DCU SU elections candidates.

Katniss everMean · 28-03-2009 12:32AM #1

At 6pm this evening the Students’ Union Elections Returning Officer officially announced the candidates for next year’s elections. They are as follows:

President:
Cillian Byrne
Alan Keegan
Conor Mortimer

Deputy President: Education and Welfare:
Mark Egan
Leeanne Heneghan
John Murphy

Vice President: Campaigns and Information:
Melanie Farrell
Andrew Harford
Alan McHale
Michael Mone

Clubs and Socs Officer:
William Coyne
Equality Officer:
Cara Murphy

Humanities and Social Sciences Convenor:
Derwin Brennan
Dara McGann

Science and Health Convenor
John Devine
Jenny Quigley

Engineering and Computing Convenor:
John Needham
Padraig O’Connor

Business:
MD Sharif Hossain

Hustings will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 1st April (no joke candidates we hope).

DCUFM will host a Presidential Candidates Debate on Monday 6th April at 1.25 broadcast on http://www.dcufm.com
DebateSoc will host the Presidential Candidates Debate that night at 6.30. Venue T.B.C.
Polling will take place on Tuesday 7th and Wedneday 8th April with the count taking place that night. Good luck to all the candidates

I start intra on the 6th and wont be around for much of this

So what do you guys think? Any ideas at this stage of who you might vote for?

Fuhrer · 28-03-2009 12:03PM

People say you get the governmenr you deserve but seriously, this is the best we have?

Jesus Christ, Most of these people are fit to get me a sandwich and they are going to be the 'leaders'?

Another year of no voting for me and I would presume 99% of the college.

Garseys · 28-03-2009 01:15PM

well at least we have a proper election this year, compared to Humanities & Computing&Eng faculties being the only ones contested last year.

Never heard of Cillian or Conor before, Will have to hear what they have to say on Monday.

Going to be a tough election, Best of luck to all the candidates!:)

Cy_Revenant · 28-03-2009 01:47PM

Tough voting this year. I don't know many of the candidates, and only a few of those I do know deserve a vote.

gamblitis · 28-03-2009 02:07PM

I know who i'm voting for but i won't be sharing any of my opinions.

gizmo · 28-03-2009 02:30PM

Aye, its good to see more of the positions being contested this year. One Presidential candidate definitely stands out as someone who I reckon would do a great job, unfortunately I know only one of them anyway so it should be interesting to see how the manifestos looks when they're released.

yellowcurl · 28-03-2009 03:37PM

Woohoo! New government!

Lets see what the new crowd propose to us...

dcuhead · 28-03-2009 03:52PM

Wow what a crazy choice of candidates. From Drama heads to Sports scholarship students, Mini-brother contestants and the ever faithful 'Chairperson of Style Society'. (The chair of Style has landed a place on the SU exec for the last 4 years.) Madness.

Alanthroneus · 28-03-2009 05:39PM

Fuhrer wrote: »

People say you get the governmenr you deserve but seriously, this is the best we have?

Jesus Christ, Most of these people are fit to get me a sandwich and they are going to be the 'leaders'?

Another year of no voting for me and I would presume 99% of the college.

Eh excuse me... Do you even know who any of these are? I have you know i have been complimented on my sandwhiches and i know for a fact you will love mine...

Vote Alan SU President for excellent sanwhiches around campus.......

gizmo · 28-03-2009 08:23PM

dcuhead wrote: »

Wow what a crazy choice of candidates. From Drama heads to Sports scholarship students, Mini-brother contestants and the ever faithful 'Chairperson of Style Society'. (The chair of Style has landed a place on the SU exec for the last 4 years.) Madness.

Crazy in what way?

The Drama association is perfectly normal as far as I can see, most people on their committee have to be dedicated to the role and hard working to in order to make their society as successful as it is, they're the type of people I'd want on the SU.

