Preliminary Analysis of the UCDSU Sabbattical Elections 2004

by JRR Token Thu Dec 18, 2003 18:54

Rumour has the Dark Lord from the Midlands is planning a return. Searching for the Ring of Power, Aonghus may rerun.

However, a Fellowship of the Left is forming around modern-day dwarf Paul Murphy. Elf-like Finghín, brother of Oisín, of the House of Kelly, will target Education while Dwyer the Grey may yet run for Welfare Officer.

The Uruk-Hai of the Right will not stand idly by. The ugliness and complete unpopularity of Brian O'Farrell has already ensured a RON campaign team lined up on the side of good.

Meanwhile, it is unclear who will run for ENTS - their size and likeness to trees may make for confusion.

In other news the entire readership of Indymedia, bar four UCD hacks, has already moved on to another story.

by The Insider Thu Dec 18, 2003 19:04

Any indications that some of the three UCDSU sabbats will be running for USI? The Organisation has always been better with a strong left leadership.

by Angry Liberal Thu Dec 18, 2003 19:28

There is so many posts of actual importance here it is a pity that Talleyrand didn't add to them.Not that the student's union isn't important,just that this post has more to do with hack-chat,uninformed rumour mongering than actual relevant student politics.Can you not all just stay in te student centre and do it there.

by USI insider Thu Dec 18, 2003 19:31

I have heard talk of who is running for the uber-hack positions in USI. Trinners are going with a double wammy with candidates in Education and Welfare. Helledd Fychan Trinners Education officer going for USI Education, and Michael Miley Trinners Welfare Officer going for USI Welfare. Judging by the amount of Christmas cards he's sending out it looks like Southern Area Officer FG's J. P. McArdle is going for President. It is also speculated that NUI Galway's Welfare Officer will attempt to fill Priestly's shoes.

One thing can be assured is that none of the current bunch are going to run again (other than good auld JP) if they have any sense. They have been a complete failure under Priestey. They've had 3 big problems: 3 resignations on the Officerboard, General Manager running away with the cash, and Brighid Breathneach.

Despite presiding over a Cultural Revolution in UCD it's unlikely that Dillon, Regan or Kelly will go for positions as their sharp left criticism of USI leaders would gaurentee that they be lumbered with office for another year.

by su critic Thu Dec 18, 2003 20:03

Don't know about the O'Neill man going for Pres. Think he will run for L & H auditor, as next year marks the 150th anniversary of the most prestigous debating society in the country, and O'Neill has been grooming
himself for quite a while now, speaking at many LawSoc and L & H debates, and building up numerous SU/KBC/L&H contacts in the event he has to put a campaign team together. Ms.Connolly may run also having gained invaluable experience this year as Ciaran Lawlor's confidante, and there are several people who would just love a female auditor.
Robbie Morrogh was rumoured to be running for Welfare, but it seems likely he will run for Deputy Pres. Will he have competition from Derm Looney or maybe Dermo is heading for Pres??
Doubt James Carroll will run for Pres, he's a more likely candidate for Education, as he has been doing a lot of work on the education committee, at library protetsts etc. recently.
Ents could see C & E co-auditor Conor Buckley up against re-runner Shane Pollard; auditor of the failing PartySoc.

by pc Thu Dec 18, 2003 23:30

i started at a cdvec this september having being to a proper college i was surprised to see no student body in existence (well a there a few heads trying)

ive never had a good impression of students unions full of infighting and pet projects etc,
and judgementally never liked the people who ran for positions, but even secondary schools have student councils now

there cdvec are in a crappy state and the students do need a voice, so ive started helping to create one (working one)

im means there good aand bad clubs and socs are good and socials but there so much political shite, i try to steer clear of the left right divide as much as possible not intereted in that personally, much prefer ethics and justice(yes an idealistist i am)

having always treid to help people out and with recent experience saying you gotta make the place better not just complain about it i feel obliged to help create a student union


any advice

i feel im crossing over to the dark side

by antrophe Thu Dec 18, 2003 23:40

Bit early to be getting subjected to this shite, innit?

by The Insider Fri Dec 19, 2003 12:32

What's the story with the other 60 odd colleges in the country? Is there any CFE in NUI Galway for example? Any lefties running for the SU?

by SU CRITIC Fri Dec 19, 2003 12:50

The other colleges have their elections at different times to UCD. For example, Trinners have theirs at the start of the academic year. UCD is one of the most political colleges in Ireland, with people running for elections on CFE/KBC/FG platforms. Others colleges have just ordinary people running for positions. CFE does not exist in UCC, and socialist/leftie parties are very small there, with FF dominating always. In contrast, the Greenparty dominates in NUI Maynooth.

by What's that smell....Bullshit! Fri Dec 19, 2003 15:44

In relation to what has been posted in this part of the website I wish to say that I find that Tallyrand's analysis of the people who may intend on running for Sabbatical Positions to be inaccurate and totally misleading in nature. Though it is interesting to witness those many people who are interested in the positions, I find it hard to believe what Tallyrand commented on former Welfare Officer Séamus Ó Maonaigh and his lack of ability to collect ample signatures for the race. When he withdrew from the race last year, clearly it left Mr Dillon with more of an advantage than he could ever have wished for. Are the other presedential candidtaes any match for Ó Maonaigh who has plenty of Union experience ands acts as Chair of Union Council for this academic season? We will just have to wait and see, though my money is on Ó Maonaigh to covet the title.

by Daithí Fri Dec 19, 2003 17:16

TCD elections aren't at the start of the academic year, they're near the end of the second term (end of Feb/start of Mar).

by TCD Tallyman Fri Dec 19, 2003 18:18

Tell us

by Gregg O'Neill - "KBC/L&H/FG Platform" Fri Dec 19, 2003 18:58 01 716 3100

For the 100th time, I am NOT running for SU President or L&H Auditor or indeed anything else that would require me to take another year out from my studies. Apart from the fact that as I'm not a member of the union and am therefore ineligible to run, next year I plan to (finally) finish my degree and leave UCD.

Maybe whoever wrote the original post should check their facts next time

by UCD forum boy Fri Dec 19, 2003 19:12

Is there any truth in the rumour that the SP will be standing candidates for 4 sabbat positions this year. I heard that the following candidates are standing

President - Paul Murphy
Deputy Pres - Darren Cogaven
Education - Finighin Kelly
Welfare - Olivia O'Neill

by hack Fri Dec 19, 2003 19:15

Gregg you know well that you could easily get membership of the SU easy enough. The IAB gave it to Donnacha Woulfe so he could stand for President last year.

by trinity su wathcher Fri Dec 19, 2003 20:43

Daithi McSithigh should run. He stood up against the FFascists when Avril Power was president and is still well known in Trinity. Apart from his history in Labour theres no reason why the left or whats left of it in here shouldnt rally behind him and take back the SU!

by who is daithi Fri Dec 19, 2003 21:28

daithi on the above post. nice to know you think so highly of yourself

by Daithí Fri Dec 19, 2003 22:25

Oh come on, I have better things to do with my time than start rumours about myself....

And I can also spell my own surname. And Averil (not Avril) Powers'. However, I did write the post about the TCD elections being in the second term. Which was a point of fact. If some anony-mouse wants to make something more of that, that's their problem.

by SU critic Sat Dec 20, 2003 22:39

With regard to your comment Mr.O'Neill that whoever wrote the piece on you running, to check their facts next time,I want to say for god's sake take a chill pill. No-one said you were def running they said they think you might run. Furthermore, no-one is def running at this stage, its all just speculation.

The 4 leftie candidates could have major competition from the right.
Pres-Michael Binchy/Seamus O'Maonaigh/Richard Waghorne.
Deputy Pres-Robbie Morrough
Education-James Carroll
Welfare-Lily Phelan
Ents-Anthony Kelly/Conor Buckley

The lefties have had it too easy this year. They are starting to dominate campus, and the right are sick of the left winning the upper hand. They will put up a good fight...

by Pierce Farrell - UCDSU Council Sun Dec 21, 2003 08:22 a00bf363 at student dot ucd dot ie Not fuckin' likely

As some of you may have noted this is being written at about 7am four days before Christmas day. The reason for that is 1: I only heard about this article from Jimmy Mooney when he passed me on O'Connell Street about 11 hours ago; 2: I was out with some friends of mine tonight where one of them exchanged numbers with an exceptionally desireable woman-but in my opinion those females who have earned my placing the title of woman(earned only by their minds) upon them are usually pretty exceptional!!

Now does anyone else think that aspect of our lives is more important??

But I digress. To begin with Tallyrand's closing comment all I can say is stop being so fucking obvious!!! All of us in UCD know when the closing date of nominations is and if that's the only thing Tallyrand can guarantee then you the reader are about to learn more than you possibly could have from him!! This article will go throiugh each position and prospective candidate in turn and will finish with a declaration of my motivation to write it!!!!

The Presidential race.

Both Messers Looney and Regan are suffering from what I term as 'corridor fatigue' (The same would apply to Mr Antony Kelly but more on him later). This means that both will run only if no other leftie comes forward-which is unlikely to happen. Paul Murphy won't do it as he has the stigma against him of winning a mere 10% of the vote last year and the issue of fees no longer exists. No doubt he'll make a competant campaign manager but his ideas NEED to be more grounded. Though Mr Dillon has the option of either re-running or progressing on to USI in the case of the former option the right could sell out Mr Hourihane entirely and point out all the things that can go wrong when an SU President is re-elected-and they'd have a large body of 3rd and 4th years to help them do it!!

Jimmy Mooney could actually collect all 130 nominating signatures-from first years. Though most, if not all, of his manpower for the Welfare race was sourced from the now larely graduated Sinn Fein branch(2001-2002) of UCD, even those still in the college would not support him. He may indeed nominate himself to get a megre amount of attention before withdrawing as he did last year but he would be easily defeated-both this year and last-by simply pointing out of his total failure to stand up to Mr Hourihane over his (never fully explained) treatment Una Fitzsimons. The UCDSU constitution, a document with which I am now intimately familiar, shows that though the President is responsible for staff, the Welfare Vice-President is responsible for councelling services. It was a total failure of courage and calculation on the part of myself and close friends to run an impeachment campaign against both Mr Hourihane and Jimmy Mooney. For that failure I sincerely and unreservedly apologise to those members of the UCD student body who were affected by their incompetancy.
PROSPECTIVE right-wing candidates include Micheal Binchy of course who's had the intention to run for a long time. However, with a record tainted by a referendum defeat and a weak but easily easily improved public speaking ability his battle would be tough. Donnachadh Woulfe would be criticized for his totally lack-lustre performance as Finance Officer-I've yet to see him do anything-and his track record as Development Officer. He, like his predecessor Dermot Hewston, was nothing but a C.V. building parasite in that staff position. And I'm afraid Donnachadh typing up Noel Jones' subbmission on the fees policy doesn't count as developing the policy.
Richard Waghorne is an ideas man. He has the vision of what the SU could be but has yet to sit down and work it all out. He would actually make a decent Development Officer!! However, because of his goal of obtaining power he could actually let the greatest opportunity for change-the upcoming Constitutional review-slip by. Waghorne has also made the mistake of being too impatient. He should have done a lot more with Philsoc before progressing onto Lawsoc. We would have had the grand situation of the L'n'H and Lawsoc Auditors forming a single debating team. From the base of Lawsoc Mr Waghorne could have launched a formidable sabbatical campaign akin to that of Ian Walsh many years ago!!

Deputy President.

Most of the right don't care about this position as it has virtually no interface with the college adimistration and as Ross Higgins will tell you its combination of Publications+Campaigns+Class Rep activity+personal cases makes the job virtually impossible to take on. Mr Morrogh may run to use the position as a stepping stone but I have yet to see where his campaign team, or even desire for the job, would come from. From the left Paul Murphy may come forward-as I advised him to do so last year-but at this stage Darren Cogaven is the more electable of the two SY candidates. The remainder of the CFE are planning on running someone and I wouldn't be surprised to see someone totally unexpected (to everyone other than myself) come forward. Finbar Dwyer with one Coke Referendum and the Auditorship of Global Action to his credit could go for this position but I honestly think that he too is suffering from corridor fatigue.

Education.

