DCU SU elections candidates.

haus

Any chance we could get some more links up to candidate websites

www.vote4alan.com
www.voteandrew.org
www.alanmchale.com

I don't know any others off hand.

yellowcurl

So for anyone who was at the hustings today, what were the general thoughts about it all??

Leedcu

My website is www.vote4leeanne.com

c0rk3r

As long as your not from the collegeview looking for quotes heres what i thought. I was there for Vice President: Campaigns and Information speeches

Melanie Farrell
Andrew Harford
Alan McHale
Michael Mone

Didnt Catch Michael Mones speech. He was probably talking before i popped my head out of the canteen.

Heres the gist of what i heard

Melanie Farrell. Final year communications student. Calm, sharp to the point and knows how to get her message across. What the message was i dont know wasnt listening. She seemed comfortable talking to an audience, had the skills that one would expect from a Campaigns and Information officer

Andrew Harford: Confident, self assured, to the point, impressive speaker. Actually paid attention.Authoritative manner about this guy. Doesn't seem like he takes any nonsense. Made some very valid points about online resources that reach out to students. Lost me when he mentioned rejuvenating the bars atmosphere (let it go its dead). Anyone talking about the bar is an instant loser.

Alan McHale: Public speaking isnt for you. being nice, you blew it.

All in all my vote goes to Andrew even though he talked nonsense about the bar.

After McHale i had to head of.

disclaimer* i don't know any of the candidates and am not affiliated to any clubs or society's so im unbiased

*if your from the collegeview write your own ****ing story.

Diarmsquid

Here's my take of the Presidential candidate's speeches.

Cillian Byrne:
Alright speech. Nothing too surprising really. "I will do my best" this, "I have loads of experience" that. I get the impression that he's smart and a hard worker, but maybe not that much of a leader.

Alan Keegan:
Most impressive I thought. Confident. Knows his stuff. Good track record. Actually understands the situation with the bar and has an actual plan on how to make progress, as opposed to the "I will work towards fixing the bar problem" line that other candidates gave. Very involved with his societies and all that.

Conor Mortimer:
Seemed to have a bit of a chip in his shoulder about the current SU. Speech starts with a load of cheering from the GAA head in the corner and goes on to accuse the election committee of purposefully putting him as the last speaker, when everyone is tired and not paying attention, to affect his chances. (it wouldn't be because his surname begins with M). Very confident. Hasn't had much SU involvement at all, but now wants to go for Pres?

tnkrbell

Diarmsquid wrote: »

Here's my take of the Presidential candidate's speeches.
.....
Conor Mortimer:
Seemed to have a bit of a chip in his shoulder about the current SU. Speech starts with a load of cheering from the GAA head in the corner and goes on to accuse the election committee of purposefully putting him as the last speaker, when everyone is tired and not paying attention, to affect his chances. (it wouldn't be because his surname begins with M). Very confident. Hasn't had much SU involvement at all, but now wants to go for Pres?

He obviously didn't read the bit in the constitution regarding the order in which hustings would take place.He's also going to be a bit upset when he sees the ballot papers!

yellowcurl

c0rk3r wrote: »

*if your from the collegeview write your own ****ing story.

Most definitely not from the College View, missed the hustings due to being ill so just wanted to hear what other people thought.

Katniss everMean

been out of the country for the last few days so I have missed most of what has been going on, just reading various candidates sites and college view articles, still not sure who I am going to vote for for some positions and I wont get to go to the debate because I wont be back from my intra job on time

Anyone know how the convenor speakers went?

angelkat

angelkat wrote:

Anyone know how the convenor speakers went

Pretty much okay, was only really paying attention to the Computing and Humanities ones, both candidates in each faculty came across pretty well.

yellowcurl wrote:

So for anyone who was at the hustings today, what were the general thoughts about it all??

Went to it not sure who to vote for and left it still not sure but a bit less unsure...

Really don't know about the Education & Welfare one, all 3 candidates came across very well and had their own styles which they all seemed quite comfortable with. All of them making valid points.

Campaign & Information on the other hand was different...it seemed to be very much one person who had well thought out, realistic, ideas and plans in their head and not just the usual "I will work hard for you" "I will fight for this that and the other" BS that you usually hear...Thought Andrew Harford's answer to the college view writer was quite impressive - the other 2 just sort of mumbled a reiteration.