As for Conor Mortimer, now I remember who he is, I knew the name sounded familiar. Anyone have any idea what experience he has that would be beneficial to the role?

public_enemy · 29-03-2009 11:26AM

I think it's a pretty interesting list of candidates, with some really outstanding ones in there and lots of competition for important roles.

I'm not sure what the problem with Style Soc people running for positions is, I don't know Melanie personally, but I've seen the dedication and work that some of the other Style Soc people are putting into the Fashion Show this year. If she put in even half that amount of effort into an SU role then she'd do a good job.

Biggest surprise here has to be Padraig running for Engineering Convenor for the third year in a row.

29-03-2009 01:45PM

gizmo wrote: »

As for Conor Mortimer, now I remember who he is, I knew the name sounded familiar. Anyone have any idea what experience he has that would be beneficial to the role?

Experience? For what? What exactly does the SU President achieve that needs experience? Helping organise a ball? Writing an article that most people won't read? Or just standing for a photograph which in all fairness, I think out of the list of candidates, Conor sounds the best for all of the above...

gizmo · 29-03-2009 03:43PM

Getting involved Ru, showing an interest in extracurricular activities, having an idea of how the Student's Union runs, being able to manage/allocate finances for the rest of the year, being responsible for events or the running of a club/society that other people are interested in, maybe being a class rep and attending Union Council meetings etc...

Not only would this prior experience help them once they get into the role but it also shows, at least in my opinion anyway, that they care about aspects of student life in DCU outside of their own, be it personal or course related. They're the kind of things I'd be looking for in a candidate anyway, rather than someone with none of the above experience who just decides to run because it would look good on their CV.

Then again, if you're one of those cynical and/or clueless types that think the SU don't do anything then this will probably be lost on you.

goodgodholmes · 29-03-2009 04:34PM

I'm voting for both the Alans.

Keegan is SPC chair so he's got a good deal of experience with student life politics and probably knows quite a lot about the ins and outs of the SU.

McHale was vice-chair of Drama when they won BICS best national society, so he's obviously extremely dedicated and hard-working to make Drama that successful. He's a very visible character on campus as well.

Not sure about Education and Welfare.

yellowcurl · 29-03-2009 04:40PM

I think John Murphy is a good bet for Education and Welfare anyway!

g5fd6ow0hseima · 30-03-2009 12:34AM

Mr. Mortimer will draw a sizeable vote from the GAA crowd, him being something of a supposed 'superstar' in the wonderful world of gaelic games. As much as I dislike flash, talentless footballers, I wouldnt mind seeing him in power, as the SU has been too dramasoc orientated over the past couple of years. A gaelic footballer would always spell DCU having some sort of meaningful social calendar next year, a properly running bar, etc. Bacially, we need a GAH-head to bring back the social life to this terribly drab college.

Hopefully the whole dramasoc/stylesoc get a rest from the various positions next year. More or a campus and less of a campus next year

An Citeog · 30-03-2009 12:49AM

Reina Witty Gin wrote: »

Mr. Mortimer will draw a sizeable vote from the GAA crowd, him being something of a supposed 'superstar' in the wonderful world of gaelic games. As much as I dislike flash, talentless footballers, I wouldnt mind seeing him in power, as the SU has been too dramasoc orientated over the past couple of years. A gaelic footballer would always spell DCU having some sort of meaningful social calendar next year, a properly running bar, etc. Bacially, we need a GAH-head to bring back the social life to this terribly drab college.

