresh faces, new ideas, just what we need. I'll be canvassing for Jackie next week as I really don't think we should bring Paddy back for another year!

Polar Ice

sceptre wrote: »

As usual, If you are campaigning for a candidate or are a candidate, I expect you to declare that interest if posting.

I'm campaigning for the Inanimate Carbon Rod https://www.facebook.com/ULSUInanimateRod

The Rod is daring enough to put forward campaign points that no one else is willing to. I think Rod would be the best non person for the job!

wnolan1992

To get the declaration out of the way, I'll be semi-actively campaigning for Kelly O'Brien for Welfare. Other than that, I have no other affilations to any other candidate.

RDJMPC wrote: »

Ahhh my favourite time of the year

Pity no ladies decided to throw their names in for President!

I must admit that I'm concerned should both Kelly and Paddy be fortunate to be deemed elected, considering they don't appear to be the best of friends. This is even more important this year as the number of sabbats are down to 4. What do people think?

I have to admit I'm really concerned about this too. I'd have serious reservations that they could work well together given the air of tension which has come out this year. And it has the potential to get even worse next year, were both of them to be elected.

I'd hope that one of the main things both candidates would clarify is that they will put this crap behind them were they to be elected and work on guiding the Union through this situation.

Busi_Girl08

I'm campaigning for William Jennings.

He's a really dedicated, caring passionate guy who will put everything he can into this role. From personal experience I am confident that he's going to do a great job and bring a new fresh perspective.

Will 4 Welfare!!
William, Jackie and Eamonn 2012.

colon

People are surprised that Mr. Cambridge didn't make the card! Are any among the self anointed capable of carrying his visionary torch of change? I hope so and wish those that are new to campaigning the best of luck. I think paddy should apply for a job in the stables if he wants to contuinue his nefarious ways.

Steeevvyb

Hi everyone, Stephen here from Thomond Student Times.
I just want to put this on here as well as on Facebook and Twitter so that nobody can claim they missed it.

We will be filming a short interview with each of the candidates early next week, more than likely on Tuesday morning. It will take about 10 minutes. Some of the candidates are already on board. If you want to be a part of it, either contact us on facebook or at info@thomondstudenttimes.com

Best of Luck to all candidates.

Stephen Byrne

CiaranMT

Declaring that I'll be campaigning for Cathal Ronan for Welfare.

roro1neil0

Just declaring now i will be running an anti-campaign against all candidates.

reunion

roro1neil0 wrote: »

Just declaring now i will be running an anti-campaign against all candidates.

Including Inanimate Carbon Rod?

bazkennedy

roro1neil0 wrote: »

Just declaring now i will be running an anti-campaign against all candidates.

How/Why do you intend doing that

wnolan1992

roro1neil0 wrote: »

Just declaring now i will be running an anti-campaign against all candidates.

Which will achieve? It's an interesting concept.... would it not have been easier to seek nomination though?

bazkennedy

The only way it could be effective is if we had Reopen nominations or RON on the ballot. It's like a none of the above option

roro1neil0

I think it's actually a great shame and injustice that there is no RON / none of the above option on the ballot. I think the risk is lessened now but there is a chance a candidate will be elected unopposed. There should always be an option in my opinion, at this level certainly, for students to reject everyone on the ballot.

I think the college does a terrible job at transparency during elections. Kelly O'Brien is effectively in charge of every campus media outlet. In the other big colleges on this island, they have newspaper published by the SU and another published without SU interference.

Essentially all the candidates will run their entire campaign without being asked any difficult questions. A brave fellow might throw a toughie at them during hustings but their campaign team will just drown it out.

The Thomond Student Times, regardless of their intentions, never approach the real issues with the candidates. ULSUelect makes some attempt to bridge the gap but that blog is relying on hearsay and conjecture and isn't always reputable.

For example, will Kelly or Paddy be asked about their apparent complete lack of a working relationship? I'd bet my bottom dollar none of the 'news' outlets will even broach the subject of the fact Kelly orchestrated a smear campaign against a fellow officer.

Boards is a medium for querying candidates but I think its been shown that it isn't as impartial as it pretends to be. The fact that an admin and moderator is essentially a unofficial member of the su is testament to that.

My aim is to dissect the campaigns of as many candidates as I can and expose their frailties and weaknesses, which they all have, being human. The turn out this year is going to be about 4500, with 2/3 candidates in each category with no joke candidates running I expect the difference of 4-500 votes will be massive. I am of the strong opinion there are actually 4-500 students in this college who actually care who becomes elected and would love to vote while making an informed opinion. They will be the demographic I intend to target.

right now how it stands, is like the SU is like xtra-vision and you're only guide is the xtra-vision magazine which essentially says all the films are deadly. I think it's time UL got itself a rotten tomatoes.

I also have no idea how i will achieve any of this.