As for president, went into it sort of close minded about who I was going to vote for but after hearing the speeches realised that in all fairness, I don't want someone without any realistic plans to be running the Student's Union and although there were one or two things I disagreed with in Keegan's speech, altogether I think he would be a good choice.
Cillian came across quite well also but I think he might be better in one of the other positions.
Mortimer made some valid points and somehow I think that if he was president, the social scene could be pretty good but I think the rest of the job might be a stumbling block...

haus

If anyone would like a question put to the presidental candidates in the upcoming debate pmemail: presidentquestions@gmail.com
The debate is on in the Venue at 6:30pm on Monday.

steo87

It just seems to me that the only reason the majority of people run for these positions is to boost their CVs, and don't really have the students' concerns at heart.

Just my opinion, so keep your "how bloody well dare you" crap to yourself.

lil_cain

steo87 wrote: »

It just seems to me that the only reason the majority of people run for these positions is to boost their CVs, and don't really have the students' concerns at heart.

Just my opinion, so keep your "how bloody well dare you" crap to yourself.

I don't think this is true of the majority of candidates. Some perhaps, but certainly all those running I know personally are doing it because they seem to genuinely want to change things. I think anyone who spent several years of their life involved in the S.U./Clubs and Socs/hanging round the college would have a list of things that they'd like to change.

AlanSparrowhawk

I don't really understand this whole "they're only doing it to put it on their CV" lark. What the **** does that mean? Some bloke is going to take a job doing some ****e in the students union for a year so he can tell an a potential employer -

no I don't have a any relevant work experience but I did answer a lot of emails from students last year
no I don't have a relevant qualification in this area but i have a proven track record of getting elected in students union.

you'd have to look inside every candidate to really understand their motives for doing this or indeed, anything in the world but random CV building i wouldn't think to be pretty high up on the list.

Garseys

my take on the hustings yesterday

Science and Health Convenor:

John Devine: Very nervous speaker I thought, mentioned how he wanted more computers in the science building and more learning workshops for students. didnt mention much else
Jenny Quigley: Confident speaker, Seemed to know the situation that was going on in the Science Faculty, wantes to redo the science and health ball with the target audience being the nursing students.

VP Campaigns and Informations:

Melanie Farrell: Liked Melanies Speech, I thought she did a good thing by not mentioning the bar(until she was asked about it). Seems someone who would very easily settle into the job of VP.
Andrew Harford: Most Confident of the lot, had some great ideas on how the SU and information should get out. plans to redo life.dcu.ie completely.
Was very impressed by his speech in general(after being slightly doubtful beforehand)
Alan McHale: Slightly disappointed by his speech, I didnt get one clear message about what he was going to do. He was nervous aswell so that could have put him off.

DP Education and Welfare:
Mark Egan: Gave a good speech, I really can't remember what his main points were.
Leeanne Heneghan: Very Confident Speaker, Mentioned about focusing on improving student health awareness and general wellbeing. Also said that her course(Nursing) would help alot if dealing with personal Cases.
John Murphy: Hurt my ears quite a lot:p(No Offense John!)Had some very good points, Making people aware of all the student support services there.

President:
Cillian: Gave a very good speech, Approached the Bar Issue. He also mentioned having an off-license on campus again. Opposed to fees aswell.

Alan:Best speech of the bunch. Wants Trispace out of the bar or for them to meet the Union halfway and put some work in. Raised the issue of the hub opening on weekends and making the campus more energy efficient. Also wants recycling bins outside spar.

Conor: Eh, not as bad as I expected him to be, Doesnt seem to know about the current situation(the bar) aswell as the other two candidates. Wants to bring in someone externally. Didn't offer a lot in the way of promises or such. didnt know what USI is.(or how much the membership to it is) he thought it would be a good idea to get other colleges opinions on how were running stuff. I'd be worried if he got elected.

Alanthroneus

steo87 wrote: »

It just seems to me that the only reason the majority of people run for these positions is to boost their CVs, and don't really have the students' concerns at heart.

Just my opinion, so keep your "how bloody well dare you" crap to yourself.