James Carroll appears to me to be a KBC candidate in the mould of the Education candidates before Abey Campbell. He wants the Education Officer because he believes it to be Fianna Fail's by right of tradition. How much he wants to improve the Union and campus enviornment to help people get the best possible result and make the most informed choices I don't honestly know. Though he appears to want to hold a sabbatical position nearly as bad as Mr Waghorne he may not want to be Education Officer specifically. Brian O'Farrell only thought of running for Education when he took part in Mr Campbell's campaign victory. His computer experience and the overall unattractiveness of the position would make him a better D-P candidate. However his own work-rate in the Communications and I.T. role has been his greatest handicap and he should realise it's entirely self-made. That along with his ferousciously poor public speaking ability put him in a poor position. Richard Waghorne with his Academic Council seat and poor position of getting the Presidency may also be considering this option, but he would be unwilling split the rightwing vote.
As for the left, Finighin Kelly will win some votes for being the twin brother of the current officer and lose just as many for the same reason!! Darren Cogaven would have to learn a lot fast but SY may leave this one to the rest of the CFE.

Welfare

Olivia O'Neill has never struck me as being that ambitious or as that willing to place herself in the line for a potential, high-profile public defeat but with an Academic Council seat to her credit she has clearly proven her electability. Aoife Mulqueen will consider running but the impact of a sabbatical campaign in her final year will be something that she above all others will take into account. Not only that but another position may suit her much more. Finbar Dwyer could go for this role but the election race for it may make more demands upon him than he would like. Lily Phealen is a name to which I cannot place a face but those of you who know me know that that's a weakness I often demonstrate. Then again I originally though Jennifer Allen was a former classmate in Spanish until her posters appeared!! Robbie Morrogh's name was probably thrown around by Jimmy Mooney who's friendly towards Mr. Morrogh and always talks up his old sabbatical position.

Ents.

I just don't care. Most likely Buckley vs. Larraghy. Pollard is too shrewd to run though he may simply want to. Antony Kell might and then there is the tiny possibility of Mr Sherry rerunning.

The Executive Elections.

Why are these always ignored?? TO illustrae their importance: I told Paul Murphy last year that he could have WALKED into the Deputy President's office last year. Aidean Regan would have put up strong opposition of course but would have been less well known at the time. The SY could have taken ONE other Sabbatical position-which they did-and then refocussed their energy to take ALL of the Executive positions. Dounnachadh won by just 50 votes-all Finighin Kelly had to do was convince 26 people to vote the other way. Aoife Mulqueen ran a strong enough campaign to win comfortably. Darragh MacCarthy had his support robbed by a campaign team member of Dillon's allowing Neasa Nic Sealigh to take her opportunity to legitimately hang around Dave Sherry's Office! There you go:it could have been six left wing votes on Exec. with Dan Finn as being more reliably left-wing than DMC-though both I believe are Labour party members.

James Doyle will run for Finance if Gregg O'Neill doesn't while Brian O'Farrell will most likely seek re-election to Comm and IT. I mention O'Neill's name because having taken a year out this year to build up the 'About the Candidate' section he is also undoubtedly slogging away through as much of his final year material IN ADDITION to his thesis as is possible. This will place him in a position where he can run for President with the memory of Mr Hourihane's gross incompetancy being but a whisper while most of the current lefties will be too busy with they're own finals. "Gregg O'Neill: UCDSU President 2005-2007(of course he'll rerun!!)" That ought to secure the party nomination in 2009 don't you think Gregg??

So why have I spent the best part of the last hour writing this?? Because I am fully aware of what the Union could be and it is NOT a baby Parliment. We all know how hard it is to build a sense of community in UCD. This is primarily the ergonomic situation forced upon us by the lay-out of the campus. The only way to overcome this is with a greater effort by the human component of the campus enviornment. For the first year students who arrive that involves a greater effort on the part of their peers who are already within the college system. The most well resourced and best organised group to do this is the SU. When I first arrived in Reg. Week 2000 and heard the phrase from the mouths of Messers Shovlin and O'Linnan "It's your Union we're here for you" I took that statement for what it really was; a abdication of responsibility to build that desperately needed sense of community. Though I may be described as "Abey';s man" in the above article I have been loyal to him not simply because of his demonstrated competancy-a rare thing in Gregg O'Neill's party-but also because of the fact that he's an old friend. Ten years as of July past. I personally would only dare run for President if Dillon and the rest of the CFE were to drop the ball and run noone for President next year. But believe me none of them are that nieve so we can be thankful that someone who'll treat the position as more than a glorified shopmanager will probably get in. As to my "trying to get a campaign team together" all I've been doing is making enquiries about the left definately running someone. The most interesting thing I've discovered so far is that a lot of the new faces on Council actually want us to drop this Left/Right bullshit-which we will one day-and simply be a Union. If Messers Dillon or Regan were to discover and publicise the exact amount the college squanders on wine and finger food each year I'd imagine those who would simply just sit and lobby would be totally and justifiably ignored.

by wake up Sun Dec 21, 2003 15:07

this is just ludicrious can this please end and start a thread on maybe cut backs or even the state of the jacks in the library. take your heads out of your arses - maybe an ordinary person out side your anonymous clique -ross higgins et al. might run

oh just to reiterate i'm almost sure this is people in fg and labour trying wreck our heads

but anyway please dont reply and post on relevant stuff like war etc

by Waghorne Supporter Sun Dec 21, 2003 18:37

Richard is going to run for President, no doubt about it. He is, in my opinion, the strongest candidate and the biggest asset UCD has at the moment.

Throughout this year, his attempts to improve the lot of students have been thwarted by a combination of ambitious right wingers headed by Mr. O'Neill and the people around Michael Binchy in YFG. Despite this, he has become one of the loudest voices for students on Campus. Richard doesn't actually like the term right wing, as far as I know, and considers himself to be a centrist, who will not allow ideology or party loyalties to get in the way of the fight for students rights.

The reason I will be voting for Richard is exactly that. I used to vote left, - I voted for Dan Finn when he ran against the Devil, and I voted for Paul last year, but now I have come to believe that there are those in the Union too blinded by their beliefs to be good leaders, - and I would never vote for a candidate of the Right, -Binchy and O'Neill are careerists who would use their Sabbat offices to please their bosses on Mount St.s upper and lower respectively. Richard, from what I have seen of him, has a real vision of the Union, - he wants more campus accomodation, wants to explore the idea of more student services on Campus, (there are going to be big ideas about this in his manifesto, or so I'm told), and he will not hesitate to fight the Govt when necessary, - he has no allegiances to any party.

Throughout this year, the scum on the right have thrown obstacles in his way. Coke II was hijacked by Binchy, who promptly made a mess of it, - I voted for the ban and disliked Waghorne, - but he demonstrated true integrity when he spoke out against the "debate" organised by O'Neills puppet Ciaran Lawlor in the LnH.

I'm not sure if Richard will win, - there's a lot of prejudice against him out there, - he's an ex gonzaga, upper crust, pocket watch wearing toff, his accent is funny and he's gay, but what will really stand in his way is the ambition of Michael Binchy, who wants SU President on his CV. So, as a fellow left winger, I appeal to all of you to give Dick a chance,. I know few of you will vote for him, but consider giving him the number 2. The biggest Disaster for UCD would be the election of Binchy or some other right wing kook.

I don't know Richard very well, but he has the experience, courage, and vision to do a great job, and he'll get my vote.

Sheila Flanagan
3rd Science

by UCD Arts student Sun Dec 21, 2003 21:09

richards a nice guy, very pleasant etc but he's a right winger. Will Richard ever take on the college authorities? Will he ever have serious action linking up with trade union activists and community campaigns to defeat fees and cuts? No he wont. He is a conservative. He does not want a SU that will fight in the interests of its members, he want a nice cozy club that will be part of the college bureacracy and act as a CV builder for FF/FG/PD/SF hacks.

Where was Richard when the library was being occupied? Where was Richard when the CFE was organising protests against fees?

by sweet jesus Sun Dec 21, 2003 21:32

from my dealings with Waghorn, he is a nice, honourable bloke...pity about his politics

by hack watch Sun Dec 21, 2003 21:52

Good God the hacks of UCD have obviously finished there exams and handed in all their essays and have a bit too much time and gossip on their hands

by antrophe Sun Dec 21, 2003 22:07

hackwatch says it all...

by Cormboy - UCD Left Mon Dec 22, 2003 02:04

Yield left of way people.

by ucd hack Mon Dec 22, 2003 14:57

No-ones' mentioned Weafer for President?

by SU critic Mon Dec 22, 2003 16:50

Ciaran Weafer 2nd arts students for President was mentioned in the opening post of this thread by Tallyrand. SU Hack , maybe you should take a closer look next time. No-one really knows who Weafer is, so he'll have a tough time if he runs. Joe soap in the arts block could probably point out looney or Waghorne, but I doubt they could point out weafer.

by Angry Liberal Mon Dec 22, 2003 19:35

Firstly as regarding Richard Waghorn.He is an honourable guy,i don't know him that well but would consider us to be friends and he is definitely a cut above the self-important "leaders" of the right in UCD.That said his politics enters into his ideas for the union,that isn't an accusation,it's an inevitability.He stressed the fact that the union was left wing as a negative and complimented the only right wing sabbat officer.That's fine and i'm not even denying that he may be right but it shows a bias.His ideas as spelt out in his article for the observer state that he wants what could be termed a "well behaved union",which shows respect and bows to the minister of education.Unfortunately those who make the most noise get the most money and i obviously disagree with him.I could be wrong and will take it back if he says so but it does it play a part that our minister of education is a right winger?
If Richard is the lesser of two right wingers then i'd vote for him,but then does his politics(and mine) not come into that?
Secondly Weafer would be a brilliant president and many arts block joes might recognise Binchy but for what?Losing a referendum in style and ignoring people's votes.The second may be his campaign strategy.Weafer has what counts motivation,intelligence and competence.
Thirdly you all assume that ms.Mulqueen is running for welfare?Having run a successful campaign this year and been involved in many others she could run for anything and stand a good chance.
I know this is also self critical but imagine how much better the union might be if we all spent less time talking about it and worked to improve it.

by anarcho advocate Tue Dec 23, 2003 01:01

firstly, in relation to mr. weafer (and more generally to any candidate) - what' s important in getting elected is not one's profile around college, becuase frankly the vast majority of the ucd student population don't know and don't give a damn about the majority of hacks. what's important is the passion and ideas to have a clear, relevant message and to be able to communicate that message well. after that all one needs is a strong, broad, motivated campaign team. numbers and passion win out. i for one think that mr. weafer has the personal abilities to win and would easily get a strong and experienced campaign team behind him.

with respect to ms. mulqueen, i would have to agree with angry liberal in saying that her abilities go beyond the confines of the welfare office. maybe it would be a more difficult campaign to run, but as i've said up above it can be done. it would be ashame to pigeonhole people too soon.

by the way, no one has mentioned a certain fergal scully???

by Dermot Looney Tue Dec 23, 2003 03:13

A pathetic and ludicrous abuse of indymedia in which we see candidates and potential candidates coming on, under assumed names or not, to converse in the idle speculation of hackdom. But I guess that's how the world of micro-politics in UCD operates.

People can tip me all they like for Sabbat positions in UCD when anyone who i care about knows full well what my intentions are. They can talk about a CFE block when the CFE as we knew it ceased activism at the end of the last academic term, spouting further lies and misinformation about all and sundry. I don't mind, it's a decent chuckle and there's no need for comment.

But when these kind of gossip threads seek only to give a platform to those who will destroy any hope for real student activism next year I'll raise my voice. When people who care little for the welfare of students, of opening up our university to all regardless of income or background, of affecting real change for the students of UCD come on here spouting their bullshit and adding to an "analysis" I'll scream til I turn blue. And for a lefty St Pat's fan at Christmas, surrounded entirely by red, that's angry.

