SU Elections 2014

DarkKnight92

Anyone know who is running for positions if President, Welfare and Education this year?

It will be very interesting to see who steps up this year?

ciano1

Ugh.. It's not that time of the year again already is it? :rolleyes:

DarkKnight92

It sure is. Nominations open this week. Any reports? I've heard Declan Higgins and Stephen Duff for Pres?

LoonyLovegood

I'd like to see Declan go for Pres, if that's his intention. I've gone to him a couple of times, he's been brilliant.

SwampDonkeyMan

Strong rumours of Daniel McGlynn going for the president role since christmas so he could be in the race too.

Manco

There will be up to four referenda as well. A Palestine Solidarity Society referendum on the Students' Union joining the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign and a Life Society referendum on repealing the SU's pro-choice stance have been approved so far anyway. I'll be voting yes and no, and Joe Loughnane for president (one of these things may not be true).

mrkiscool2

Manco wrote: »

There will be up to four referenda as well. A Palestine Solidarity Society referendum on the Students' Union joining the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign and a Life Society referendum on repealing the SU's pro-choice stance have been approved so far anyway. I'll be voting yes and no, and Joe Loughnane for president (one of these things may not be true).

4 referenda? That is absolutely insane! Also, whomever runs for full-time (I'm sure there are one or two people on here running and having a peek at this thread ever now and again) best of luck. It's a long, draining, demanding week that is very tough.

MadYaker

Ah for **** sake. I thought there was already elections this year? There was a thread on it a few months ago. Got some free condoms this year which is just about the best thing the SU has ever done for me!

LoonyLovegood

They were bye-elections, I think?

Lockstep

If Declan is running, I'll be voting for him unless a really amazing candidate comes out of the woodwork. Few of my friends went to him during the year and he was a brilliant Welfare Officer.

shruikan2553

I really hope thees someone running this year that is against rising fees. Nobody mentioned it at all last year, or the year before:pac:

MadYaker

And yet the administration fee increases every year.

LoonyLovegood

It's been the same the last two years though.

Ficheall

Are there four referenda or just the two (Boycott + Choice)?

mrkiscool2

CTYIgirl wrote: »

It's been the same the last two years though.

Well actually nothing the SU can do about this at the moment as it has been planned in the budget as part of the easement. They have managed to get increases in the Students Assitance Fund and kept the grant at the same level. Some effort in a time when cuts are needed and students are the easiest group to target

Ficheall wrote: »

Are there four referenda or just the two (Boycott + Choice)?

Just the two for the full-time elections, may be more for the part-time elections

Also, alot of meetings going on in the college bar re:elections, and I saw one Sabbatical Officer involved in one of those meetings. Seriously hope said person is not helping the campaign as said person is on Elections Committee

paperpackages

MadYaker wrote: »

Ah for **** sake. I thought there was already elections this year? There was a thread on it a few months ago.

By-elections for part-time positions. Some notoriously go unfilled year after year.

Reillyman

mrkiscool2 wrote: »

Just the two for the full-time elections, may be more for the part-time elections

Also, alot of meetings going on in the college bar re:elections, and I saw one Sabbatical Officer involved in one of those meetings. Seriously hope said person is not helping the campaign as said person is on Elections Committee

How did you know it was a meeting re:elections?

mrkiscool2

Reillyman wrote: »

How did you know it was a meeting re:elections?

Well a) said person was with one of the candidates running b) there was a large group of people there talking and c) I heard them mention the election. I'm not going to complain or anything (no point as I am just observing the election this year instead of being some way involved) but all the same rules are there for a reason

Reillyman

mrkiscool2 wrote: »

Well a) said person was with one of the candidates running b) there was a large group of people there talking and c) I heard them mention the election. I'm not going to complain or anything (no point as I am just observing the election this year instead of being some way involved) but all the same rules are there for a reason

It is a common feature every year that prospective candidates are either friends or acquaintances with at least one if not all of full-time officers. People are entitled to go about their normal routine without being second-guessed as to their motives. Are you suggesting a no-contact rule of some kind?

mrkiscool2

Reillyman wrote: »

It is a common feature every year that prospective candidates are either friends or acquaintances with at least one if not all of full-time officers. People are entitled to go about their normal routine without being second-guessed as to their motives. Are you suggesting a no-contact rule of some kind?

Pretty ironic you are defending this situation, almost like the same is happening to someone your helping next week? No, a no-contact rule would be stupid but when someone running is clearly planning something for an up-coming election then there shouldn't be an officer there. The rules are pretty strict on that, it's even worse when the officer is on elections committee if that is what was going on. Shouldn't have made it seem definite, was just raising a concern

Reillyman

mrkiscool2 wrote: »

Pretty ironic you are defending this situation, almost like the same is happening to someone your helping next week?