Merger

@roro1neil0. What are you looking for from "The fresh meat"?

roro1neil0

well i'd need to do a lot of research to know what makes them tick. a couple of the candidate are completely new to me. it would be unfair to go after kob and pr and leave the others out of it.

colon

I wish you well in your endeavours roro1neil0, a noble quest indeed. Hopefully your voice is heard through the inane crap that has become the norm from both the candidates and their easily bought, chattering groupies.

roro1neil0

thanks colon.

even if i was to allocate 1 hour per candidate it would still take 10 hours or so to get through them all, in reality it will probably take a couple, if anyone is interested in helping out please pm me etc.

roro1neil0

Have none of the campaigns put forward campaign pages for confirmation yet? Or is the mod still verifying what he's received?

i know it's the international weekend of going drinking but it's a very slow start for the campaigns.

Merger

It is slow, Because it is the week that is in it.

All the advertising mediums have to be reviewed and approved.

And Friday, Was a very slow day.

Polar Ice

roro1neil0 wrote: »

Have none of the campaigns put forward campaign pages for confirmation yet? Or is the mod still verifying what he's received?

i know it's the international weekend of going drinking but it's a very slow start for the campaigns.

ulsuelect.com has already started linking to campaign pages for candidates on the candidates page

AlwaysRight

roro1neil0 wrote: »

I think it's actually a great shame and injustice that there is no RON / none of the above option on the ballot. I think the risk is lessened now but there is a chance a candidate will be elected unopposed. There should always be an option in my opinion, at this level certainly, for students to reject everyone on the ballot.

Out of curiosity who said their wasn't going to be a RON option for the elections?

Or are you just referring to when there is only one person nominated - and that they should still have to go through an election? I suppose I can see your point with that.

cjthecrow

roro1neil0 wrote: »

well i'd need to do a lot of research to know what makes them tick. a couple of the candidate are completely new to me. it would be unfair to go after kob and pr and leave the others out of it.

Cathal Ronan here, I declare I will be campaigning for myself. Any "dirt" you find feel free to ask me about it, I will gladly answer your questions.

Fishooks12

roro1neil0 wrote: »

I think it's actually a great shame and injustice that there is no RON / none of the above option on the ballot. I think the risk is lessened now but there is a chance a candidate will be elected unopposed. There should always be an option in my opinion, at this level certainly, for students to reject everyone on the ballot.

I think the college does a terrible job at transparency during elections. Kelly O'Brien is effectively in charge of every campus media outlet. In the other big colleges on this island, they have newspaper published by the SU and another published without SU interference.

Essentially all the candidates will run their entire campaign without being asked any difficult questions. A brave fellow might throw a toughie at them during hustings but their campaign team will just drown it out.

The Thomond Student Times, regardless of their intentions, never approach the real issues with the candidates. ULSUelect makes some attempt to bridge the gap but that blog is relying on hearsay and conjecture and isn't always reputable.

For example, will Kelly or Paddy be asked about their apparent complete lack of a working relationship? I'd bet my bottom dollar none of the 'news' outlets will even broach the subject of the fact Kelly orchestrated a smear campaign against a fellow officer.

Boards is a medium for querying candidates but I think its been shown that it isn't as impartial as it pretends to be. The fact that an admin and moderator is essentially a unofficial member of the su is testament to that.

My aim is to dissect the campaigns of as many candidates as I can and expose their frailties and weaknesses, which they all have, being human. The turn out this year is going to be about 4500, with 2/3 candidates in each category with no joke candidates running I expect the difference of 4-500 votes will be massive. I am of the strong opinion there are actually 4-500 students in this college who actually care who becomes elected and would love to vote while making an informed opinion. They will be the demographic I intend to target.

right now how it stands, is like the SU is like xtra-vision and you're only guide is the xtra-vision magazine which essentially says all the films are deadly. I think it's time UL got itself a rotten tomatoes.

I also have no idea how i will achieve any of this.

Considering we weren't around this time last year I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion

We haven't exactly gone easy on the SU since our inception either

wnolan1992

Looks like Cambridge has bigger fish to fry than becoming SU President!

shabouwcaw

Hey guys, noticed people saying that there weren't any manifestos up online, mine has been on my facebook page since Thursday, but no one was reading it on the Info page, so shared it in a note located here and here's my manifesto in full if you don't want to like or view my page:

Issued by Lorna Bogue, Campaign Manager for David Hartery

I’m a 4th year Law Plus student. I’ve been active the last 4 years in UL Clubs & Societies and ULSU initiatives, written for An Focal for the last two years and present a show on ULFM.

Experience
Experience is so important for the SU at the moment with the trouble and turbulence it has experienced in the last year and with the obstacles the coming year will undoubtedly provide. I have wide experience of existing in an organisational structure like that in the SU and I will bring control and stability to the role. I've sat on the C&S Exec, chaired C&S council, been a member of the C&S Working Group into the Students' Union finances, been a PRO, Treasurer, Intervarsity Convenor and Auditor of the Debating Union.