Hopefully the whole dramasoc/stylesoc get a rest from the various positions next year. More or a campus and less of a campus next year

I will both laugh and cry if he gets elected. Can't wait to read his manifesto!:pac:

Hewhodares · 30-03-2009 01:22AM

+1 for Conor Mortimer

Big suprise to see him running but I think he would be an ideal candidate. He's not big SU or club's and soc's head which would imo be good for the SU. I know from experience in the SU its a bit of a clique which is probably one of the main reasons DCU's social scene is really not that good. Im not sure if he'd get enough votes though hed get alot of support from the GAA and other sports heads. I reckon he would be able to help with getting the whole bar mess cleaned up and help with the social scene around the college. He would bring something different to the SU which I think it currently needs. I dunno about the rest of the positions though i've never heard of alot of the candidates so i cant really judge.

g5fd6ow0hseima · 30-03-2009 01:38AM

Yup, stylesoc and dramasoc - as wonderful and colourful people they are, the SU isnt for them. Here's to hoping that the terms 'social-life' and 'DCU' can be spoken of in the same breath next year, after a two year absence

30-03-2009 01:55AM

gizmo wrote: »

having an idea of how the Student's Union runs

From comments on this forum, isn't it obvious that at a number of students want that method of running changed?

being able to manage/allocate finances for the rest of the year, being responsible for events or the running of a club/society that other people are interested in, maybe being a class rep and attending Union Council meetings etc...

The bar hemmoraged money, the burlesque ball 08 lost a pile of money, the halloween ball 08 was seriously over crowded...Much to the disappointment of certain people, I do think that this year's SU did a better job but still could have been better...I don't think that there is a problem with the other candidates not being of the SU flock and in fact think it's a good thing...

Not only would this prior experience help them once they get into the role but it also shows, at least in my opinion anyway, that they care about aspects of student life in DCU outside of their own, be it personal or course related.

I think the fact that they put their names out there to run is evidence enough that they care...The fact that they are lesser known also shows that they have no bias towards any one club or society as seems to be hinted in previous posts...

just decides to run because it would look good on their CV.

Every candidate runs for their CV, it's something that comes with it...

Then again, if you're one of those cynical and/or clueless types that think the SU don't do anything then this will probably be lost on you.

By all means, dig in the claws but those are my opinions, cynical/clueless or not...I have only been here for two years and in that time have seen the nu bar go, €3 tuesdays go, the old bar go, the health service cutting back, waiting lists of 3 weeks to see a doctor on campus and a general feeling around campus that things are just getting worse and worse...

I do realise that the position of SU President is a hard one but I think fresh blood might be the way to go...

gizmo · 30-03-2009 03:01AM

Reina Witty Gin wrote: »

A gaelic footballer would always spell DCU having some sort of meaningful social calendar next year, a properly running bar, etc.

Hewhodares wrote: »

He's not big SU or club's and soc's head which would imo be good for the SU.

As much as I'd love to see that happen I really do feel that without some of the experience I've mentioned any candidate would be facing a serious uphill struggle. That being said, I look forward to being proved wrong if he's elected.

Hewhodares wrote: »

I know from experience in the SU its a bit of a clique which is probably one of the main reasons DCU's social scene is really not that good.

The only reason it could be regarded as a clique is that it attracts a certain group of people who are constantly in and around that area and are involved in similar activities. Again, I wouldn't necessarily regard this as a negative thing and as we've seen in previous years those elected usually come from a variety of areas in C&S and SU activities.

Apologies if you felt that comment was directed at you Ru as it wasn't, it was aimed more at the people who have shown, in previous posts, complete and utter disdain for the SU and their activities. These outbursts are, in the vast majority of cases, made with without rhyme nor reason. As for your other comments, I'd be interested to hear how people think the running of the SU can be changed. That is why I'm waiting to see the manifesto's before I make up my mind on which candidate I'll be rooting for. That being said, it should be pointed out that the SU had nothing to do with the running of the bar hence they can't be blamed for the financial problems. I also don't think any President, as far as I can remember, has ever shown favour towards any Club or Society. I am, of course, open to correction on that one.

As for the CV comment, can't say I agree with you there, I know several people, myself included, who ran not because of their CV but because they felt they'd be good in the role and could learn a lot for themselves. In fact I think that applies to most C&S activities but again, that's a personal opinion and one that I'm sure others will disagree with.