But, you don't have any eyebrows......

robby^5

Was running a GamesSoc event so missed hustings

But from what I've been told and heard it went pretty much as expected. However I'm kind of terrified the GAA-heads will just vote en masse for Conor Mortimer regardless of how little he knows about...well... anything.

Jasirl

I'd like to point out that nobody from the committee that is managing the Presidential debate has posted on this topic, so therefore all advertisments for the event on this threat previously have been referrals.

The event is taking place on the 6th of April. In the Venue. Arrive at 6.30 and will begin at 7 Sharp. As said before, those of you who wish to pose questions to the candidates, should email those questions to presidentquestions@gmail.com. Badgering or heckling ANY candidates will not be tolerated, this is a debate. If you wish to be heard, please email us your questions.

John - DCU Debate Secretary

gizmo

giveliberty wrote: »

Hi Folks

Just to make a correction to the first post.

The DCUfm Presidential Debate will be aired on Monday 6th April at 3.15pm on the News Crew Show NOT at 1.25pm.

This will be an indepth discussion based on candidates manifestos, student issues and the Students' Union.

So does that mean it will be streamed as usual on dcufm.com?

giveliberty

gizmo wrote: »

So does that mean it will be streamed as usual on dcufm.com?

That would be a yes. It will be aired through the DCUfm website, www.dcufm.com at 3.15 (ish) at the latest - might be a good idea to tune in earlier.

Slurmsy

robby^5 wrote: »

However I'm kind of terrified the GAA-heads will just vote en masse for Conor Mortimer regardless of how little he knows about...well... anything.

Well that's politics, people get the government they deserve. If Mortimer gets in purely on the GAA vote then the rest of the student body only have themselves to blame.

Killer_Cheese

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&id=651512220#/group.php?gid=65790583934&ref=mf

[DCU] Mark

Hello Everyone, Just thought I would post up a bit about myself and some issues I will be taking on. Sadly don't have a website so this will have to do.

I have been a student in DCU 3 years and am studying Computer Applications. Have been involved in many club and society committees from my first year in DCU, and this year went one better and set up a new soc(Paintball). I have a lot of drive to move form Clubs and Soc's into the Education and Welfare position and make a positive impact.

Will try to keep this as short as I can:

*Fight Fees with the other SU members, also be realistic that the new union may be too late to change this. If so have plans in place
to pass all the information on too all students. I want to make sure all students know what grants and assistence they are eligble for.
Sadly we may only know what exactly we are up against after the election. The goverments new budget on Tuesday will help shape this issue.

*More Resources around campus, specifically the library. There are not enough computers around campus, although during semesters
this is not an issue around exam times it can be hard to find a free terminal. Sitting on the Library committee I will push for more computers. Also from talking to some students and class reps there are not enough books for some courses, In these bad economic times we can't afford to buy the books some courses need so more copies need to be stocked in the Library.

*Stress is a big issue for some students, exams and constant assignments can be a drain. I will make sure students aren't heavly over worked to the point they have no time free to relax. This will be done through constant comunication with class reps and staff members in each faculty to ensure all projects aren't dumped on the class in the last two weeks of the semester.

*I will be an active participant in the Niteline service and suicide prevention schemes and help them grow as best I can. I will also be passionate in continuing and inproving the themed weeks that deal with students health(Please Talk, Shag week). I will work closely with the campaigns and Information officer in running and promoting these events, also I will try to get more clubs and societies involved in these weeks to hopefully bring some life back onto campus.

*Representation, the Deputy President sits on more boards/committees than any other sabatical position and I will represent the students as best I can and make sure we are not being overlooked or underestimated in any area. Example of some committees I will have a say in: Education committee, Govering Authority, University marks and standards board and many more.

Thanks for reading this far, If Elected I promise to work as hard as I can and I won't let you guys down. Few other issues I have and will try to get a website online over the weekend.

Thanks again,
Mark Egan.

sunnyjim

Slurmsy wrote: »

Well that's politics, people get the government they deserve. If Mortimer gets in purely on the GAA vote then the rest of the student body only have themselves to blame.