I'm not helping anyone next week. However I do have friends who are running for various positions, so it is quite likely I will be seen talking to them in public places, as will SU officers who are also friendly with them.

Manco

Ficheall wrote: »

Are there four referenda or just the two (Boycott + Choice)?

I heard there were to be two more relating to marriage equality and keeping the student health unit free, to take place during the part-time elections. Not sure if they're going ahead.

Ficheall

Manco wrote: »

keeping the student health unit free, to take place during the part-time elections. Not sure if they're going ahead.

I should hope not - wasn't keeping the student health unit free one of the SU's promises if it was going to withdraw support for Rag Week?

LoonyLovegood

The marriage equality one was announced today. Just from a practical standpoint - can the Health Unit remain totally free anymore? The funding keeps getting cut, like. TBH, I'd rather €100 of my Student Contribution (or whatever they're calling the €224 charge) go to the health unit than to the kingfisher.

Lockstep

There's around five people running for president including current welfare officer Declan Higgins, Paul 'Jigs' O'Donnell and a joke candidate, Cian Moran.
There's two going for education, including current science convenor, Phelim Kelly
Three for welfare, including the Oifigeach na Gaeilge, Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin

Ficheall

Lockstep wrote: »

and a joke candidate, Cian Moran.

Can't stand that guy...

Manco

Ficheall wrote: »

I should hope not - wasn't keeping the student health unit free one of the SU's promises if it was going to withdraw support for Rag Week?

Yeah, but that was a completely informal agreement so the college can ignore it if they wish.

Ficheall

Manco wrote: »

Yeah, but that was a completely informal agreement so the college can ignore it if they wish.

Are you sure? Have you any documentary evidence of that?
This http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/education/university-rag-week-scrapped-but-at-cost-of-60000-26783587.html would suggest that it was somewhat official.

Manco

Ficheall wrote: »

Are you sure? Have you any documentary evidence of that?
This http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/education/university-rag-week-scrapped-but-at-cost-of-60000-26783587.html would suggest that it was somewhat official.

I don't admittedly, I suppose we'll see in due course whether the agreement is adhered to or not.

Lockstep

Ficheall wrote: »

Can't stand that guy...

Oh you

Member 420

Probably give my vote to Declan Higgins.



On the Referenda I've decided to go with

Yes on BDS (Boycott Divestment Sanctions)
No on scrapping the Pro Choice Stance
Yes on Gay Marriage

Haven't a clue about the Health unit referendum tbh, Anyone wanna run the details by me?

LoonyLovegood

Health Unit one hasn't been officially announced yet.

Have all the candidates been announced?

ciano1

Here we go...

‪#‎NUIGSU14‬ And the Election candidates are:

President
DUFF, Stephen
HIGGINS, Declan
McDONNELL, Jack
MORAN, Cian
O’DONNELL, Paul (Jigs)

Vice President / Education Officer
FITZGIBBON, Conor
KELLY, Phelim

Vice President / Welfare Officer
Mc DONALD, Patrick (Tam)
Ní SHÚILLEABHÁIN, Aoife
O’DOWD, Alan

mrkiscool2

From the looks of that I'd say Phelim should win Education, has been immense for the SU in the last 2 years and would be a great full-time officer.

Would think it'd be between Higgins and Duff for President, looking forward to the joke candidate. Then no idea for Welfare. I know Aoife and think she would be very good, but don't know the other two so can't say anything about the race!

Lockstep

I've a lot of time for both Jigs and Higgins. Jigs' work with the EcoSoc bike workshop is fairly awesome, very hardworker as well.
Higgins has been a great Welfare officer so I'd be happy to see him as president.

paperpackages

Surprised at the relatively poor uptake this year, particularly with education - hotly contested past two years and now down to 2 candidates? One or two running with genuine visible interest in student issues, but very few I'd be happy to have represent me for the year.

freedomtoday

The SU shouldn't take a stance on abortion; I'll be voting yes to neutrality, whatever about the others

Manco

freedomtoday wrote: »

The SU shouldn't take a stance on abortion; I'll be voting yes to neutrality, whatever about the others

The stance the SU takes now is the genuine neutral position; it argues that women should have the choice themselves in Ireland as to whether an abortion is appropriate or not for them. The SU reverting to not taking a position would mean acquiescing to the status quo nationally, where the state, based on a 30 year old amendment, imposes its views on all Irish women regardless of their stance on abortion.

freedomtoday

Manco wrote: »

The stance the SU takes now is the genuine neutral position; it argues that women should have the choice themselves in Ireland as to whether an abortion is appropriate or not for them. The SU reverting to not taking a position would mean acquiescing to the status quo nationally, where the state, based on a 30 year old amendment, imposes its views on all Irish women regardless of their stance on abortion.

With all due respect, that's a whole load of rubbish. You simply cannot compare a college Student's Union with a national government. The SU is there to represent the student body; for them to take a position on this issue isolates and marginalizes many students who hold opposing views. Neutrality is the only proper position for the SU, as simply a representative body, to take.

