Sean Campbell for President of DITSU 2010

tonyfloney · 16-02-2010 11:53PM #1

Hi

I was looking at http://www.ditsu.ie/elections-2010 and I read Sean Campbells manifesto, it looks good and to be fair he is looking at changing DIT not the students union. I dont care about the students union is ran, but I do care about what DIT do. Campbell seems to be have worked this year and I will be voting for him. I was listening to him in kevin st today and he has passion. The other guy wanted to have a go at the student that asked the question...how rude was that, am glad he got a boo at the end.

what ye think, am voting for him.

wixfjord · 17-02-2010 04:53PM

Yeah hes very good and works very hard and passionate, which is what you need. I normally dont vote cos its a load of bollocks tbh, nothing in DIT will ever change, the SU has f.a. power at all its and generally full of idiots wanting to take a sabbatical and do nothing. But he strikes me as a good guy and Ill be voting for him.

wixfjord · 17-02-2010 04:57PM

I have hade the displeasure of meeting that Nevin guy once also, real comedian :rolleyes:

shoutman · 17-02-2010 06:19PM

That Nevin chap is coming across as an absolute politician, and i'm using that in a derogatory sense.
His promises of sweeping changes etc is the biggest drivel ever! Going to make DIT more unified, WTF?
IMO they seem like very vague and untracable election promises, but that said I don't know the chap, he could be very nice and hardworking but through his campaign alone I'm voting for Campbell.

wixfjord · 17-02-2010 06:27PM

shoutman wrote: »

That Nevin chap is coming across as an absolute politician, and i'm using that in a derogatory sense.
His promises of sweeping changes etc is the biggest drivel ever! Going to make DIT more unified, WTF?
IMO they seem like very vague and untracable election promises, but that said I don't know the chap, he could be very nice and hardworking but through his campaign alone I'm voting for Campbell.

You might know him from his 'comedy' act. Done it a few times in Bolton and Aungier St during rag week etc iirc.

The Volt · 17-02-2010 06:59PM

Nevin's also all for pushing us out of USI. Campbell is getting my vote.

FewFew · 17-02-2010 07:01PM

Does a post like this work under the election regulations?

I don't know a lot about the Nevin chap, but based on his performance at a few governing councils I reckon he's generally on the ball. I can see how he'd come across as annoying though, I can't really imagine him being the type of chap I'd get along with, but I think he's the type of guy who'd fight for what he wants.

Sean Campbell on the other hand... seems to me to be a bit of a joke. Sure he's big and loud and full of sound bites, but he hasn't impressed me in his current vice president role and I wouldn't trust him with the presidency. If you're talking politicians, Sean Campbell has struck me as more of a politician than the other lad, though he's more Cowen than Obama.

FewFew · 17-02-2010 07:02PM

Voltwad wrote: »

Nevin's also all for pushing us out of USI. Campbell is getting my vote.

I'm pretty sure the student body has to vote as a whole if it wants to leave USI (or at least I hope it does... if not that's a bit messed up.) but the way USI have acted over the last year I'd actually be in favour of explaining the issue and giving the student body the option.

The Volt · 17-02-2010 07:06PM

Fewcifur wrote: »

I'm pretty sure the student body has to vote as a whole if it wants to leave USI (or at least I hope it does... if not that's a bit messed up.) but the way USI have acted over the last year I'd actually be in favour of explaining the issue and giving the student body the option.

We should always look to change the USI set up rather than just up and leave, evidently there are things they could do better but I actually think a lot of the things they achieve go unsung.

It would have to go to a referendum yes but DITSU could easily pull the thing off with their resources that they'd have in comparison to people who actually know what's going on and aren't just swayed by promises of parties etc.

FewFew · 17-02-2010 07:32PM

Voltwad wrote: »

We should always look to change the USI set up rather than just up and leave, evidently there are things they could do better but I actually think a lot of the things they achieve go unsung.

It would have to go to a referendum yes but DITSU could easily pull the thing off with their resources that they'd have in comparison to people who actually know what's going on and aren't just swayed by promises of parties etc.

Pretty sure TCD tried just such a thing about six years ago and lost the referendum. Give the student body more credit.
The way the USI behaved of late... and then when they were called to a Q&A with DIT's SU they didn't apologise, they just got all aggro as if they shouldn't have even been there in the first place... well, I don't think it's all that terrible if leaving USI is suggested. If your union in work is doing a bad job, then leave and join a new union... don't go-on paying the big wigs thousands as you try to crawl up the ranks.