Mortimer probably has more pull in DCU than any of the rest of the candidates. Who cares if he's not up to scratch on the HMC, politics of the SU, etc.

irish_boy90

sunnyjim wrote: »

Mortimer probably has more pull in DCU than any of the rest of the candidates. Who cares if he's not up to scratch on the HMC, politics of the SU, etc.

sadly the first sentence may be true (others seems to know him, I sure as hell haven't)

if he does get elected I'd hope hed take note of what the other two lads planned on doing and go do it for them/us

irish_boy90

irish_boy90 wrote: »

sadly the first sentence may be true (others seems to know him, I sure as hell haven't)

if he does get elected I'd hope hed take note of what the other two lads planned on doing and go do it for them/us

Sort of worried about his other commitments...would the position get in the way of these?

steo87

Alanthroneus wrote: »

But, you don't have any eyebrows......

Oh touché Keegan, touché!

/*sniff* oh eyebrows, please come back

gizmo

sunnyjim wrote: »

Mortimer probably has more pull in DCU than any of the rest of the candidates. Who cares if he's not up to scratch on the HMC, politics of the SU, etc.

Whats the point in having all that pull when he has no idea what to do with it? Not knowing what the USI is, for instance, rings quite a few alarm bells in my opinion, nevermind the fact he didn't realise why he was the last person to speak at the hustings.

As for Cillian's manifesto, while he has some of the usual good points I was hoping to see something different this year. Instead all we're left with is the usual stuff about the bar (but without any definite plan), residences and fees. Hopefully we'll see more out of him as the campaign continues however.

sunnyjim

nevermind the fact he didn't realise why he was the last person to speak at the hustings.

I'm sorry to see that his lack of intimate knowledge on how to run hustings upsets you.

Does it matter that he wasn't too up to speed on the USI? There's plenty of work to get done for causes internal to DCU, without worrying over other colleges and useless blanket organisations.

What's the point in having all these great ideas, without having any manner to go about implementing them? If he can listen to people and make what they want happen (as opposed to their own silly ideas) then he'll be democracy personified.

[DCU] Mark

hello again,

Just set up a Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93460535999#/group.php?gid=93460535999&ref=nf

gizmo

sunnyjim wrote: »

I'm sorry to see that his lack of intimate knowledge on how to run hustings upsets you.

Does it matter that he wasn't too up to speed on the USI? There's plenty of work to get done for causes internal to DCU, without worrying over other colleges and useless blanket organisations.

What's the point in having all these great ideas, without having any manner to go about implementing them? If he can listen to people and make what they want happen (as opposed to their own silly ideas) then he'll be democracy personified.

It doesn't upset me in the slightest, it merely worries me as it shows a complete lack of common sense from someone who is going to have quite an important role in the college for many students.

There is a difference between being up to speed on the USI and knowing what it is. To then get up on the stage and do anything other than give a straight 'No' answer on the idea of rejoining them is an additional worry.

Also, the more I think about it the more I wonder about this "pull" factor. What is he going to do, refuse to play GAA for the college if they don't give him his way?

Diarmsquid

If Mortimer is elected, will it make him eligible to play for DCU again next year?

Slurmsy

sunnyjim wrote: »

Mortimer probably has . Who cares if he's not up to scratch on the HMC, politics of the SU, etc.

Every DCU student should care. Wtf is the point in having someone with "more pull in DCU than any of the rest of the candidates" who doesn't seem to have a grasp on even the most basic aspects of student politics.

Alanthroneus

Diarmsquid wrote: »

If Mortimer is elected, will it make him eligible to play for DCU again next year?

as far as i know yes .....

Slurmsy

gizmo wrote: »

Also, the more I think about it the more I wonder about this "pull" factor. What is he going to do, refuse to play GAA for the college if they don't give him his way?

I doubt anyone would be that petty. Talk about pulling out your eye to spite your face!

Landa2

Diarmsquid wrote: »

If Mortimer is elected, will it make him eligible to play for DCU again next year?

He will be a member of class SU1 so he will be the perfect sigerson player, no exam or study commitments

:|

Diarmsquid wrote: »

If Mortimer is elected, will it make him eligible to play for DCU again next year?

my thoughts exactly....

Korvuss

hopefully things will work out for the best of the college, im suprised someone running for SU president hasnt done much homework on the subject

boomboom

To be honest, if Mortimer was elected it would be a disaster for DCU students. Someone who doesn't know what the USI is is in no position to become a president of university student union.