Alanthroneus · 30-03-2009 07:50AM

Reina Witty Gin wrote: »

Yup, stylesoc and dramasoc - as wonderful and colourful people they are, the SU isnt for them. Here's to hoping that the terms 'social-life' and 'DCU' can be spoken of in the same breath next year, after a two year absence

That is a wild statement there,but anyway we are all entitled to our opinions.

I am a envolved with drama however i think i am the right person for the job. I am not doing this to pad my CV, i am doing it because there is a lot of things that need to change in DCU. As for the comment on a gaa head being able to change the bar, that is highly inaccurate. Currently the bar is in a real real mess and it will take more than ideas to make it work. This year if you don't know i am chair of the societies and publications committee. One of the roles the chair plays is sitting on the HMC ( Hub Mangagement Committe) which is the cmtte that oversees the running of the bar. This year i have had a prime position to see that failings of trispace while they run the bar but being the chair of the SPC and not the SU president ( who also sits on the committee) means that i had to take a back seat in it and let the SU do what they needed to do. While i think the SU has done alot to turn around the bar ( which has struggles to turnover €100,000 this year) i think some new blood in the position is needed. The SU needs someone who knows what is going on. If someone who doesnt know how to deal with DCU and go all guns blazing against them you get what happened two years ago with the Rip off DCU campaign..... Things like that lead you nowhere...

public_enemy · 30-03-2009 11:08AM

Reina Witty Gin wrote: »

Yup, stylesoc and dramasoc - as wonderful and colourful people they are, the SU isnt for them.

What a retarded thing to say.

DemocAnarchis · 30-03-2009 11:46AM

People heavily involved in society life in running for SU shocker. The notion that only "dramaheads" or style soc run for positions is completely inaccurate, and demonstrates a lot of people are completely unaware of the level of involvement of the SU exec in society life prior to running. Off hand, I know that this years exec susan was involved in book soc and music soc, niall in fianna fail and debate soc, and dave in style. Probably many more societies i'm not aware of/can't recall.

The idea that you'd vote for someone solely on the basis that they had no committee experience whatsoever and hence would somehow be more capable is concerning. I don't want a president who needs to be spoonfed and hand held when they start. I want someone who already has the experience and ability who can get cracking.

Leif, Your statement on a gaa head being more craic translating somehow into being able to revive the bar and bring back the social life to dcu made me wonder if you were trolling, but it appears you are quite serious. Firstly, you display a shocking amount of ignorance and naivity about the bar situation, and the powers of the president to do anything about it. The president is only one member of the HMC. If it was a union run bar, i'm sure it would be different but DCU have left our hands tied. And as to your comment about a social life, for you social life is obviously synonymous with getting pissed. DCU has probably the most active club and society life of any college in the country. There are multiple events taking place every night of the week, which are well publicised. If you choose to not get involved, you can't lay that blame at the SU's feet.

dramabob · 30-03-2009 05:45PM

Reina Witty Gin wrote: »

Yup, stylesoc and dramasoc - as wonderful and colourful people they are, the SU isnt for them. Here's to hoping that the terms 'social-life' and 'DCU' can be spoken of in the same breath next year, after a two year absence

Wow.

I can't help but wonder if you're trolling.

If the "Social Life" you're talking about is a reference to The Old Bar and the ongoing issues there, the entire situation can be summed up in two sentences, oft-quoted by students all over DCU:

1): "Nobody goes to The Old Bar because it's sh*t."

and

2): "The Old Bar is sh*t because nobody goes there."

'nuff said.