The Volt · 17-02-2010 07:40PM

Fewcifur wrote: »

Pretty sure TCD tried just such a thing about six years ago and lost the referendum. Give the student body more credit.
The way the USI behaved of late... and then when they were called to a Q&A with DIT's SU they didn't apologise, they just got all aggro as if they shouldn't have even been there in the first place... well, I don't think it's all that terrible if leaving USI is suggested. If your union in work is doing a bad job, then leave and join a new union... don't go-on paying the big wigs thousands as you try to crawl up the ranks.

They didn't apologize for supporting ICTU which they shouldn't have to in my opinion. DITSU criticized them for that

wixfjord · 17-02-2010 09:15PM

Just thinking about it Im in 4th year now so these elections mean nothing for me at all.

Also wonder will either of these two or any of the other candidates have the balls to come onto boards and answer our questions? Wasnt Sean Campbell on it before? Any mods care to extend an invitation?

VonLuck · 17-02-2010 11:55PM

Actually I was looking at that guy who asked Nevin the question in Kevin Street. He asked him a question about the work he did on a position for the last 7 months. When Ciaran asked him what exact work/position he was talking about, the guy shrugged his shoulders. Seemed like he was talking about something a bit over his head :rolleyes:

But Nevin seems like a cool guy. I've been at a few events that he's MC'd and he seems to be sound enough. On the other hand I haven't seen anything from Campbell all year...

I'll be giving Nevin my vote anyways.

Sheeps · 18-02-2010 12:44AM

Change seems to be a neat little buzz word when it comes to elections ever since Obama won the election in America. Oh well, I'll be voting for the worst candidate if I vote for anyone.

projectmayhem · 18-02-2010 01:25AM

wixfjord wrote: »

Any mods care to extend an invitation?

Would love to but anytime I've tried to contact the SU either personally or on a "come visit boards" mission I've had no reply.

In that regard I'll probably abstain from voting. They're all eejits in my mind, and in my time in the halls of DIT nothing has actually ever changed on the ground. The same complaints keep coming up, the same basic flaws exist in the place and that one hand dryer in Kevin st. (at the snackery) has never, ever worked.

Rb · 18-02-2010 01:28AM

I just wish the money spent on that useless shower of pricks could be used elsewhere in DIT.

Edit: I don't care what Sean Campbell has to say fwiw, he can promise the world but fact remains that he did sweet fck all this year and only showed up here to try and claim that the union had won some sort of battle when the Green Party used the retention of free fees against Fianna Fail to garner some support after an abysmal performance in the local elections.

Sheeps · 18-02-2010 01:33AM

I used to hold that attitude, and actually in my five years at DIT, it was at the start of this college year that I actually saw the SU actually trying to get something done for the first time. In semester 1, Tracy Flinter ruffled a few feathers and basically turned around to the DIT administration and asked them what the fuck they were at. Not sure anything came of it the meeting she organised with the heads of school, but she certainly highlighted just how embarrassing some of the cutbacks were to them (timetabling, room allocation, the gym, non renewal of non academic staff leading to bio hazards in the labs, up to 50% loss of content in some courses due to non-full time staff contract renewals etc. ).

Still not gonna vote though.

tonyfloney · 18-02-2010 10:41AM

Rb wrote: »

I just wish the money spent on that useless shower of pricks could be used elsewhere in DIT.

Edit: I don't care what Sean Campbell has to say fwiw, he can promise the world but fact remains that he did sweet fck all this year and only showed up here to try and claim that the union had won some sort of battle when the Green Party used the retention of free fees against Fianna Fail to garner some support after an abysmal performance in the local elections.

Dude

WTF....man you need to get a grip, have a look at what this guy did this year his reports are all on line for 22000 students to see....
http://ditsu.ie/gov-council-09-10

Try the work plans for the year...

http://ditsu.ie/cms-filesystem-action/docuploads/governing_council/2009_-_2010/ditsu%20workplans%200910.pdf

Dude the students union works....I hate the way people dont look for themselves and see whats going on rather than ranting on boards...;););)

Rb · 18-02-2010 01:05PM

tonyfloney wrote: »

Dude

WTF....man you need to get a grip, have a look at what this guy did this year his reports are all on line for 22000 students to see....
http://ditsu.ie/gov-council-09-10

Try the work plans for the year...

http://ditsu.ie/cms-filesystem-action/docuploads/governing_council/2009_-_2010/ditsu%20workplans%200910.pdf

Dude the students union works....I hate the way people dont look for themselves and see whats going on rather than ranting on boards...;););)

You need to get off his nuts imo. I hope he's paying you for this.

FewFew · 18-02-2010 05:31PM

See, this irritates me no end, when someone joins boards and goes straight for the sales pitch. I'd give the people you're trying to convince some credit there Tony, you've got a total of 16 posts, probably all relating to how great Sean Campbell is... people can see stuff like that and it looks bad. If you're not Sean Campbell and not part of his team then I'm sure they'll not be thanking you.