Accountability
I want monthly status reports from the ULSU executive. Everything going on in the Union will be available to students via the website and other media. If it's impossible to send out the minutes of Exec meetings (due to confidentiality of issues discussed or other factors), then status reports which summarise the position of the Union will be published to maximise transparency. Management accounts and audited accounts will continue to be published and available, just like they were at the end of this year.

An Focal will be preserved, especially important now that the Communications Officer is abolished. A strong student newspaper is invaluable in uncovering what is going on, as this year has proven. It is in the interests of everyone to have a strong news media. Editorial independence will be protected if you elect me. If I or any of the new sabbats are doing something that An Focal shouldn't be able to run then perhaps we shouldn't be doing that. If there are any obstacles to An Focal being as critical of the Union as it can be, I’ll remove them.

Good Governance
I firmly believe the president is a representative primarily and an administrator second. In the Union there’s a democratic deficit, insofar as the neutering of Class Reps council and uncertainty over how the new constitutional changes will reflect in daily procedure has lead to many students feeling the Union is not working for them but against them. I will institute policies or procedures that maximise the voice of students within any new constitution. The president is a position that needs to constantly be aware that they serve at the pleasure of the students, making decisions for students in a way students can get behind. Too often have we seen decision made up on high and then it being communicated poorly by disconnected sabbats. I will absolutely endeavour to prevent such a thing from happening. Any decisions I make as president will be within the mandate of the electorate, with consultation from all affected parties. My first step when undertaking a policy decision will be communication, not unilateral decision making based on my own perception of what is best or what the rules are.


Costs
While I understand that a more rigorous budgeting system is being introduced currently, I will work to ensure that there is complete accountability for SU Sabbats under any new system and that there is a stringent budgeting and allowance system to control costs. This budgeting system will be published in full, so that you know exactly how much your officers have to spend on your interests every year.

New Ideas
Job training - a similar idea to the one that recently took place in Trinity College Dublin - basically, getting jobs in bars or cafés is really hard right now without experience. The SU could run some training courses in bar skills or becoming a barrista in the Stables or Scholars, people could pay a small amount of money for some useful life skills. Perfect for J1, summers jobs or something to do after graduation.

Laptop rental scheme - in the UCD library they have a number of laptops you can take out on your student card. Something like that for UL would be a great scheme to have, no more dragging books down to the computers on the ground floor or carrying a laptop into college just to leave it at your desk all day. If elected I will work with the library to try and bring about this plan.

We need to heal the divide between SU and C&S. Get SU more involved in aiding C&S by holding things like themed weeks (perhaps Arts Week, SU promotion and support of the weekly Music Soc Open Mike night, the Comedy Soc Open Mike etc, Rainbow Week) or large sporting events on campus. C&S are still the cheapest and effective way to have fun on campus.

Clubs and Societies
Clubs and Societies made my UL experience over the last 4 years. Dramasoc, the Debating Union, the Kayak Club or any of the other countless societies I either joined or attended events of have been the most fun in college and all my best experiences are linked to C&S.

This year has been difficult for both the SU and Clubs and Societies. In the new world of budgetary constraint and money troubles, Clubs and Societies will be more important than ever since the SU ability to hold events will be curtailed. We need to heal the divide between SU and C&S. Get SU getting more involved in aiding C&S by holding things like themed weeks (perhaps Arts Week, SU promotion and support of the weekly Music Soc Open Mike night, the Comedy Soc Open Mike etc, Rainbow Week) or large sporting events on campus. C&S are still the cheapest and effective way to have fun on campus.

With concerns over the C&S autonomy and standing within the new constitution, I believe that the C&S should maintain complete autonomy over their own matters. I will work tirelessly to preserve it.

Lastly, with regard to the 4 year temporary financial assistance agreement, I will ensure that the Students Union hold up their side of the deal for as long as I am in office.

also tl;dr shiny shiny pictures!

OhMSGlive

wnolan1992 wrote: »

Looks like Cambridge has bigger fish to fry than becoming SU President!

That's McCambridge. :pac:

Any sign of the manifestos for any of the other candidates? I've seen Kelly's, Dave's and Jackie's, but what about the others? Or am I missing something?

wnolan1992

OhMSGlive wrote: »

That's McCambridge. :pac:

Tighearnan

roro1neil0 wrote: »

I think it's actually a great shame and injustice that there is no RON / none of the above option on the ballot. I think the risk is lessened now but there is a chance a candidate will be elected unopposed. There should always be an option in my opinion, at this level certainly, for students to reject everyone on the ballot.

There is a RON option for people to vote on. Its in the constitution that it must be given as a choice.


I know adam and dave so i thought i'd check out Eammon and see what his policies were as I've never heard of him before. I asked a few questions on his ideas and opinions and when he didn't have an answer or proof ( this is how it seems ) he branded me as a david hartery supporter and that my opinions didn't matter cause they went against what he thought. He has lost any chance of getting my vote and i doubt he'll get much support so i'll be considering the president election a two horse race.




https://www.facebook.com/VoteEamonnHorganforULSUPresidentUPr/posts/192773924168688?notif_t=feed_comment_reply

Link to the posts