Most of the people mentioned above would be appalling candidates. That some of them feel it neccesary to come on here, to an alien website full of us commies, crusties and mentalists, in order to fight their fights shows their sad obsession with the tiny pathetic locale of UCD hackdom. Christ almighty there are a fuckload of sad gits in this college.

by observer Tue Dec 23, 2003 13:59

"Most of the people mentioned above would be appalling candidates." Dermo, this is a disgraceful comment, and I would have thought someone of your integrity would not stoop this low. You do not know most of the people mentioned above on a personal capacity, so what right have you to say if they would make appalling candidates or not.You have put yourself on a par with all the other contributors of this site. You give out about the contributors making remarks about potential canidates, and then you go make remarks about the contributors.You say that there are a fuckload of sad gits in this college(ucd), well I hate to break it to you Mr. Looney, but you are one too.Maybe we wouldn't have to gossip and speculate the whole time, if people came out and spoke the truth. So answer me this Mr. Looney; will you or will you not be running for an su sabbatical position?

by summary Tue Dec 23, 2003 16:13

Who is running? This is what is speculated anyway (doesn't mean it's true)

President: William Binchy, Ciarán Weafer, Donnachadh Woulfe.
Deputy President: Robbie Morrough, Finbar Dwyer.
Education: Richard Waghorne, Darren Cogaven, James Carroll.
Welfare: Aoife Mulqueen, Lily Phelan, Olivia O'Neill.
Ents: Conor Buckley, Anthony Kelly, Dave Sherry.

by observer Tue Dec 23, 2003 17:15

Few corrections and additions...though once again everything is only speculation...
Pres; Michael Binchy(not William),Seamus O'Maoinagh(who will prob drop out)
DeputyPres;DarrenCograven
Education;Finghin Kelly
Welfare; Aoife Mulqueen won't run
Ents;Simon Larragy

by Starstruck - UCD Left Tue Dec 23, 2003 21:54

I agree with Dermot enough of this puny bickering.
More important shit to be concerned about such as the continual violation of our supposedly existant neutrality!
Happy christmas angry liberal(christmas sucks!)

by Random Punter Wed Dec 24, 2003 14:06

I dunno, all these hacks up to the usual business of writing in under assumed names to boost their own egos. At least Looney had the decency to be all mysterious about his intentions under his real name. Will he run, wont he run?

Im voting for Waghorne. Because he'll be fucking legend.

by UCD hack Wed Dec 24, 2003 17:41

There was also a rumour going around that David Murphy the ex bin tax prisoner might run for a position. He is very well known and together with other bin tax candidates got nearly 80% in the Arts block in the academic council elections. From talking to SY people though they seem to be downplaying him standing, although he is clearly electable and has demonstrated that he is willing to take a stand. I wouldn't rule him out. I certainly couldn't imagine Waghorn or Binchy willing to go to prison over any issue.

by UCD hack Wed Dec 24, 2003 17:47

To say ciarán Weafer is an unknown is wrong. He is a well known class rep who was easily elected in the class rep elections. He has also been very prominant in the Chernobyl 10k walk, the UCD anti war group, David Murphy campaign and the 2 Coke referenda. He is more respected and well known in the Arts block than any of the right wing. I think if he stood he'd do very well and would probably win.

by Flynn - UCD LEFT Thu Dec 25, 2003 13:23

To exhaust the conversation the following might run.
THE LEFT:Finbar Dwyer,Weafer,Pierce Farrel,Ray Rowan,Alan Morgan,Paul or/and David Murphy,Aoife Mulqueen or one of the greens.
THE RIGHT:Michael Binchy,James Carroll,Robbie Murrough,Brian O'Farrell,Seamus and Waghorn.

Who might win,which of the above will actually run or who else might nobody knows so please just stop your pointless discussion.

by bill logan Thu Dec 25, 2003 17:40

Who the hell is Alan Morgan?

And do people not remember that it was a member of the GP committee that was putting up 'Bin Tax protesters are scrounging freeloading bastards' posters. The GP in UCD are NOT left wing

by sy watcher Thu Dec 25, 2003 17:52

first of all i'm surprised that pierce farrell was noted to be on the left! he has been going around the right and the left trying to build a popular front behind him. he sees himself as 'centre' neither right nor left but 'independent' all he wants is to get his arse into a seat on the executive.

i was speaking to members of the sp- it looks like they're running someone. it could be paul murphy but i doubt it as he's already planning to do a postgrad. it could be david murphy who has shown his determination and willingness to fight on an issue. olivia o'neill is also a possibility, but my money is on darren cogavin who is very electable and has a good deal of respect of the left for his anti-war work. i also would not rule out oisin kelly going for re-election.

i think that ciarán weafer would make a good presidential candidate. other good candidates on the left in the upcoming elections would be aoife mulqueen and dermot looney.

by redder - ucd Thu Dec 25, 2003 19:38

is dermot looney left? i dont remember him being involved with cfe and i never see him at any protests...the only thing he did was run Paul Dillons election campaign then hang round a corridor for a few months

by ANCIENT UCD HACK Thu Dec 25, 2003 22:09

Dwyer is too far left as are the sp for president,they are better off concentrating on education or welfare.Idon't know who Alan Morgan is.Ray Rowan could run for education or welfare,the amnesty ticket and two campaigns under the belt.Aoife Mulqueen could run for deputy or welfare and get a huge female vote.Weafer i have never heard of.Dermot looney is a shoe in if he runs.I might also add in the current pres and deputy to run again.

Binchy could win education,but he lost a camapign,embarrasingly.Waghorn who really is a centrist probably has the best chance of the lot.James Carroll not a hope and same with Greg o'neill or seamus.

It all depends on who is bothered and who can get the most support.

by su critic Thu Dec 25, 2003 23:25

James Carroll has a brilliant chance at anything he goes for. He is well known as a class rep and sits on various committees such as the educaion committee, and supports all education issues such as the library sit-ins etc. He is a valuable member of the LawSoc committee and known widely throughout the society world. Being a law student he would have the full backing of law and B & L who all know him well, and he has organised numerous class parties for them ,brought hot food to Roebuck etc.

Alan Morgan is a class rep; either science or arts. I think he is a third year.He is a huge contributor to ucdsu message board, and holds a serious amount of contempt towards journalists/journalism.He likes to think he's a centrist, but really he is quite left.

Aoife Mulqueen is hated by half the student populaton.Many regard her response to society posters as a total over-reaction.She criticised posters such as pokersocs, which wasn't even a degrading poster.Even the female population are tired of her ssas campaigns.Furthermore, she (apparently!) wants to do a masters degree next year.

Ray Rowan may be auditor of amnesty international, and have two referendums under his belt, but he far to left, and almost a complete unknown in UCD's political world. Think he's too concerned with outside issues of human rights etc. to be a sabbatical officer.

Where is all this support from Waghorne coming? Is Dickie himself writing all the comments.He's an uppity, english-accented, pocket-watch wearing toff! He's completely unfriendly and unreliable. Yes, he may come across as honest and genuine, but i hate to break it dickie, honesty and genuinty got no-one anywhere in the backstabbing, blackmailing world of student politics!!

Personally, I think Dermot Looney should run for something. Yes, despite what anyone says, he is a complete left. But so?? Im one hundred per cent right, KBC all the way, but he'd still get my vote if he runs. I've said it before and I'll say it again,he is doing an immense amount of work behind the scenes.He started the whole UCDSU website and message board,he was campaign manager for Paul Dillon, he has taken the year out so he can put his 100% into his role as development officer.

Binchy lost the coke campaign, so what??? It was a stupid campaign anyway. People weren't voting because it was something they believed in or cared for, they were voting to take a stance on the situation. The reason why Dwyer's side won, was because deep down people thoght if they didn't vote yes (and then no), they could be in some way adding to all the murders, supporting them. Murder is one of the most horrific things in the world, and no-one wants to be a part of it. That is why they voted yes. It didn't matter that the whole referendum was based on allegations, and no proof was available, people would vote yes 'just in case'. People are holding the referendum loss against Binchy, which is so petty, It doesn't change him or what he believes in.

This thread is going nowhere...at the end of the day no-one knows anything...and no-one will til January 7th, when the signature collection starts.

by ANCIENT UCD HACK Fri Dec 26, 2003 13:40

Thank you for that commentry from James Carroll's friend.The post seemed to consist of just right wing opinion and far fetched nonesense in order to support those opinions.Alan Morgan has been involved in the coke campaigns(i notice you are still bitter and the excuses for losing are getting worse)and THE 10K WALK.As for your comment on Aoife Mulqueen,you only have hearsay and yet again your own rght wing opinion.Half the college hate her?Even if they did,half the college don't vote and who does the right have to oppose her?.Ray Rowan is about as far left as the next bleeding heart and as for outside issues,he was in the cfe and does free legal aid.Being an unknown in UCD politics is an advantage as far as i'm concerned.
Waghorn vs.Carroll?Carroll only has his council seat because nobody decent wanted it.As you the full support of law and B&L,faculties don't turn out on mass for candidates and certainly not careerists like carroll.He throws parties,then let him run for ents.Waghorn would embarrass carroll in an election.As for Binchy i don't see that you addressed the issue,you just went on a tirade on how ucd students are too stupid to vote the way you want.
Which one of the left wing candidates would have a smaller campaign team than the right wing?and more importantly which one has a worse track record than the right?Besides throwing parties.

by Union Old Boy Fri Dec 26, 2003 15:17

I wish people would stop criticising this thread. The Union is very important, - as are all the other SUs. Anyone know who's running in Trinity?

Anyway, back to UCD, I'm neither left nor right, but firmly in the centre. I was glad last year when Dillon won. The Years of KBC domination wrecked the Union. However, leftist domination could be just as bad. As an apolitical student, I was dissapointed that the Union leadership failed to criticise publicly posters calling Mary Harney fat and ugly. Also, whatever the rights and wrongs of the politics, the current deputy presidents behaviour towards the Mad Mullah at a lawsoc debate I was at was out of order. The Union must retain a degree of dignity in its dealings and sometimes this year I must admit to having cringed somewhat at the behaviour of the DP and the other sabbats.

That said, I fully support their aims, - the library protest is brilliant, and I hope to see them continue to take a hard line (while bearing in mind the above criticisms of their behaviour).

So, who should succeed them? I'd like to see Finbar Dwyer in a Sabbat position, possibly Education. Binchy or Carroll would be a disaster for students, - both are unashmed careerists in the mould of Shovlin, Hourihan, Cathal Lee, and the other KBC'ers who wrecked the Union.

However, for president I will vote for Richard Waghorne. I disagreed with him on coke, but throughout both campaigns he carried himself with the dignity and respect for the views of others so important to an SU president. Having spoken to him last week, I know he supports the library protests and has no time for the current government. Again, I passionately disagree with him on Shannon and Iraq, but i find his views well articulated and genuinely based on a belief in Human rights. I don't see that because I am a socialist who disagrees with him on Iraq and bin taxes and corporate boycotts, I should automatically vote against him. He is a genuine believer in Free Education and has his finger on the button as far as services go. I don't see that their is a left wing candidate as good as Waghorne around UCD at the Mo unless Paul runs again, which I hope he wont because he would be so good as Priestlys sucessor in USI.

As for the other Sabbats, I'd love to see Weafer go for DP first, to get the experience under his belt before becoming pres next year, Dwyer for education, welfare is open, although both Olivia O'Neill and Aoife Mulqueen would be good, And for ents, I'm going to plum for Simon Larragy, - the guy is Right wing, but let's face it, he'd be a great Ents officer!

Anyway, thats my take, somewhat controversial for a lefty but there ya go. I just hope that the left make sure neither Carroll or Binchy win. Although I don't think they could beat Waghorne anyway so I don't think they'll run in the end.

by Trinitas Fri Dec 26, 2003 16:04

Far too early to predict anything in Trinners properly but the Trinitas predicts that the establishment candidate for President may well be Education officer Helledd Fychan.

On the right, she may be challenged by chair of SU council Francis Kieran ( who is also chair of FF on campus ) as the candidate from the right of the Union, although fallen Ogra FF Star John McGuirk may well arise from the ashes of his reputation to challenge for the party nomination from the far right of Trinity politics (and Trinitas means FAR right, - as in he supports Bush's re-election bid). Also running from the Right may be straight talking mad-as-a-coot Texan Chris "Youth Defence" Gambino, fresh from his 354 votes last year.

On the left, there is a dearth of good socialists this year.

Rory Hearne still dominates the SP in trinity (he also dominates the nightmares of most students) and it is likely he will pick a candidate as a sacrificial lamb to be offered at the altar of leninism. Labour Party Chairman Mr. Stephen McNulty may rise as TCD's answer to Tony Blair Dillon, but that really is Trinitas grasping at straws.

My advice is enjoy your own election first and then tune into our hackfest. Trinity has so many shit candidates it isn't even funny.

Come back Averil, Come back Will, all is forgiven!!

by John McGuirk Fri Dec 26, 2003 16:35

that I'm entirely flattered by the above post. "Fallen star" indeed! However, The person who wrote it, while obviously is somebody who knows me well, or thinks they do, is somewhat in error. I would never "challenge for the party nomination", even if it existed!

Merry Christmas one and all!

by college observer Fri Dec 26, 2003 21:09

It very strange to hear that Rory Hearne still dominates the SP in Trinity, as he's not a member of the SP but the SWP.