Keegan for Pres! Experience in how the SU is run is (I feel) vital is this role which makes Keegan the only choice. I get the impression that Keegan is the only pres candidate who TRULY cares about the well being of the college and its students. It is not just a CV exercise for him. (While I feel that Byrne cares, he seems too laid back and not enough of a leader figure to tackle the role)

Keegan is also a realist and recognises that Trispace is a cancer which is slowly rotting the social aspect of DCU. Sorry for the strong metaphor but I think it captures the essence of what I'm trying to say quite well!!

The idea of "fresh blood" coming in "revitalizing" the SU (what I have heard said about Mortimer) does not make sense in the real world and does not wash with me.

DCU students can be a despondent and apathetic lot, but I hope that the many sane students who genuinely care about DCU will not lose their heads and instead will care enough about the college to make a decent decision on polling day, instead of voting someone in for the laugh. It'll only be funny for about two minutes....

goodgodholmes

Heneghan spoke very well at the Hustings, and out of all the Deputy candidates, I believe she has the least CV-building motives. She is a Nursing student, and at the end of the day a degree in Nursing is going to get you a job as a nurse whether you were on the S.U. or not.

She seems to have great ideas as well about S.U. visibility to faculties located away from the Hub, and difficulty with workload conflicting with student life for those in the Science & Health and Engineering & Computing faculties.

This is coming from a Humanities student.

She has my vote for Deputy Pres.

McHale has my vote for Vice, he's a very approachable person and would be a great go-to for students. He seemed nervous at the Hustings, but having spoken to him about the position I think he's the man for the job. He's the most recognisable face anyway which shows real interest and involvement, and seems to really want the best for DCU. Says he's done a good deal of committee work as well, and produced a few Drama shows, so he's got a bit of organisational experience. I think he'd be a very friendly face for first year students as well.

Keegan is the only way forward for Pres. Cillian Byrne seemed like a decent chap, he'd be going in full of enthusiasm, and seems well enough informed. But Keegan knows his stuff and it seems like he could really delve in and pick up right from where McClave left off with the minimal amount of hand-holding.



I've been pretty sure of Keegan & McHale all along, but was flitting between Heneghan and Murphy after Hustings, but having read LeeAnne's manifesto, she has earned my vote.

riemann

Diarmsquid wrote: »

If Mortimer is elected, will it make him eligible to play for DCU again next year?

That statement is 100% on the money.

Personally I couldn't care less who is elected but I know that a strong person is needed next year to help avoid the reintroduction of fees.

DCU seem to be more bothered about how their football team does rather than the welfare of most students anyway.

Also Conor seems like the two ends of a c-word so with a bit of luck he wont get in and that would be nice, although its in the best interests of the powers that be that he stays in the college so he can do what he does best aka kick a ball so I wouldnt hold my breath.

Katniss everMean

riemann wrote: »

That statement is 100% on the money.

Personally I couldn't care less who is elected but I know that a strong person is needed next year to help avoid the reintroduction of fees.

DCU seem to be more bothered about how their football team does rather than the welfare of most students anyway.

Also Conor seems like the two ends of a c-word so with a bit of luck he wont get in and that would be nice, although its in the best interests of the powers that be that he stays in the college so he can do what he does best aka kick a ball so I wouldnt hold my breath.

if this was the reason he was running he could have just went for a masters lot less hassle I really hope he is asked this at the debate.

Personally I hope Alan gets it, his goals aren't unachievable and he is not under the allusion that he alone could prevent fees, no DCU SU president could, but working with the USI (I know where not a member anymore) I believe he could at least help in a positive way.

public_enemy

With regards to Education and Welfare, I don't get the impression that any of them at all are running just to improve their CVs, it's a tad narrow minded to judge them on who needs the job most from a future careers perspective. While Leanne and Mark seem competent enough, John Murphy is the best candidate, he has the clearest idea of what he wants to achieve in the position and he has the experience and the skills to get the work done.

Andrew Harford seems to be the best person for Campaigns & Information right now. He's given lots of very clear information on his opinions and his intentions.

In terms of President, I was always likely to vote for Al, knowing him from his Clubs and Socs work. After seeing the other two at hustings though, there's really no choice in the matter.

cocoa

must say I've been very impressed with the level of competition this year with posters about all over the campus. I didn't manage to get to hustings so most of my views are based on the posters and knowing certain of the candidates.