As for your statement about Style Soc and Drama, and the SU not being "for them," I have to wonder where you've been for the past few years. Here's a few select examples:

2004/05 SU Exec:

President: Paul May, former webmaster & committee member, DCU Drama

2005/06 SU Exec:

Vice President: Yvonne Tuohy, former treasurer & committe member, DCU Drama
Science & Health Convenor: Dave Grimes, Vice Chair of DCU Drama
Women's Officer: Laura Whitmore, founder member & committe member, Style Soc

2006/07 SU Exec:

VP for Campaigns & Information: Mikey Robinson, founder member & former Chair of Style Soc
Science & Health Convenor: John Cannon, secretary, DCU Drama

2007/08 SU Exec:

DP for Education & Welfare: Hazel Hayes, former chair, Style Soc
VP for Campaigns & Information: Gary Boylan, former sponsorship officer, DCU Drama, PRO, DCU Drama & PRO, Style Soc
Clubs & Socs Officer: Joey Kavanagh, former treasurer & ELO, DCU Drama
Science & Health Convenor: Stephen Grimes, former FYR & chair, DCU Drama
Post Grad Chair: Roibeard O Mhurcu, former FYR & chair, DCU Drama

2008/09 SU Exec:

VP for Campaigns & Information: Dave McGovern, former chair, Style Soc

That's just the members of recent SU Execs who were committee members of either DCU Drama or Style Soc - it doesn't include active members of either society, or committee members of other clubs or societies, the SCC or the SPC.

I find your argument that the "SU isn't for them" somewhat flawed.

30-03-2009 08:11PM

dramabob wrote: »

I find your argument that the "SU isn't for them" somewhat flawed.

I'm gonna stay on the fence here regarding style/drama soc involvement but I will just clear up what I think leif is trying to say which is that he is unhappy with the running of the SU in previous years and suggested that it might have been the involvement of people from drama/style soc...It may have been better if you didnt list that most people were from those societies...

Fuhrer · 30-03-2009 08:36PM

dramabob wrote: »

Wow.

I can't help but wonder if you're trolling.

If the "Social Life" you're talking about is a reference to The Old Bar and the ongoing issues there, the entire situation can be summed up in two sentences, oft-quoted by students all over DCU:

1): "Nobody goes to The Old Bar because it's sh*t."

and

2): "The Old Bar is sh*t because nobody goes there."

'nuff said.

As for your statement about Style Soc and Drama, and the SU not being "for them," I have to wonder where you've been for the past few years. Here's a few select examples:

2004/05 SU Exec:

President: Paul May, former webmaster & committee member, DCU Drama

2005/06 SU Exec:

Vice President: Yvonne Tuohy, former treasurer & committe member, DCU Drama
Science & Health Convenor: Dave Grimes, Vice Chair of DCU Drama
Women's Officer: Laura Whitmore, founder member & committe member, Style Soc

2006/07 SU Exec:

VP for Campaigns & Information: Mikey Robinson, founder member & former Chair of Style Soc
Science & Health Convenor: John Cannon, secretary, DCU Drama

2007/08 SU Exec:

DP for Education & Welfare: Hazel Hayes, former chair, Style Soc
VP for Campaigns & Information: Gary Boylan, former sponsorship officer, DCU Drama, PRO, DCU Drama & PRO, Style Soc
Clubs & Socs Officer: Joey Kavanagh, former treasurer & ELO, DCU Drama
Science & Health Convenor: Stephen Grimes, former FYR & chair, DCU Drama
Post Grad Chair: Roibeard O Mhurcu, former FYR & chair, DCU Drama

2008/09 SU Exec:

VP for Campaigns & Information: Dave McGovern, former chair, Style Soc

That's just the members of recent SU Execs who were committee members of either DCU Drama or Style Soc - it doesn't include active members of either society, or committee members of other clubs or societies, the SCC or the SPC.

I find your argument that the "SU isn't for them" somewhat flawed.

And each year they've done a progessively worse job at it.

XPS · 30-03-2009 09:33PM

So can we have a list of candidate websites please?

Alanthroneus · 30-03-2009 09:41PM

www.vote4alan.com

Alanthroneus · 30-03-2009 09:41PM

Fuhrer wrote: »

And each year they've done a progessively worse job at it.

How so?

XPS · 30-03-2009 09:45PM

Alanthroneus wrote: »

www.vote4alan.com

Thanks for that - any other candidates about. This is the only one I remembered.

DCU SU elections candidates.

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