Everyone involved in SU politics in TCD, UCD and nearly every college in which both teh SP and SWP are will tell you that the two parties have very different approaches to college work.

by The centre? Fri Dec 26, 2003 22:44

I don't consider myself a left or right winger but i don't think there are any centre candidates in ucd.It's too highly politicised and even issues which have nothing to do with the sepdtrum get dragged in,eg.coke boycott became left vs.right.Waghorn maybe in the middle but was he not down as IND right in the academic elections?Too many extremists running this year.

by Right Wing Hack Fri Dec 26, 2003 23:05

Waghorne was not down as IND right in the Academic Council elections. That was a label placed alongside his name by the (left wing) person who posted the result on this site. It wasn't on the ballot paper.

I don't know why people label Waghorne right wing anyway. Most of us hate him. He hijacked two coke referenda, knifed Binchy, accused The Auditor of the Greatest debating soc in Ireland of Wrecking his society, (Waghorne backed the loser last year). O'Neill and Larragy are out to stop him, - even the detestable piece of shit that was president for the last two years hates his guts. Aonghus apparently wants Pink Seamus to be President.

No. Richard Waghorne is not part of the Right in UCD. Whether that is blessing or curse we will soon see. He is a lot cleverer than he looks. Or someone is.

by Centre in UCD Sat Dec 27, 2003 11:53

They only hate waghorn because he isn't one of them.He isn't in one of the right wing parties and doesn't follow orders from gregg.I think most of the opposition would come from personal conflicts,between himself,Binchy and O'neill over coke.The rihgt needs to get itself together.Where have all the moderates gone?

by Daithí Sat Dec 27, 2003 15:38

It's Patrick Nulty not Stephen McNulty.

Would it be that hard to get people's names and details right?

by Amused Hack Sat Dec 27, 2003 16:31

Trinitas was wrong about John McGuirk, Rory Hearne, and couldn't get Patrick Nulty's name right.

Discounting his predictions so.........

by anon hack Sat Dec 27, 2003 18:43

In UCD politics there is a clear left and a clear right. The left are those that were active in the CFE last year (not just those that 'supported it aims'). The left are those that see the union as a body that is there to fight for the interests of it members, be independent of the states and college and not a playground for hacks shafting each other. Those on the left will always view the union as more than simply the exec or council but the entire membership. The left usually also see the student population as part of a wider society, most of the left see the need for students to make links with college workers, trade union activists etc. Unlike the right who explicitly will not engage in what they call 'politics'.

The right are those old style hacks who are ususally very prominant in the societies such as C&E, L&H, Philosophy Soc, B&L etc... They see the union as essentially another society. All they seem to desire is a nice CV and their name and pic in the odd college paper. They see the union as a service provider that acts alongside the college authorities and alongside the state. For them the SU should be there not to take effective militant action on issues such as fees, grants etc but at best lobby the 'partners' in education.

There are loads of people coming on this site now claiming to be on the 'centre'. Generally they are talking shite. They are probably on the right but don't want to be considered so because if they were to face the electorate in UCD saying they were right wing they would be hammered. What these so called centre people are are right wingers, they want to go back to the pre Dillon days but without the personal hatred that Hourihane brought about. These so called 'centrists', do see the SU as a partner to the college authorities and the government, none of them were involved in CFE, none of them support militant action in conjunction with college workers.

In saying all this the left and right blocks are not homogenous. Amongst the right there are differences, mainly from what I can see they are personal as well as disputes between the various factions and their patrons. Among the left there is also big differences, they are not on the whole personal. The left do seem to get on well with each other as the Coke referendas showed. The differences are genuine differences on questions of tactics and view of the Student movement in wider society. If one is to identify a 'centre' in UCD politics I would say it exists amongst that group of councillors that seem to always back the leadership, in Hourihanes regime they backed him and in Dillons they back him.

by Maybe Abey Sat Dec 27, 2003 19:32

When ever I hear of see someone describing themselves as in 'the centre' I think of Abey Campbell. Abey was last years UCDSU Education Officer. In my book Abey is a right-winger. He was at one with the College Authorities, he had serious illusions that the College Committees were somewhere you could get change! He even went to a College Committee meeting instead of a national USI protest. In his presidential manifesto Abey even boasted about the 'committees that he was on! At least this year the Education Officer is taking the correct approach to the College ie not having illusions that these bodys will work in the interests of students.

Brian O'Farrell and Pierce Farrell are in the Abey School of Centrist Student Politics with the talk of 'committee work'. In reality these people are right-wing and have our Union tied up to the College Authorities.

I remember something that Oisín Kelly, the current UCDSU Education Officer, told me at around the time of the overnight library occupation. He was approached by one of Abey's mates and told that Abey said that protests should be the last thing to do and that he should propose a motion against cuts to the Academic Council BEFORE any protest action is done. The Academic Council met on December 5th!! So Abey would have done nothing for 6 months!!! While the UCD left had action regardless of the College Authorities and still raised the issues in Abey's beloved 'committees'.

Within a week of the Library occupation the SU won on opening hours in Earlsfort Terrace- something that Abey never ever got with his 'lobbying' and 'committee work'.

by UCDLOVER Sat Dec 27, 2003 21:03

There is no centre there are only those pretending to be moderate to get votes.Left and right is not defined by party allegiance or whether you support Bush's war in Iraq.In student UCD politics it is about your attitude towards the union.Is it an organisation which can improve not only it's student's lives but also open access to other people who would otherwise not be able to avail or is it a miny Dail till your rural FF seat comes up.The left are just as divided as the right,the spectrun includes the SP,Labour and Independents but put it aside as their general approach is ideological and not individual.
Having said that i think the union this year has pushed itself into areas which it could not justify,eg.Coke Referenda,bus to Shannon and Bin Tax.I think the college is looking for moderates this year.That isn't to say that it becomes apolitical but just more grounded.The all star real moderates are:

President-Waghorn
Deputy-Jennifer Allen/Weafer
Education-Dermot Looney/Pierce Farrell
Welfare-Aoife Mulqueen/Ray Rowan/Seamus
Ents-not important.

We should elect two moderate left and two moderate right and an Ents officer who does not care.

by Student - YFG UCD Sat Dec 27, 2003 21:20

Not one of those people is a moderate.You included,THE BACK STABBER,pro-life extremists and the ambition that calls itself Pierce Farrel,Dermot Looney and Seamus against a far left feminist,a race traitor and a nobody arts student.There is not one moderate in this college.As posted above the only moderates are those looking for a nice big office.
They all need campaign teams and help from political parties and i'm sure their moderation disappears as soon they realise it.

by UCDSU class rep Sat Dec 27, 2003 22:34

To say that the SU defending David Murphy when he was jailed for opposing the bin tax was wrong is an absolute disgrace. Firstly the SU did not take a position on bin tax, it took a position of condemning the jailings and calling for the release of Dave Murphy. This position was overwhelmingly endorsed by the students who in the Arts block, 77% voted for anti jailings candidates and David Murphy topped the poll in the academic council election. So to say that this campaing didn't have support from students is absolute crap, it didn't have support from the elitist clique that are around L&H, B&L, KBC, FG etc but it did have massive support from the membership of the union.

the jaling of Dave was a serious attack on democracy. If a marker of opposition was not put down by the SU it would have been saying that we accept these tactics in trying to crush movements against cuts. Who knows, maybe if the SU did not campaing for Dave, maybe we could have seen injunctions or at least the threat of them used against students who occupied the library? It's been done before in the student movment

The position taken by UCDSU was noted by many community activists accross Dublin as well as the best trade union activists. They should be commended especially whn not one of the rotten trade union bureacrats had the back bone to call industrial action against bin tax jailings or even call for its members to lift the bins of all householders.

The respect that UCDSU won amongst ordinary workers and trade unionists will pay dividends in the future when we mobilise against fees and cuts.

On the anti war demo. It only cost €300, less than a load of those glossy posters. Most students oppose the war, I see no problem with it. It was the membership that voted for the Coke ban in a referendum TWICE. The left exec did not do it unilaterally.

by UCDLOVER Sun Dec 28, 2003 14:51

In response to class rep,were the students of ucd consulted on sending the bus irrespective of cost?Were members of the exec not involved in the second coke referendum?How many enemies have the union made over the bin tax{that is what it is about,an SP cloak of protest rights over an anti bin tax campaign}among the vast majority of people who support the tax?
In response to YFG,the fact that you are calling moderates like Richard Waghorn,Ray Rowan and Aoife Mulqueen such ignorant tags only demonstrates your extreme views and your ignorance of the people themselves.I think Binchy did the back stabbing while Richard remained above it all.I don't think Mr.Rowan's actions such be described as treachery and his work in many fields has less to do with race than fairness. Ms.Mulqueen lead a balanced campaign which only the most chauvanistic could call sexist.Your ignorance is bliss.

by Baffled Sun Dec 28, 2003 14:54

And I assume if you're in YFG the Back stabber is Waghorne. I'm not voting for him but by god he wasn't the one who did the backstabbing. Binchy is just evil.

by Oisín Kelly - UCDSU Education Officer Sun Dec 28, 2003 15:10

I've been looking through this thread and I have to say that most of it is complete rubbish! There is a very small element of truth in some of the speculation, but most of it is based on nothing but the talk of idle hacks.

I have to comment on the statement from "UCDLOVER" who says that the College are looking for moderates. Who cares what the College think?! That's the problem with many Union Officers in the past- they cared too much about what the College Authorities thought. Experience shows that action counts louder than words. A few weeks of library occupations won more than years of lobbying alone has done.

The previous poster "UCDSU Class Rep" makes good points about what a Union is all about; ie defending the interests of it's members. s/he also makes the point that the UCDSU has gained much respect from community activists from it's stand on issues such as the jailing of Dave Murphy and other protesters. The actions of the SU is in stark contrast with the rotten trade union bureaucrats like Jack O'Connor and David Begg (and most of the USI leadership) who did absolutly nothing when their members where jailed for standing up for their workmates and communities.

If anyone is serious about fighting cuts they will argue that the SU should win respect of trade unionists and community activists and that the SU must engage in action with these people in order to seriously take on the government's cuts in public services.

by OK Sun Dec 28, 2003 15:31

"were the students of ucd consulted on sending the bus irrespective of cost?"

Yes, the SU Council voted in favour of sending a bus to Shannon. Other than a Referendum or general meeting this is the highest decision making body of the Union and has elected class reps from all faculties and years in UCD. The cost was capped by the Executive. The cost ended up being in the region of €300.

"Were members of the exec not involved in the second coke referendum?"

Yes they were. On both sides of the referendum. What's wrong with that? The Executive are not bound to be neutral. The Executive did not give a recommendation either way. Even if it did members of the Executive would be entitled to campaign either way as they have the right under the SU Constitution to do so.

"How many enemies have the union made over the bin tax ... among the vast majority of people who support the tax?"

There was a vote on SU Council. About 3 or 4 Class Reps voted against the campaign (SU Council has about 100 members). You contend that the vast majority of people support the tax! That's untrue, the vast majority of people oppose stealth taxes like bin charges. There has been no surveys about the bin charges among students- but I'd say most oppose them. In UCD the majority of students support the campaign against jailings. 77% VOTED FOR ANTI-JAILINGS CANDIDATES in the Academic Council Elections. Dave Murphy TOPPED THE POLL!

If you support jailings of protesters, fair enough you can have your say. But you are in a minority and if you don't like it try to convince people otherwise.

by class rep Sun Dec 28, 2003 19:45

"How many enemies have the union made over the bin tax{that is what it is about,an SP cloak of protest rights over an anti bin tax campaign}"

The SU has made no enemies over the Free David Murphy campaign. As pointed out by others and myself above over 77% voted for anti jailings candidates in the Academic Council elections with the highest turnout EVER for an Academic Council election. Only 4 of all the members of SU council present opposed the motion that showed support for David Murphy and established the campaign. If the SU has made enemies it has made it with the state, the college authorities, USI bureacrats and the right wing hacks in FG/FF/PD. These are not the people that are on our side, their interests are generally in opposition to the interests of students what they think should not concern us.

You seem to support the jailing of the bin tax protesters? Do you support the jailing of 3 weeks and fining of €1500 of a 2nd Year class rep? Please make yourself clear, if you support the jailing come out and say so clearly.

As far as I'm concerned whether you agree with the bin tax or not, the laws used to lock up the protesters can be used against the student movement. What would you do if injunctions were taken out against students who participated in the library sit it? What woudl you do if the SU exec were sent to prison for a month?