Everyone should vote... if you're not happy with someone then vote for RON (re-open nominations.) If you're really unhappy with the SU then a RON vote is the best way to tell them to stick it. Not voting will just be put down to lazy students etc etc.

Rb · 18-02-2010 08:00PM

Fewcifur wrote: »

See, this irritates me no end, when someone joins boards and goes straight for the sales pitch. I'd give the people you're trying to convince some credit there Tony, you've got a total of 16 posts, probably all relating to how great Sean Campbell is... people can see stuff like that and it looks bad. If you're not Sean Campbell and not part of his team then I'm sure they'll not be thanking you.

Everyone should vote... if you're not happy with someone then vote for RON (re-open nominations.) If you're really unhappy with the SU then a RON vote is the best way to tell them to stick it. Not voting will just be put down to lazy students etc etc.

Ty

One for RON here anyway.

pugsymalone · 18-02-2010 09:48PM

(Rant) At the hustings Sean Campbell said that he wanted the number of non-academic staff reduced because of the cut to the DIT budget. After giving out all year because the gyms were shut, the library hours were reduced, and there weren't enough lab technicians to run labs, are the SU now going to roll over and support the reduction of these services?
The SU should be fighting the cuts in the budget and trying to keep these services open, instead of supporting IBEC and the Government in their attacks on workers. (Rant over)

FewFew · 18-02-2010 11:17PM

Here's a facebook group supporting RON ... tell your friends in DIT, let them know there is an option when there seems like there's not.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=318754615418

Sheeps · 18-02-2010 11:32PM

why yes let me just sign right up

Appleguy · 19-02-2010 01:22PM

Can i ask you how many of you actually attended the presidential debate last night?

From the posts i've read most (if not all) of you have a very skewed idea of the missions of both candidates. Which were easily clarified last night in no more than an hour.

Before you go shooting your mouth off in either candidates favour i suggest you get the facts behind each candidate and the views they represent.

projectmayhem · 19-02-2010 02:50PM

Appleguy wrote: »

Can i ask you how many of you actually attended the presidential debate last night?

I'm a part-time (evening) student so am not catered for in such instances. Ever. As such couldn't attend even if I wanted to.

Having said that, it is not the job of the people to make themselves aware of what these people put forward, it's the job of the politicians to put their ideas to the people. Not one of the posters, leaflets or rhetoric says what these guys plan on doing - or how they plan on doing it. Like I said before, in my years in the hallowed halls of Kevin st., not once have I noticed an actual change when a new president & team were elected.

For example, the one thing I noticed this year was the new "team" using boards.ie a lot more. Even going as far as to recommend it as a source of information in the "welcome to DIT" packs for new students. We (the mods, cmods and all that jazz) did our best to accomodate new users and help people find answers and what not. The SU logged in to discuss topics with the students using boards. Since Novemberish, however, we've neither seen or heard from the SU people. The start of the year use of boards was just a way to win some popularity, and then move on. Watch as they flock back here again around election time.

ajxx · 19-02-2010 07:57PM

tonyfloney wrote: »

Dude

WTF....man you need to get a grip, have a look at what this guy did this year his reports are all on line for 22000 students to see....
http://ditsu.ie/gov-council-09-10

Try the work plans for the year...

http://ditsu.ie/cms-filesystem-action/docuploads/governing_council/2009_-_2010/ditsu%20workplans%200910.pdf

Dude the students union works....I hate the way people dont look for themselves and see whats going on rather than ranting on boards...;););)

I think Tony your post history says enough.

If you wanna see Nevins work plans check
http://www.ditsu.ie/elections-2010-candidate-for-president-2

Like most DIT Students I have no daily involvement with the students union. I do know that when in first year everyone knew Bob Coggins, and in second year we all knew Sean Gilsenan - from seeing them on the ground talking to classes and people. My class rep in second year got a lot of assistance over course issues from Sharon in Aungier St and Mary Scally. They were brilliant in fixing some serious issues in our course - and what they did on those occasions is worth the €360 (quoting one of the candidates the other day we each pay €80 a year towards the SU as part of our capitation).

Iv read the manifestos of both and Nevins appears a lot more practical. He also talks about reform of DITSU - Sean talks about Reforming DIT.

You cant change anybody but yourself....

Realistically like most DIT students I dont particularly care about the SU? My lecturers laugh at election time and when class reps are being signed up... Why? cause they know the union has no real power. If Nevin gets in the SU might be something we get involved in - and worth doing - not just something thats hidden in the basement with a load of pure theorists...