Manco

freedomtoday wrote: »

With all due respect, that's a whole load of rubbish. You simply cannot compare a college Student's Union with a national government. The SU is there to represent the student body; for them to take a position on this issue isolates and marginalizes many students who hold opposing views. Neutrality is the only proper position for the SU, as simply a representative body, to take.

Indeed, the SU is simply a representative body for the student community, and the student body democratically decided last year that it should represent them on the question on abortion by taking a pro-choice view. I'm sure there are some students who support full fees, but the SU quite rightly campaigns for free education because that is the view of the majority of its members (who bothered to vote, I'll grant you, but those who weren't motivated enough to vote can't really object). In any representative body like the SU, a degree of utilitarianism must apply when taking stances on matters.

freedomtoday

Manco wrote: »

Indeed, the SU is simply a representative body for the student community, and the student body democratically decided last year that it should represent them on the question on abortion by taking a pro-choice view. I'm sure there are some students who support full fees, but the SU quite rightly campaigns for free education because that is the view of the majority of its members. In any representative body like the SU, a degree of utilitarianism must apply when taking stances on matters.

It is good and right for the SU to take a position on educational matters like fees, if the students decide for such a position. Fees, however, cannot be compared with abortion, a controversial, divisive moral issue that has no relevance to educational issues.

Manco

freedomtoday wrote: »

It is good and right for the SU to take a position on educational matters like fees, if the students decide for such a position. Fees, however, cannot be compared with abortion, a controversial, divisive moral issue that has no relevance to educational issues.

But that assumes that the issue of abortion does not affect those in third level education - a assumption many women in this university who've been forced to travel to England would not agree with!

freedomtoday

Manco wrote: »

But that assumes that the issue of abortion does not affect those in third level education - a assumption many women in this university who've been forced to travel to England would not agree with!

You have a point, but there is a pro-choice society in NUIG where those women can campaign from for rights; likewise there is, as far as I know, a life society in NUIG where those of the opposite opinion can campaign from. The SU however, as an educational representative body, is not in a place to hold a position on this issue.

Manco

freedomtoday wrote: »

You have a point, but there is a pro-choice society in NUIG where those women can campaign from for rights; likewise there is, as far as I know, a life society in NUIG where those of the opposite opinion can campaign from. The SU however, as an educational representative body, is not in a place to hold a position on this issue.

OK, I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this. I just think the definition of student unionism which you're advocating is far too narrow in assuming that the SU should only campaign on narrow economic pressures facing students, whereas I would argue that the SU should encompass wider issues which students face directly or are concerned about like abortion, LGBT rights, anti-racism, Palestine, etc.

freedomtoday

Manco wrote: »

OK, I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this. I just think the definition of student unionism which you're advocating is far too narrow in assuming that the SU should only campaign on narrow economic pressures facing students, whereas I would argue that the SU should encompass wider issues which students face directly or are concerned about like abortion, LGBT rights, anti-racism, Palestine, etc.

Education and debate are the lifeblood of any university - and a SU that campaigns on these issues can hardly be accused of being 'narrow'. But, we're all entitled to our own opinion.

Manco

freedomtoday wrote: »

Education and debate are the lifeblood of any university - and a SU that campaigns on these issues can hardly be accused of being 'narrow'. But, we're all entitled to our own opinion.

Agreed - and we'll see how the debate pans out over the next few days.

Lockstep

Links to manifestos/Facebook pages of candidates:

Presidential candidates
Declan Higgins

Paul Jigs

Stephen Duff

Jack McDonnell

Cian Moran

Education Candidates

Phelim Kelly
Conor Fitzgibbon

Welfare
Aoife Ní Shúilleabháin

Tam McDonald
Alan O'Dowd

I couldn't find a page for Alan O'Dowd. If anyone has it, feel free to put it in this thread and I'll update the post.

mrkiscool2

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alan-ODowd-for-Welfare/1423066164607622?fref=ts

that's O'Dowds there

Also, just read on one of the candidates pages that utility bills cost 431 euro a month. Who the fcuk has utility bills of 431 euro per month?

ciano1

mrkiscool2 wrote: »

Also, just read on one of the candidates pages that utility bills cost 431 euro a month. Who the fcuk has utility bills of 431 euro per month?

Maybe it's for rent + utilities. Would seem more logical

Fooker

I read the leaflets of one of the candidates. It was full of generalities; littered with bad grammar and spelling errors. They will not be getting my vote anyway...

Member 420

Israeli Embassy in Dublin apparently funding a Bus up to Galway on Wednesday for people to do leafleting against the BDS referendum.

Can't imagine that would be/should be allowed though? A load of people who not only aren't NUIG students, they aren't even from Galway, coming onto campus to campaign on a Students Union referendum.