"among the vast majority of people who support the tax?"

You say that a vast majority support the tax. This is absolute rubbish. If a majority support the tax why is there majority non payment in Dublin? You right wing hacks do not live in the real world. There is massive opposition to the establishment on this issue. You hacks never seem to leave the leafy suburbs of Foxrock etc or the forum office in UCD. You have no idea of what is really going on in this country. I just hope when half of you venture out into the real world while canvassing in the locals in June that you will get a rude awakening. You will soon discover the contempt that is felt towards FF/FG/PD.

by Antagonised Sun Dec 28, 2003 22:31

Apart from Dickie, have any of the right come out and declared publicly their support for David?

No.

And Waghorne wasn't particularly high profile when he did it either. A class address.

None of the right will fight the good fight against the evil right wing state, except for Waggie, who's a joke. In a nice way.

by UCDLOVER Mon Dec 29, 2003 11:21

In response to the above posts,i think the result of the left using the union for it's own ends will be seen in the elections.But to answer the questions and comments.
1.Do you really think the council represents the students of ucd,when there is little or no enforcement of reps getting their classes opinion?I'm not so sure that you would get such an eager response in the commerce block or ag when you told them you spent their money on shannon and not.......services,student welfare,fighting cutbacks for example.I am against the use of shannon by the US but we went down there without the Su we could have done so again.
2.If you are refering to Jennifer Allen and her single address vs.Paul Dillon and co.(the leader of the campaign even said they would have lost without them)as some kind of balanced executive decision then i think that is lunacy.
3.I don't know on which planet you live but on earth the entire college saw the David Murphy stunt as an anti-bin tax protest.He was arrested for protesting AGAINST THE BIN TAX,the campaign was run by the SP and no one else and got the usual leftie support full stop.Ask a non-hack and either they will have never heard of it(less time on shannon more time on communication)or have thought it was about bin-tax.The leaflet you gave out even went on in length about the bin tax with a little paragraph weakly linking the right to protest.
4.I'M not right wing in the least but i don't live in a hack bubble where you all clap each other on the back for doing the most left wing thing possible.I do arts and even in your most supportive faculty you are losing votes due to your unilateral approach.
5.Waghorne will clean up because of your actions and inaction.The badly judged decision to hijack the union for bin-tax(what a novel idea that the SP try to misuse something for it's own purposes)will pay off.

by UCDHATER Mon Dec 29, 2003 16:11

"UCDLOVER" what would you do if a student was jailed for protesting? You would do nothing. It is discraceful that a Students' Union would not support someone who was jailed protesting against Cuts in Public Services.

You say you are interested in fighting Cuts. What about the Library protests that have won more consessions than years of 'committee work' with the College Authorities!

I'm a student in the Faculty of Arts. I think that a Students' Union is all about defending it's members interests. I think that the SU was totally correct to protest at the jailing of David Murphy as he was protesting against CUTS IN PUBLIC SERVICES. The vast majority of students supported the campaign. 77% VOTED IN A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION for anti-jailings candidates- it was the HIGHEST TURNOUT EVER in an Academic Council election. DAVID TOPPED THE POLL. Only 3 or 4 Class Reps voted against the Campaign being launched (1 from Architecture and the rest from Commerce) this is out of a Council of over 100 members!

Look mate, YOU are in the minority. If you don't like it tough. We're sick of hacks like you dominating and ruining our Union and trying to turn it into a mere service provider. These people won't be happy untill the SU President is a mere shop keeper and not a camapigner. If we allow the Right-wingers or "centrists" back then we are regressing back to the reign of bastards like Aonghus Hourihane.

by the Big Tip Mon Dec 29, 2003 17:19

Waghorn, Binchy, O'Neill - we've heard it all before. Whatever about the left and its new sleazy hold on corridor power ( Dillon and the Observer fiasco! come to mind), its the right that the speculation seems to fester around as usual.

Who really cares about the right and its well listed incompetents above? Waghorne hasnt a hope...19th century Brittania is not going to bring students to the polls...O'Neill may run but who will vote....as for Binchy, a Coke loss greater than that of Brittania's gentleman is sure to dash his presidential prospects, not to mention his mauling at the hands of messrs Aido and Dillo in nearly every lecture address he made! Should the former welfare officer enter the fray the right will be left in the dark, with Seamus likely to scupper any of the above in their attemtps...the smart money is on such a dark horse(or even a pink one!) to take the fight to the left and their corridor cronies, whoever emerges...

by Tipster Mon Dec 29, 2003 17:47

I think Waggie might just do it. Split right, overconfident left, hmmmmmm, you never know!

by Ciara - none Tue Dec 30, 2003 04:32

I was involved in the Free Dave Murphy campaign. The campaign was NOT just SP members. I am not a member of the SP, about half of the very active campaingers were not in the SP. Lecture addresses were done by non SP members. The campaign signed up about 50 non party students to be active and had a demonstration of about 100. Are you saying these are all the SP? David and the other anti jailings candidates won nearly 80% of the vote, are you saying the 1,000 students that voted for them are all Sp members?

You are an idiot, nothing but a bitter right wing hack. I have a copy of the leaflet that was handed out her in front of me. It does not go into any detail about the ins and outs of the bin tax. It only mentioned that Dave was sent to prison for participating in a bin tax demo. The point about it being an attack on civil liberties and the student movement is the central theme of the leaflet. The poster that was used said 'Free David Murphy - Defend the right to protest' It did not say anything about the wrongs of the bin tax. Please get your facts straight before coming on this site and making stupid allegations.

I notice 'UCDLOVER' that you do not say what you would do if these same injunctions were used against students who participated in the library occupations. Please tell us, what do you think the SU should do if the college authorities slapped 100s of injunctions on students and hauled the executive in front of the high court and sent them to prison? What would you do? Do you think we should roll over? At least one thing I know is that Dave Murphy and the SP occupiers of the library wouldn't take that crap from the college or the state and would be prepared to stand up for their rights and the rights of students. Not one of you right wing spineless scum would ever do that.

by leftie Wed Dec 31, 2003 04:51

There is no potential candidate from the right that would be willing to give the commitment and sacrifice that people on the left like Dave Murphy has shown. I reckon that if what Ciara was talking about happened, ie, the college taking out an injunction against the SU, under the leadership of Binchy, Waghorne, O'Neill, Doyle... they would sell out, roll over and cancel any effective demonstrations against cuts in the library. They are cowards. They only see the SU as a handy number that will boost their CV and prove to party HQ that they are 'electable' so they can seek the party nomination for the election. They would not be willing to put their own asses on the line.

by Dermot L Wed Dec 31, 2003 05:20

I've posted two replies to a query about my politics above in recent days, but either they have failed to upload or, bizarrely, have been deleted. I am as left wing as the Duff man, and yes I was involved in CFE last year, as well as in a number of anti-war actions with fellow UCD students.

True, my first hands-on experience of UCD politics was in taking three weeks out of my life last year to help run Paul and Aidan's campaigns, but I have had a hand in activism in UCD since the start of my second year, as well as being involved in lefty-type journalism, discussion, debates, etc. I was involved in both Coke referenda, particularly the second, and naturally have been involved in some part with all the Union campaigns this year.

I am not involved in any party and until recently wasn't even a member of one; however, although I'm no Danny Finn or "Old Oak" Dwyer, I am still fairly proactive (would always like to do more). Why I'm justifying myself to some randomer when no-one else should be in any way interested I'm not sure, but should you wish for more proof come back to me next year.

by Left of leftie Wed Dec 31, 2003 17:14

leftie had a point when he siad the right didnt have the balls to take on the college authorities in an injunction scenario. many would roll over and save their asses. binchy would lie down for the establishment without a fight, o'neill wouldnt be far behind.these guys dont give a shit about demo's or civil liberty issues and probably do want to glossup the c.v.. but the right have always liked to do things the "hourichane way", behind closed doors. if the library issue isnt resolved successfully by sit ins, which are getting the point across so far, then people at the centre of council are going to question their ability to impact the authorities and their decisions on the library.

what we are doing in the library has to be continued - binchy couldnt staomach it. but others on the other side agree with it, but they only see it working with preogress on the behind closed door end of things aswell. these boys are the ones who will throw shit all over council if Paul cant get some results from the sitins.this is why the right as we call thdem arent finishd yet. if the library issue isnt resolved in time they mite just surprise us and binchy!

by Hack Herald Fri Jan 02, 2004 02:19

Last years UCDSU Deputy President Ross Higgins has joined the Labour Party. Ross was 'witch-hunted' in the Fine Gael party in UCD for his outspoken views on social issues. There is speculation that Higgins may stand in the Executive elections with the backing of the Labour Party in UCD.

Meanwhile on the FG front, Michael Binchy will be running for a position. John Kennedy, a computer science student, is considering running for Education.

by Fine Gael supporter Fri Jan 02, 2004 12:29

Ross's views never correspondend with those of Fine Gael supporters, he was no more withchunted out of YFg than to say that Michael Binchy would be withchunted out of the SP. Why Ross ever joined a conservative party in the the first person is the real question, shows a lack of political maturity in my opinion

by Ray Rowan - UCD LABOUR,AMNESTY,ICCL,IRC,ETC. Fri Jan 02, 2004 14:09

Well firstly most of those named above are(or should)not be running for anything.Secondly i'm not far left at all and the person who wrote that has clearly never had a conversation with me.Thirdly Richard Waghorne,lovely guy,terrible president.He wants a union with is as upstanding and well mannered as he is.Good traits in a person and totally ineffective in a union.Why deprieve yourself of effective actions like sitins,protests and other direct action as a matter of policy?Nobody's scarred of the toothless union and a failure to note the requirement that our union doesn't stand alone and represents it's members is fatal.
Fourthly i'm in James Carrolls class,again lovely guy and again well out of his depth as education officer.
Fifthly i think politics in this college has both advantages and disadvantages.I think being moderate on purpose smells of ambition.
Sixthly(still going)Weafer for president.Seventhly,race traitor is a low comment and exactly what i have come to expect from YFG.Eightly and most importantly,i'm equality officer in labour UCD and i'll no more want(never mind support) Ross Higgins in our party than any other fence sitting,right wing hack who thinks doing nothing is an ideological stance.Labour UCD is involved in many campaigns and organisations,works hard in improving students lives and while i can only voice a personal opinion,doesn't need Ross Higgins.
Ninthly,for the love of almighty you spent your christmas and new year at this,stop before you waste more of your time.Finally a question,how many of you have actually done something constructive this year and how many of you have just talked about it?

by Waghorne '04 Fri Jan 02, 2004 14:54

I agree entirely with Ray on all but one of his comments. Richard is as in favour of protests as they come, and wholly supports the library sit in. His position is that protests used regularly on every issue only serve to portray the union as militant which isn't a good thing because in this world you cannot be seen to be both militant and right, - look at the ASTI. Therefore he opposes things like the Union being actively involved in the Bin Tax debate which is not directly relevant to the student lobby, - although it may be to some students. This does not mean he does not support the campaign to free students from prison if they have been imprisoned for their views, a point he made clear during the Academic council election when he said he was not running against Dave, but running to make sure that while Dave remained in Prison Students would not be unrepresented on AC. Rchard has been consistent in his position from day one, - he believes the Union should not undermine its position on fees and cutbacks by being seen in the national press to be of a particular political shade. If we want to get our fair share as students we need to be SEEN to be demanding just that. The Union needs a clear consistent message from year of year that puts Students first and the politcal beliefs of The Sabbats on National issues second. Thats why Hourihan was so bad, - he was clearly FF and this stopped him from being an effective bulwark against his own party. Dillon, while himself an excellent President, leads a Union widely reported in the Media as being hard line SP or SWP. Actions like those of the Deputy President against McDowell at the lawsoc debate, or the personal attacks on Harney do not help the student cause. Yet this Union has got it right on the library. And Hourihans administration got it rght on student services on Campus, although there is much still to do. So I am voting for Richard because I think we need to refocus our energy,- against the College and the Government on Student issues. While wider political action may be viewed by many in the student movement as just, and undoubtedly it is, this only serves to allow government and College to either characterise us as mad lefties and ignore us, or to treat us as an Ogra FF or YFG Cumann, indulging us by telling us how much they respect our views and how we are the leaders of tomorrow. This is what I hope Waghornes message is. If it is, then he'll win in a landslide and I for one will work my as off to get him in tere. I await his manifesto eagerly.

by Enthused Fri Jan 02, 2004 15:40

C'mon, we all know that was you Richard, but I have to say that that is one of the most inspiring messages I have heard in recent years. The SU needs to be just that - a Union of students. Only by combining our strength and ending thi left-right bickering will we gt anything done. Mt vote is yours, if you want it.

by Ray Running? Fri Jan 02, 2004 16:07

Ray, are you running for a position? You certainly mention lots for your 'about the candidate section' (UCD LABOUR,AMNESTY,ICCL,IRC). You have been speculated about. Are you running Ray? You've not denied it. Ray, the fact is Ross Higgins has joined the Labour Party whether you like it or not.