And while I know my post count is low, I think Tony its pretty obvious that your a connected party. Anybody who isnt sure or who wants a real opinion read the manifestos of both - or talk to someone whos actually involved in either the Student's Union or one of the societies.

And in the interest of equality Il push Nevins links below seeing as Seans accomplishments are up
http://tr.im/anewhero http://tr.im/nevin

ajxx · 19-02-2010 08:00PM

projectmayhem wrote: »

I'm a part-time (evening) student so am not catered for in such instances. Ever. As such couldn't attend even if I wanted to.

For example, the one thing I noticed this year was the new "team" using boards.ie a lot more. Even going as far as to recommend it as a source of information in the "welcome to DIT" packs for new students. .

Can you not attend? Clash of timetable or?

Part time students have all rights of full time students in the SU - I did a Part Time course in addition to being in Aungier St full time.

Also I think that the welcome pack comes from campus life, not the student's union.

Appleguy · 19-02-2010 08:50PM

projectmayhem wrote: »

I'm a part-time (evening) student so am not catered for in such instances. Ever. As such couldn't attend even if I wanted to.

I can understand that part time students are sometimes not counted. But your vote is as valid as any full time students so its important you use it. As you said yourself you couldn't have attended "even if you wanted to" hence you had no interest anyway. If you did you would have skipped whatever lecture you had if it meant that much to you. From Ciaran Nevin's manifesto it appears he is working to bring part time students into the union more next year. This was the first presidential debate ever in DIT so im sure they will work on a time that suits both full and part time students next year.

projectmayhem wrote: »

Having said that, it is not the job of the people to make themselves aware of what these people put forward, it's the job of the politicians to put their ideas to the people. Not one of the posters, leaflets or rhetoric says what these guys plan on doing - or how they plan on doing it.

I totally disagree with you there. Both Ciaran and Sean couldn't have more information out there and are very visible over all the sites. And it is TOTALLY THE RESPONSIBILITY of the voter to become aware of what the candidates aims are. You need this information to make an informed decision.

Dublinstiofán · 19-02-2010 08:57PM

Voltwad wrote: »

Nevin's also all for pushing us out of USI. Campbell is getting my vote.

Ciaran never said that dont know where you heard it.

What he did say last night at the presidential debate was that he wanted to make USI earn the €5 per student they get from DIT. As they are currently not doing what they are supposed to be doing!
He wants to invoke change in the USI by making them earn the money that they get each year as opposed to just handing it over initially without any stipulations.

Get your facts straight.

Dublinstiofán · 19-02-2010 09:35PM

projectmayhem wrote: »

Would love to but anytime I've tried to contact the SU either personally or on a "come visit boards" mission I've had no reply.

I know Ciaran is monitoring this thread but hasn't actually seen anything on it that hasn't already been addressed in his manifesto, in person or at the debate last night. If you need a direct answer to a question from Ciaran i suggest you post it on his facebook page. He (and his team) maintain this page every day and it is the easiest place to get a straight answer should you need one.

projectmayhem wrote: »

In that regard I'll probably abstain from voting. They're all eejits in my mind, and in my time in the halls of DIT nothing has actually ever changed on the ground. The same complaints keep coming up, the same basic flaws exist in the place and that one hand dryer in Kevin st. (at the snackery) has never, ever worked.

I cant agree with you on this one. While i can appreciate your frustration about continually complaining about a certain issue and it still not being dealt with i can only say that you may be complaining to the wrong people. I do agree that in the past it has taken a long time for some things to be done. Theres no denying it. It is hard to find the person to get things done but hopefully this will change in the future.

The problem in this instance is communication. This is a difficult thing to control in DIT due to its scattered nature. There are so many staff positions in DIT it has been common over previous years that one or more members of the team either part time or full time has not being pulling their weight. And not living up to expectations.

Ciaran's way of dealing with this is to appoint an elected part time paid representative. A sort of last resort "Go - To" person who if your complaint is not being heard when it is vented to the appropriate staff member you will be able to go to this part time member and they will chase up the matter for you and see that a solution is found. This will be the only responsibility of this member and hence they will be able to deal with it as its the only thing they will have to do.

In response to the communication issue in DIT i know that Ciaran feels that the new means of communication are not being used enough to correspond with students.

Ciaran's measures to improve this communication are to use facebook, youtube and other new mediums of communication to address students. Methods that students are more inclined to use or read. At the moment DITSU send out one e-mail a month full of information and the majority of students never even read.

We all know that the e-mail system in DIT is a joke and at the debate last night it was mentioned that Gmail was a potential provider for DIT in the future. It was also mentioned that it would actually save money annually in comparison to using the current system. As IT services have so much maintenance/trouble with it.

Sean Campbell for President of DITSU 2010

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