I do wish that they'd put a bit more substance in the posters though (mind you, I wished the same around the time of the general election so maybe it's wishing in vain...). Some candidates do actually give info but when I see simply a picture and 'Vote for <name>' I make an instant 'probably won't vote for <name>' note in my head. The worst was 'Vote for me, I'm a nurse!'.

I reckon I'll vote for Keegan but cillian looks like he wouldn't do a half bad job either so won't mind if either of them gets it, still haven't heard anything about mortimer apart from the annoying 'vote for me for no obvious reason' nonsense... For the other positions I'm not too worried, will take another look through manifestos on Monday.

Slurmsy

Angelkat7 wrote: »

if this was the reason he was running he could have just went for a masters lot less hassle

Wouldn't that cost him a lot of money though? At least this way he'd get to still play for DCU and it wouldn't cost him anything. In fact he'd be getting paid due to being the SU Pres.

Not that I'm saying this is why he's running, but it is an interesting angle all the same. Makes as much sense as people running as a CV exercise, as some posters are have claimed.

birthdayboy

cocoa wrote: »

I do wish that they'd put a bit more substance in the posters though (mind you, I wished the same around the time of the general election so maybe it's wishing in vain...). Some candidates do actually give info but when I see simply a picture and 'Vote for <name>' I make an instant 'probably won't vote for <name>' note in my head. The worst was 'Vote for me, I'm a nurse!'.

The majority of posters are just there to get people to remember the candidates names to be honest and most of them have the name of their websites if you want to dig up more info. Most candidates also have facebook/bebo pages or at least an email address if you want to find out more information.

Also that poster your talking about actually says 'Trust me! I'm a nurse!' and gives a website with details of the candidate.

The information on almost all the candiadates is out there if you want it and by and large the posters tell you how to find it, or you could bother to attend things like hustings, union council or listen to the debates etc.

cocoa

birthdayboy wrote: »

The majority of posters are just there to get people to remember the candidates names to be honest and most of them have the name of their websites if you want to dig up more info. Most candidates also have facebook/bebo pages or at least an email address if you want to find out more information.

Also that poster your talking about actually says 'Trust me! I'm a nurse!' and gives a website with details of the candidate.

The information on almost all the candiadates is out there if you want it and by and large the posters tell you how to find it, or you could bother to attend things like hustings, union council or listen to the debates etc.

yep, I didn't bother to go to hustings because I'm lazy, and I definitely haven't read all of the manifestos posted in this thread...

It's hardly unreasonable to vote for candidates who have already convinced me why I should, and not vote for candidates who can't be bothered to include such information in their most obvious form of publication.

birthdayboy

well considering as how theres no candidate at all with any real information in their posters i would have thought its less a case of not bothering and more a case of believing that its better to keep them to a simple image and name that stays in the mind of whoevers looking at it especially when you see how cluttered the entire uni is with everyones posters and the average attention span of students.

happy voting either way

loumac

Just a slight error in Angelkat7's post. The correct time for the DCUfm broadcast is 3.05pm on Monday. Tune in www.dcufm.com

riemann

loumac wrote: »

Just a slight error in Angelkat7's post. The correct time for the DCUfm broadcast is 3.05pm on Monday. Tune in www.dcufm.com

No thanks.

Sounds like it will be very good though. Politics and some communications students. Right on the money.
Have a back up server just in case...

TheDeparted

boomboom wrote: »

To be honest, if Mortimer was elected it would be a disaster for DCU students. Someone who doesn't know what the USI is is in no position to become a president of university student union.



DCU students can be a despondent and apathetic lot, but I hope that the many sane students who genuinely care about DCU will not lose their heads and instead will care enough about the college to make a decent decision on polling day, instead of voting someone in for the laugh. It'll only be funny for about two minutes....

Yeah, because knowing what the USI is is really important. My ass. People take student politics way too seriously, talking about manifestos and such. In reality, the SU has zero influence on policy, zilch.

What you want is someone who could get a good social scene going.

What do you mean it'll be only funny for two minutes? Do you think the college is going to fall apart because Mortimer doesn't know what the SUI is?

Anything Mortimer needs to know about USI or mundane SU rules (such as the order of speakers..real important that, FFS) he could learn on the job.

He's going to walk it, mark my words.