Could all candidates please be honest in your manifestoes and say what Party you are members of. Only Oisín Kelly, Paul Murphy (both Socialist Party) and John Harvey (Fine Gael) did so last year. Paul Dillon did not say a thing about being on the General Council of the Labour Party. Jennifer Allen didn't mention she is a FF member.

by Redneck Sat Jan 03, 2004 17:50

Angry Liberal run for welfare,it's about time we had someone with a brain in the office.

by Waghorne supporter Sat Jan 03, 2004 19:16

dillon said at the arts husting that he would resign from the Labour Part if elected. Has he done this yet?

At least Richard Waghorne will not lie to the students like Paul has done

by Dick Voter Sun Jan 04, 2004 17:14

If the worst Richards opponants can say about him is that he's too nice to be President then I sure as hell going to vote for him!

by Truth in UCD Sun Jan 04, 2004 20:11

With all this talk about members of political parties being sabbats and Dillon promising to resign from Labour (which he hasn't done and is a member of their exec), everyone seems to have forgotten that Waghorne is a member of Fianna Fail and joined the KBC during Freshers Week.

I wonder if anyone will ask him about this at this years' arts hustings.

by buzz Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:24

Lily Phelan, right? new one to me, please confirm!

by observer hack Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:39

I don't know much about Phelan's politics but I am sure that the right wing parties will back her against SP's Olivia O'Neill.

by dcu inverted Mon Jan 05, 2004 12:22

They are more likely to support her then lefties like Mulqueen or Rowan.Are you sure Olivia is in the SP?

by R.W. Mon Jan 05, 2004 14:55

The following is a Statement issued this morning by Mr. Richard Waghorne.
I have noted with growing interest over recent weeks the mounting speculation on these pages about the forthcoming Sabbatical elections to the UCD Student Union. My name has been mentioned in connection with a number of positions and I have been very interested to hear the views expressed about me and indeed “on my behalf”.

Over Christmas, I have thought long and hard about my position, and my responsibilities to the Philosophy Society and Law Society, on whose committees I serve. It has been obvious to me by the number of emails and phone calls, as well as expressions of support on these pages for my view of the SU, that there is a desire for change amongst UCD students. For that reason, and those outlined below, I am happy to confirm that I will be a candidate for the Presidency of the Union in February.

In my time in UCD I have known two Union administrations. The first, that of Mr. Hourihan was characterised by its total and abject failure to connect with Students, it’s refusal to engage with the biggest Student issue of the day, and its disregard for the opinions of the Students who paid for it. This was the Union which saw its President walk past a Student Protest and shake hands with a government Minister. That must never happen again.

The Union we have today is much better. It is indeed a Campaigning Union, a Union which does not shy away from the fight. Indeed it is my view that it is a Union which fights too often and a Union whose willingness to pick fights can lose itself the credibility it needs if it is to be strong in the battle against fees. It is also a Union which thinks too often in the Short term, and which in my view can do more with the resources it has to improve Students lives independently of Government or the College authorities.

I want to see a Student Union which is exactly that, - a Union of Students. At the moment it is a group of competing factions warring for control, - right against left, and to the winner go the spoils of battle. This allows our Union to be seen outside UCD as a political body, - in Hourihans time it was seen as a branch of Ógra Fianna Fáil, ready to kow-tow to government and College in order to win praise and local election nominations. Today it is portrayed as a bastion of the hard left, with an Anti-Government agenda going well beyond the reach of UCD and student issues. My point is not that to be anti-government is wrong, indeed I share a healthy disregard for them myself, but when we are seen to have a political agenda beyond improving the day to day lives of students, our credibility suffers and our campaigns are weakened by that lack of credibility.

I also want to see a Union that has a vision for UCD. We cannot allow ourselves to be just a reactionary organisation. We must ourselves have a vision of UCD that goes beyond that of Government and College, and we must be ready to lobby for it. During the campaign to come I will lay out an exciting vision of a Union which takes a far greater role in College life, that fights the agenda of passing cuts on to Student Services, and that strengthens the Unions role in Service provision. I think the Union should stand up for our basic rights and needs, the right to peaceful protest, the right to resources for our courses, the right to good accommodation, the right to feel safe walking through UCD at 3am, and a host of others. I will never hesitate to fight Government or College harder that even we do at present.

So I will be standing for a Union without the damaging political divide. I will be standing for a Union that is a Union, in the manner of a Trades Union, and not a mini Leinster House. I want to lay out a Plan for the next ten years, a plan to expand our reach on campus and refocus our aims off campus. I have what I think are exciting ideas for UCD, and I look forward to putting them to you in the election.

Regards,

Richard Waghorne
05/01/2004

by .. Mon Jan 05, 2004 15:35

...a Union which supports Coca-Cola

by pancho Mon Jan 05, 2004 15:50

That I'm going to vote for you. I can't wait to see the manifesto! Waghorne'04!!!

by earlsfort terrace student Mon Jan 05, 2004 16:08

the left will win these elections in my opinion and there will be no right-wingers on the exec any more. it's time that the right-wingers left the union, they have been wrecking it for years. at least this year did what a union is all about, ie camapigning anf fighting for its members. there have been advancements in services like library opening hours and restaurant prices. we finally have a union that will do its job and is based on solidarity, great example of this was the campaign against jailing of david murphy.

so in these elections i'm going to defend the victory of the left. i'm voting for weafer for president and the rest of the left slate for the other positions.

by John Henry Newman Mon Jan 05, 2004 16:15

Richard was not elected to the SU Council by his class- but by the Auditors of Societies. However he did put in a better preformance than Binchy in the Coke referenda as he got a higher 'anti-ban' vote when he ran the campaign. In the Academic Council elections he was elected- but only just. The SP got 77% of the vote with a Mountjoy Prisoner topping the poll with Richard scapping in nearly being pipped at the post by an SPer getting Dave Murphy's big surplus.

Richard does have some profile and has got some experience on elections/campaigns. However in my experience it's not campaing experience that matters it's ideas and issues being put forward by the candidate and the dedication that the campaign team has the the cause.

by random input Mon Jan 05, 2004 17:08

seriously, i think this should be moved to a relevant thread. it's hardly a news piece is it? more like a 'hello I'll be standing' piece of propaganda.

by The time has come for change... Mon Jan 05, 2004 17:26

I suspect this is only a taste of the personal vitriol that will be poured on the Waghorne Campaign by the left. Richard has so far shown that personal attacks on him are pointless, and that he can withstand this negativity. In some ways all these posts have proved his thesis: The Union is completely and utterly politicised. The issues for all the posters above are either Richards personality or they are posts supporting far left causes. I think Richard will win. None of these angry lefties have touched a word of the vision Richard laid out except to call him pretensious and question the legitimacy of his post. I think that the post is as newsworthy as the idle speculation that droppped off this newswire last night. If anything, it has served to show how the current Union and its supporters will stop at nothing to atttack their opponants. If this is the best they can throw at Richard, then their redundant message will fail in february. Richard is not a candidate of the right, - he has shown that he supports the aims of the Union, but I supect he would not indulge their distastful way of carrying out their Politics. Remember Richard got 277 vote in UCD's most Left Wing Faculty with 22 Poster and 3 lecture addresses against the most concerted socialist campaign of the year.

Richard Waghorne will be the next SU President, mark my words.

by get real Mon Jan 05, 2004 17:38

It's wrong to call the Dave Murphy election campaign as "the most concerted socialist campaign of the year." Even on the day people campaigning for him put the Coke referendum as the main priority. I was surprised at the low vote that Richard got, I thought he'd come second. But he came 3rd and nearly got beaten by the transfer of Murphy's surplus. He didn't have a good performance. Richard's better outing was the first coke vote.

by Dick supporter Mon Jan 05, 2004 17:43

Thank you for Running
Thank you for giving us a choice that isn't extremist
Thank you for standing up for my voice.

I'm voting for you, and Im going to ask everyone I know to do likewise.

This is a great day for UCDSU

by Yossarian Mon Jan 05, 2004 17:56

"So I will be standing for a Union without the damaging political divide. I will be standing for a Union that is a Union, in the manner of a Trades Union"

How did Waghorne show his solidarity with the union leaders of the Colombian Coca-Cola bottling plants? He led a campaign against the boycott they were calling.

Of course he's going to say he was acting in soidarity with the branch of SIPTU representing Irish Coca-Cola bottlers but previous exchanges on Indymedia have shown that the SIPTU branch have proposed nothing in solidarity with their Colombian comrades. It is not clear either whether the workers were balloted on what approach to take to the call for the boycott.

In fairness to Waghorne, as far as I recollect, he did respond with less bile and begrudgery to comments in the indymedia coca-cola boycott debate than many others on either side.

by SU member Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:05

Richard Waghorn is a member of Ógra Fianna Fáil. People should not forget this

by Joe Trinners Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:14 denisneary3k at hotmail dot com

i can see Heledd getting the education job but i'd be amazed if Miley could pull off the welfare election. he hasn't ever contested a proper election as far as i know. then again I suppose it depends on who runs against him.

by Average Student Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:15

Yes this is pathethic. I actually use to have time for Waghorn but this is taking the biscuit. Your a muppet.

by confirmed Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:17

Olivia O'Neill is a member of the SP

by Mildly amused Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:36

Richard, you have them scared!! This will be the theme of the left wing campaign. It will drag your name through the mud, try to make it another referendum on coke, call you a Fianna Fáiler, and attack your image. Students are tired of this pessimism and negativity. The posts above this show that these people want to squish you as early as possible, - the left have no candidate with a record that can beat yours. You are popular in Arts, their strongest faculty. I will vote for you and so will others. I campaigned for Paul Dillon this year, but I will not work for them this year. We need a change, and we need it soon. I hope when you are President you will move to take the politicians of all hues out of my Union.

by Angry Hack Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:41

how many of these angry lefties have even bothered to read Richards statement?

I'll bet Dillo was sitting in the office doing nothing as usual when it went up and the phone calls went out telling every ex CFE'er to get on there and have a go.

I have a message for you Dillo....

The time for Politics of this kind in UCD is fast coming to a close.

by UCD student Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:43

Hang on a second, Waghorne has no record. All he did was run an unsuccessful No campaign and manage to get himself elected onto a few society committees. That is not a record. He has done nothin on fees or grants, he has not participated in the various demonstrations or the occupation of the library. He was not involved in the 10k walk, the Dave Murphy Campaign, the campus book shop boycott....

Weafer has done all this and has a very good record. Weafer is also very active in the anti war group and is not a lackey of the Dillon/Regan duo. If Waghorn is elected it will be a set back to the SU, he will attempt to turn the clock back. He will turn the SU back into an organisation that is there to build CV's and cozy up to the college authorities. He sees the SU as a service provider no. 1 and a organisation to fight for its members no. 2.

by Angry Hack Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:44

How does SU member know RW is an FFer? I suspect that if it is true that RW is in fact a member of the KBC, that the only people who would know this are other members of the KBC? Obviously this is some1 close to O'Neill and Binchy trying to do a sabotage job on Waghorne, which in itself should be proof that Waghorne is not an active member of the KBC.

by facts Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:48

It's correct to say that Arts is a consistently left-wing faculty. Followed closely by Law and Vet. However to say that Arts is somewhere Wagnorne is popular is madness. When he stood in the Academic Council elections he came 3rd! and the left won 77%! hardly a popular man in Arts. In the Coke vote a massive 63% voted for the ban! Would all you sad jokers and wannabes get off this website and get back to studying now that the new term has started.

pathetic fuckers!

by Angry Hack Mon Jan 05, 2004 18:48

That Waghornes lack of previous involvement n the SU was the point? Surely if he's running to change things then it's better that he is not tainted with the failures of past administrations? What was Paul Dillons record in SU Politics exactly? He was an outsider who came from nowhere. Compared to Dillon, Waghorne is miles ahead in the experience stakes. And two of the three campaigns you list as Weafers SU experience are non SU campaigns. Also, not close to Dillo and Regan? He hasn't been out of their offices all year!!

by Dissapointed Mon Jan 05, 2004 19:01

I consider myself left wing. I am involved in the anti war movement, I voted for Dave Murphy ond the other two Bintaxers in the AC elections, and I voted for the coke ban twice. I lost out in the Class rep elections as a lefty. I have aalways held Waghornes politics in contempt. But he's right.

