UCDSU Elections- Election Campaigns Start

dublin | politics / elections | opinion/analysis

Friday February 06, 2004 18:07

by Sean Phillips - UCD Student

Now that nominations close the campaigns are going to get started 'officially' tomorrow afternoon. Many on IMC would be interested in what's going on in these elections. Here is my honest analysis of the 5 different races. (Note to Editors: delete any trolls, please don't let this turn into last one!)

-PRESIDENT-

There are 4 candidates. Fergal Scully (2nd Year Social Science), Séamus Ó Maonaigh (2nd Year Arts), Greg Park (3rd Year Commerce) and Richard Waghorne (2nd Year Arts).

Fergal Scully could well be a winner, however he has tough competition with Séamus Ó Maonaigh. Scully has much on his side. His maturity will help as will being on the left of the spectrum with the election machine of the left behind him. One big handicap that Scully has is that he has not got the charisma of Dillon or Murphy- the left candidates of last year. Charisma is something that Ó Maonaigh is not short of. He is known for attending all society events and for his regular article in the Tribune "Seamus in the City". He is seen as a joke, a bit of a laugh. However he may also be seen as experienced as he is, on paper, the Chiar of Council and was last years Welfare Officer. Seamus is to the right. If Scully's team get his views on Women's rights out there it will damage Ó Maonaigh. badly. Park is unlikely to win as he has not got much of a team behind him. He sees the President as a shop manager, with no campaigning role whatsoever- except to get more services under SU control. Waghorne is known for his opposition to the Coke ban and was elected, narrowly, to the Academic Council. Waghorne is unlikely to win but will have many fresh ideas that may win him a respectable vote.

-EDUCATION-

There are 2 candidates, Darren Cogavin (2nd Year Social Science) and James Carroll (2nd Year Law).

This is a straight left v right divide, just like last year. Both candidates are presentable and electable. It's likely to be a tough contest for both sides. James Carroll is a member of Fianna Fáil, which he sees as damaging for him so has said he has resigned. Cogavin is a member of the Socialist Party. Carroll has damaged himself among many by stating that the Union's Anti Deportation Campaign was a waste of time. Carroll will try to play on the opposition that exists among some to the issues that the current executive took up. On the other hand Cogavin will claim that protests do work and can point to the Library. This is too close to call- it will be tight and a classic left v right vote.

-ENTS-

There are 2 candidates, Ciara Davey (Sports Management) and Gearóid Cashman ()

Cashman is the 'Craic Soc' candidate. This group have been involved in breaking the college alcohol policy by drinking on-campus in Belfield's 'moonlight tavern'. This may be popular among many students as the College policy is seen as oppressive by many on Res who cannot even bring cans home without being stopped by security. Davey is unknown, however she may well be a 'dark horse'. If she puts in a good campaign she can become the first female Ents Officer in living memory. Davey may play on being responsible may play on not being up for silly booze filled events. Cashman's Craic Soc affilliations will work for him, but also against him.

-DEPUTY PRESIDENT and WELFARE-

In these elections there are one candidate for each position. Ciarán Weafer (2nd Arts) is running for Deputy President. Shane Hennelly (2nd Social Science) is running for Welfare. In all elections there is an option "Re-open nominations" that is an additional 'candidate'.

Ciarán Weafer is a dead cert to win. He has a record throughout the year. Weafer was prominant in the Chernobyl campaign which raised €20k for charity. This seems to have now fallen under the DP's brief. Weafer is also prominant on the SU Council and has been active in Library sit-ins and in supporting jailed class rep David Murphy. There is highly unlikely to be any organised 'vote RON' campaign.

In the Welfare race this is not the case, Shane Hennelly has been opposing much of what the left have done throughout the year. He has also been criticised for not knowing what a Welfare Officer does. One candidate in the election even described him as an opportunist. His manifesto is likely to outline what the welfare officer does and he may not stray into original ideas. Although there may be a RON campaing against him it's still unlikely that he will not win.

This is a serious piece, please don't turn the comments into trolls and electioneering PLEASE!