His post decrys the negative politics of the SU and says how it is a pity that people must personalise everything and make every issue a right left one.

He lays out a strong case for his candidacy.

How do the left respond? I ask one person on here who considers themselves left and attacked Waghorne this - Why are you proving his case?

Every attack we have made on him has used obscenities to describe him. Its been personalised, and abusive. I don't for one second think he cares. Richard has shown consitently this year that above all he's a nice guy and popular with a certain section of students, -as much for his image if nothing else, but I never thought he would win. Now I do, if we fall into his trap. I suppose Dillon will read this and put it down to me being one of Richards cronies on here to boost his ego.

I'm not. Watch out, Paul.

by SU member Mon Jan 05, 2004 19:16

Not every post critisising Waghorne descends into personalabuse. There are many posts here critisising Waghorne for his poor record re fees, library occupation, coke, dave Murphy, 10k walk. He has also been critisised for his view that the SU should be essentially a wing of the college authorities. These are not personal insults.

by Amazed Mon Jan 05, 2004 19:30

These people really don't get it, do they? They Don't understand why Waghorne will win and they will lose, do they? look at the post two above mine, and the look at the one directly above.

Waghorne supports the library protests, won 49% in the coke referendum he ran, which does not constitute a poor record. He did not run against Dave Murphy, in fact the opposite is true, and he came out in support of Dave during the campaign, so that does not constitute a poor record, and are you suggesting that not being on the 10k walk shows him to be in some way unqualified? I suppose it means he hates children or something. I read his post above and not once did he say that the SU should be a wing of the college authorities. So that's out the window as well. But what do you mean anyway by that? If Richard advocates once working WITH rather than against somebody during this campaign you will jump on him. You will say that protest is the ONLY way to get anything done. Remember, even the sharpest swords blunt if you use them too often.

So go ahead. Waghorne is neither Campbell or Woulfe, who between them got almost 50%. He is far to the left of either of them.

So go ahead, run that campaign.

You'll lose.

by SU member Mon Jan 05, 2004 19:35

The point is that Waghorne has come out and said he supports the library occupation, fees demos, a decent grant, the DAve Murphy campaign... but this is all he has done. He has not played an active role in these campaigns. He was not at any of the library occupations, he was not active in the Dave Murphy campaign, he was not even at the USI anti fees demo on budget day.

At the end of the day actions speak louder than words. If Waghorne is to be judged by his actions he has a fairly poor record in comparison to the vast majority on the left.

by hmmm Mon Jan 05, 2004 19:36

That somewhere out there there is a dark figure wearing a pocketwatch sipping his glass of brandy, who is looking at this thread while taking a self satisfied puff on his cigar.

Waghorne is devious, and perhaps the most politically astute person UCD has seen in a long while. The very fact that somebody with his image is being talked of as winning should show you that. He's outfoxed the best minds on the right. And now, I suspect that the figure I describe above is smiling to himself, tenting his fingers and saying exxxxcellent............

by intriuged Mon Jan 05, 2004 20:05

that is true. But while Richard frodo Waghorne may have outfoxed the evil Michael Saruman Binchy, the wrath of the black Orcthancesque tower of the KBC will be nothing compared to the full attention of the red eye of mordor, home of the dark lord Paul Sauron Dillon!

by enthused Mon Jan 05, 2004 20:29

An electable candidate who isn't left wing or right wing. It seems my policy of non participation in SU elections is coming to an end. Good on you, Mr. Waghorne.

by R Isible - 1 of IMC Ireland Editorial - Indymedia Ireland Mon Jan 05, 2004 20:32

to: http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=62748 The reason for this is that the content matter of the thread concerns the UCDSU elections and the there is a pre-existing thread which deals with that topic. So this thread will be moved to it in order to make the IMC-Ireland newswire more readable. While we welcome the contribution of candidate statements and debate on this topic, posters should ensure that they add their comments to pre-existing threads instead of starting new ones. Thanks for you help in making IMC-Ireland a useful resource. [ Ed: this thread has indeed been moved as promised, all future comments on this topic will be resectioned to this thread]

by Senor Disco Disco - SA Mon Jan 05, 2004 20:40

I presume this is a statement from the real waggy, and not just a piss pull? If so, what a place to but it! I think imc ie is a leftist forum, and all waggys should go read the irish indo/star depending on their taste in photos.

Its been obvious hes been onto this since he ran the coke campaign.

As right wingers go, hes a decent chap. Much nicer than that binchy shit or that cathal lee.still , he kills columbian kiddies.

Are you in ff richard? i think he left due to some in-fightin (non-physical).

Should make for an interestin campaign, nither richard nor david kelly will win, both have split the right /left votes resp, so who will the credible candidates be on each side?

hack hack hack.

is waghorne the first richard to run since rbb? (did rbb run?)

RUN2

//

by Sauron Mon Jan 05, 2004 20:55

Waghorne is very clever. Indeed he is the most dangerous of the right in UCD. Whatever he says about centrism, Waghorne is a GWB supporting, warmongering, liberal hater who probably wants to kill women who have abortions.

His genious, or the genious of whatever right wing hack advises him, is that he has been quite prepared to destroy the right to promote himself. He will be alone amonst the right, as none of them can beat him. The left must end this "Richard is a nice guy" lark, and attack him as hard and as personally as we can.

At least thats the opinion of the red eye of mordor.


***SAURON***

by buzz Mon Jan 05, 2004 20:56

Mr. Waghorn, What actually do you think you are doing? You are clearly lying through your teeth. And with all due respect i wouldn't be one bit suprised if you to passed a protest to shake hands with a government minister. The Student's union is a political organisation, student politics. Power currupts and it will you. I want to see fresh faces in the union this year not the usual old hacks who want to continue their petty arguements in the college papers to give themselves a wider audience. Get over your ego, you would be a useless president.

by non cynic Mon Jan 05, 2004 20:56

It says something about our esteemed President that he would advocate a personalised campaign.

by Who Cares? Mon Jan 05, 2004 21:52

So this thread has been going on for ages and no one is really aware of who is contesting what positions in the union. I mean is what you all spend your time doing in UCD?Having a look at www.indymedia.ie and getting thrills out of posting up threads? I would say that the positions will be contested between

Dermot Looney-Anthony Kelly-Michael Binchy-Séamus Ó Maonaigh-Ciaran Weafer-Richard Waghorne

and the winner is Kelly, Ó Maonaigh or Binchy.

Dep President: Robert Morrogh, Pierse O Failure. And the winner is Morrogh.

Welfare: Aoife Habenicht or Susan Connolly. Séamus Ó Maonaigh has also been hotly tipped to run in this race and may emerge as the hot favourite or indeed the winner. We will just have top wait and see?

Ents: Simon Larraghy, Conor Buckley, Shane Pollard or Anthony Kelly. All of tyhe ENTS experience, Kelly would probably take this or maybe Larraghy. Both of the most experienced and public image.

Education: James Carroll or Finghin Kelly. Probably Carroll who's LawSoc and SU affiliation will serve him with ease in canvassing and addressing lectures.

Good Luck to all....

by OLD UCD HACK Tue Jan 06, 2004 10:40

Good list you are obviously a right wing debating hack.Susan Connolly for welfare?Binchy as President?Is that a joke,a mini debating hack who would be beaten by anyone mentioned for welfare above and the bitter loser.Seamus as always will say one thing and do another,past experience shows that it's all about the attention.
Waghorne is running,hoping to appeal to populism and obviously doesn't have a clue.Having said that he couldn't possibly as he hasn't done anything useful this year.I hope he fails miserably.
Before anyone starts calling me a lefty,i'll be voting for the candidates that actually did something this year both left and right if it works out that way.James Carroll for education and ray rowen for welfare and dermot looney for deputy seem to head the pack so far.

by Mr disco - Sa Tue Jan 06, 2004 11:10

Theres no need for an electable left candidate to get personal :

//
The left must end this "Richard is a nice guy" lark, and attack him as hard and as personally as we can
//

Paul dillon got elected without negative campaigning {At least I dont remember any "abby is a fat baldy canadian" stuff}. A simple look at richards history of activity on campus, those he alligns himself to, and his policies, will assure victory...... excellllent.

I doubt that was paul dillon writing that quote above // // , cause i seriously doubt he's a lord of the rings fan.......... now abby on the other hand ??? {he has been known to stir shit}.

Is harvy going for anything? If so, its time to get personal on that twat.

by bruce foresight - teamhack Tue Jan 06, 2004 11:49

Who would waghorne vote for in the other positions?

by lefty Tue Jan 06, 2004 11:58

'who cares' is concentrating on the right wing candidates. the fact is the mood in ucd is left. the left leaning candidates are more likely to win. people have forgotten that james carroll does not have a record, nor does binchy (except re-running a referendum and loosing badly). I reckon weafer will win president, someone like darren cogavin will win deputy, aoife mulqueen would win welfare, ray rowan would have an excellant go at education. the only right-winger that is electable is james carroll simply as he is not a total goon like binchy, waghorne, harvey, brian o'farrell, etc.

by Milton - All on his own Tue Jan 06, 2004 11:59

Waghorne hasn't helped anyone this year except coca cola and he failed at that.I want his supporters to list the names of students he helped,the campaigns he has put time and effort into this year.We can all write in the observer and get stabbed in the back by O'Neill.He is so nice because he hasn't done enough to disagree with.You support the library sit richard,pity you didn't take the time to take part.Same on 10k walk,fees demos,book shop boycott,welfare campaigns.I think you don't want so many protests because you lack the ability to run one,where would your experience in the field come from?
Your lacklustre cv reads like a KBC committee member who "supports"popular campaigns and derides the less popular while being involved in none.You should run for a position on the fence where you are most comfortable.I don't have to get personal,your record is terrible.

by Starstruck - UCD Student Tue Jan 06, 2004 13:05

Would the right wing just roll over and die for Gods sake!theyve had their chance and blown it.
Richard Waghorne is a gent despite his political blindness and i wish him all the best but i fear for student rights suffering from weak,pro-government leadership should he succeed.
Fianna Fail can go eat a dick as well.No party which makes citizens part of a war on fellow human beings should ever be allowed be in power.Blood all over your hands boys.Hey at least you got the 14m for Shannon eh?
In the land of the free......

by Angry Liberal - The democrats. Tue Jan 06, 2004 13:33

Happy belated christmas starstruck!i think Richard running isn't a heinous right wing conspiracy and his manifesto may have some valid points but delivery.Can richard deliver on his promises if he has no solid support past this campaign,while the far right and left pull him apart and if more exteranl issues,eg.fees protesting and direst action,need attention?I await his manifesto and don't think it fair to pre-judge his opinions but i think we have a debate heavy candidate with little camapign,organisation experience.Finally i think that people should keep the ignorant "tory boy"comments to themselves,if you can't argue on what richard will,won't,has or hasn't done then your arguments will be weak.Disagree with his ideas but when you waste time by being snide who looks stupid,him or you.

by Thinktank Tue Jan 06, 2004 14:50

Angry liberal says it all,can you see Waggy leading a protest.When the governemnt realise next year how weak this union would be under Waghorne it's going to be a one way ticket to cutback town.......but we will have better manners.

by Bobo Tue Jan 06, 2004 14:53

The fucking UCD elections are months away. With the amount of coverage it's getting, you'd swear that UCD is the centre of the world (it isn't) and that UCDSU is the centre of political activity in Ireland (it isn't) and that UCD SU hacks, from Mr. Disco to Waghorne to magneto to Antophe and on and on are developing massive egos (they are).

Spare the rest of us, feck off to some UCD only board.

by UCD student Tue Jan 06, 2004 14:55

Angry Liberal is dead right, although it may be tempting to descend into cheap gags about Waghorne being a bit of a 'toryboy' we should not do that. Waghorne has a poor record on the real issues.

Angry Liberal, your name has been mentioned as a possible sabbat candidate. Maybe you could outline your record over the past couple of years. Were you involved in CFE for example?

by tallyman Tue Jan 06, 2004 15:08

The elections are in just over a month. Nominations will be collected soon, I'd say in the next couple of weeks. So the question of who is standing etc etc is very relevant.

Unlike some of those on the UCD 'left'. I'd agree with you about UCD not being the centre of the universe.

by sweet jesus Tue Jan 06, 2004 15:22

nice guy to talk to and all, but unfortunately thats not enough.
i have been involved in alot of su campaigns since september, and the only one i saw him being actively involved in was coke, and he was just doing that to raise his profile. this man campaigned against human rights for his personal gain, and that will never sit well with me and many others.

waghorn lack of involvement shows his utter disinterest in any thing su related other that elections. this word "advocate" is great, it means you support it, but when it comes to getting off your arse and having the courage of your convictions to actually do something about it, you couldnt be bothered. and thats exactly the kind of union i would predict if waghorn was elected. stagnant and token.

ps "angry hack" i think you need a hug. also it was unfair of you to put down dillo and his commitment to his job . if you were any sort of decent hack at all you'd realise that he's actually really busy. unlike you obviously. next time you feel the bile rising in your throat over the successes of the left, try counting back words from 10 and then jump off a cliff..sucker.

[quote = angry hack]
What was Paul Dillons record in SU Politics exactly? He was an outsider who came from nowhere. [/quote]
wrong again dearest, he co-led the no to disaffiliation with the usi campaign. again, sucker.

by wiggywaggy Tue Jan 06, 2004 15:33

Paul Dillon did have a decent enough record when he ran for election. He was very active in CFE and various other campaigns. He certainly didn't come from 'nowhere'. Waghorne has no such record. He has done little throughout the year, nothing on fees, nothing on grants, nothing againsts cuts. He wasn't active in any of the SU campaigns such as the 'Free Dave Murphy' campaign or the campaign against sexist posters. He has not been involved in the anti war movement or any progressive group in UCD whatsoever. All he has been involved in is elections and the 1st Coke referendum. I am firmly of the opinion that he was only involved in these to boost his own profile and his own CV before going for the top job.

by trinity gossip Tue Jan 06, 2004 17:13

miley had to run a proper campaign in october so he has the experience. no one ran against him though, so it might be a bit of a shock if anyone did in the USI ones.

anyone heard of any other rumours? surely its not just trinity sabbats going for USI

by ex-hack Tue Jan 06, 2004 17:26

I just can't believe that a student has the arrogance to post a press release announcing his intention to run for the SU on a national media website. You loser. As a former Belfield hack, I can assure you that no matter how important the SU seems when you are locked in that campus, no one outside of UCD gives two shits.

by usi insider Tue Jan 06, 2004 17:51

For the top-job of uberhack/USI president 2 candidates have emerged so far. FGer, Southern Area Officer and former President of Carlow ITSU J.P. McArdle is running for President. The other candidate is Áine Kelly the Welfare Officer from NUI Galway.

Trinners will be running for Education and Welfare with Helledd Fychan and Mike Miley putting their names forward. There is speculation about one of the left-wing UCD Sabbatical Officers going for Deputy President, but is unlikely.

In my opinion the elections won't be the big thing at USI congress this year. The Financial mess that they are in will be the big issue. It looks like Priestly will want to axe officerships. After moaning about having to pay his own bus fares every student in the land would love to see Ken Kinsella axed (personally axed in the back, not his position.) I'm sure Trinners Boy Will is glad that Ireland holds the EU presidency as he does not have to fund Brighid Breathneachs trips to EU summits in Europe so that she can lick up to Bertie and his Euro chums.

by Sensible SU Tue Jan 06, 2004 18:54

Once again the time of Ucd Sabats are approaching and on present indications they will be no doubt as bitter, divisive and as humorous as ever. Who ever thought that the KBC would lose its prestige position of UCDSU President to Labour and moderate "lefties" of Dillon and Regan.
No Doubt Gregg "elections" O'Neill is boiling in his boots and is wishing he had the ability and the opportunity to run. This will never happen to old Gregg even if he wanted it to, come on who'd vote for him!!!!

This years campaign as memories of Aonghus, Will good old "Dillo" go for a second round considering his protigé Aidean Regan has become very unelectable, The Presidental race however will probably be won by good old Séamus who has great name recognition and the backing of the BandL crew!!

Deputy President however is position which is being ignored, names like Farrell, Looney and Weaver (who????), however the best person for the position is probably Ray Rowan with his great year as auditor as Amnesty International and his two very sucessful campaigns for the noble cause of "coke". This would stand him good sted in DP and could only be an improvement from Regan.

He will probably be joined in Education by his 2nd Law Class mate James Carroll, with Charm, good looks, hard work ethic and wishes to change the Union he seems to be willing and able to do the job. No one can question his committment to the education cause, staying all night in the the library and constantly pushing the educations issues at council and on the education committee. At the moment no alternative candiate of any credibility is visible, perhaps he will be unopposed??

Welfare is something i know little or nothing about maybe Ms Allen will return for a second stint at it as her work has been most impressive however Aoife Mulqueen fresh from defeating Sexism could stand a real chance, if only women vote in the election because all lads like their porn!!!!!

Ents as usual is a joke anyone will do better than Sherry what happened to our thursday nights live??? will it be Larragy, will it be buckley? who cares why we don't have a mangaer who could make the Union money to pay for our must needed councillor I don't know!!!

At the end of the day 80% won't care and the chances of a real Student's President are slim Predictions:


President: Seamus
Deputy: Ray
Education: James
Welfare: Jennifer
Entertainments: A manager please

by Tweety Bird Tue Jan 06, 2004 20:59

Who's that sensible fella? He wants Seamus as President. Paul Murphy would be better than that. Nah actually, he wouldn't.

Ray Rowna for DP, now that is sensible. He would be great, but Rowan would want to get off his high horse with his nine points dissing everyone.

I'm telling you lads, that James Carroll fella will surprise you all. I spotted him last year as potential. See him at any comedy debates? He's one of the people, like Rowan could be, knows his shit too. My people on the grapevine up in roebuck tell me he's a quality class rep.

Welfare, Jen should keep at it for another year, I agree Mr Sensible. Mulqueen and her sexism!

Ents, hopefully Pollard gets this. Nah, I dont give a stuff. You're right, Mr Sensible, get an officer in there. Ah no, Paul Murphy wouldn't like that, out saying 'No'. That fella reeks of the DUP up North. Is he ever positive or does he not realise unpopular decisions sometimes have to be taken.

It will be interesting, more lively than last year's foregone conclusion.

by Tweety Bird Tue Jan 06, 2004 21:20

Just thought of it there. Does Dillon regret doing the No to disaffiliation of USI? Surely it was pointless cos the USI is now revealed to be shit and a waste of money paying our fees to them. If we'd kept that money, wouldn't it go some way to paying for a counsellor? Just thought of it there, just to see what you think.

by I am THE END. Tue Jan 06, 2004 22:20

THE NEXT HACK TO POST ISN'T ALLOWED RUN FOR ANY POSITION THIS YEAR,MERE MORTALS WILL MERELY BE FLOGGED IN A PACKED THEATRE L.

by Pierce Farrell - UCDSU Tue Jan 06, 2004 22:49 a00bf363 at student dot ucd dot ie

I've only read as far as Monday evening's comments but all I will say is that even though Richard Waghorne can put his sincerety across in writing will you all simply take a look at what he's done with Pil. Soc.? His performance as Auditor there speak's for itself. As I said earlier he's an idea's man.

To conclude this I will ask you ALL to stop speculating as we'll know in another two weeks and begin to ask; What will each candidate bring to the Union as an organisation and as a community?

by missy elliot. - surfers unite Wed Jan 07, 2004 10:32

PRESIDENT.

Seamus on personality will win it hands down,that is if people think he has one which they unfortunately do.Weafer will have to spend the first few days telling everyone who he is and then come a close second with Dickie in last place.

DEPUTY.

Pierce O' Farrell must not be allowed to win this,the halls would be full of hacks attaching nooses to ceilings.Finbar Dwyer could run but i think his hippy past would come back to haunt him.Binchy won't dare after the ass kicking of a lofe time he recieved and Gregg O'Neill is unelectable.So the field is left to Ray Rowan or Dermot Looney.Rowan is more electable and is certainly competent but i think the beloved Looney will recieve the leftie endorsement.

WELFARE.

Jennifer may run again if not then Aoife Mulqueen with her high profile year as women's officer is the clear favourite.

EDUCATION.

James Carroll seems to be the front runner at the moment,a good year involved in education and a nice cv may see him through if he denies his FF membership.

ENTS.

Simon Larragy or Anthony Kelly.Both will have large campaign teams,but i think Kelly is the more likely to get the good press and has a more impressive list of parties behind him then Larragy.

by mordor Wed Jan 07, 2004 11:04

There will be others on the right taking on Waghorn, Sauron is wrong on that point. Whether they have a chance is debateable: Binchy, Carroll or O'Neill arent up to scratch. But I think that Sauron has got it terribly wrong when he presumed that Richard will be on his own because none of the right can beat him.where in Gods name does he get this from. There certainly are others who could beat him. He isnt invincible.But they arent going to run against Dillon or his band of cronies. The spread of the left is imminent, Waghorn and the other named "righties" are doomed.Hail Lord Dillon and the eye of Mordor.

by Brian Dennehy - Science. Wed Jan 07, 2004 11:59

There is only one electable lefty in this college and that's Ray Rowan.He didn't piss people of about coke,even Richard Waghorne said he had integrity and he turned amnesty into a society people have actually heard of.He isn't too left wing and doesn't bow to either the SP or Dillon,he has a brain on his shoulders and doesn't lose the plot in for the sake socialsim.The left have the greater numbers and unity but bad candidates,how many undecideds are going to vote for an SP after this year's education officer or another year of outrageous communist crap under the dillonites.The likes of Waghorne,Seamus and Robbie will wipe the floor with inpratical lefty ranters.If you want a left union that works get the angry liberal to run.

by Dreaming of cheddar. Wed Jan 07, 2004 12:10

Who is Ray Rowan and what does he do?

by angry student in belfield Wed Jan 07, 2004 12:39

I think that it is amazing that Indymedia (a generally left-wing website) can be used by a bunch of right-wingers from UCD. Just look at the rubbish that "Brian Dennehy " comes out with. He calls Dillon communist! He says that people would be unwilling to vote for an SP candidate, even though most are very happy with the performance of this years Education Officer! He even says that Ray Rowan is not cowing to Dillon, but Ray is in the Labour Party with Dillon! He dismisses SP people for being in the same party as a current sabbatical officer, but not when it comes to Ray and his Labour membership.

"Brian Dennehy" you and your kind are fucking idiots. I reckon that the left will win the elections. my predictions are:
President: Ciarán Weafer
Deputy President: Darren Cogavin
Education: Ray Rowan
Welfare: Aoife Mulqueen

by student Wed Jan 07, 2004 13:04

We weren't aware that the left owned indymedia and that right wingers weren't allowed to voice their opinion.I didn't notice that Brian said he was right wing,just disgusted with the current union.I agree that party affiliation shouldn't come into it but the point is that the far left,which includes dillon and not rowan,has had it's chance and blown it.We are fed up of socialist crusades which don't represent the majority.You got in on fees and when that disappeared your narrow scope became evident.

by left 'till I die Wed Jan 07, 2004 13:17

I find it hard to take from people like "student" that the left have a 'narrow scope'. The fact is that more has been done in the UCDSU over the past 6 months than years of right-wing control. The right did nothing on the Library hours, food on-campus, budget cuts, book prices, cost of printing, the outlying faculties, freshers' ball, developing Union Policy etc. These are all things that the current officers have delivered on.

When your mate Aonghus Hourihane was in power he did not achieve much. You want us to go back to the days when the SU was something for pathetic careerists getting a cushy number while they beefed up their CV. Aonghus Hourihane was in favour of fees for God's sake!

If we allow 'moderates' and 'centrists' in they will bring us back to the days of Aonghus Hourihane and his pro-fees anti-protest agenda.

by student Wed Jan 07, 2004 13:22

The right were concentrated more on ucd and less on immigrants,colombia,the bin tax and lefty loon policies.I think moderates are what people want and i think i will be proved right in the elections.Would the average student vote for Waghorne or some arts block hippy?Dwyer over Binchy?Kelly over Rowan?

by angry student in belfield Wed Jan 07, 2004 13:26

"We are fed up of socialist crusades which don't represent the majority."

I don't know what you are refering to. Coca Cola? well, a majority voted for the ban TWICE. The second vote was with the biggest turnout in recent SU history. Free David Murphy? Again a majority voted for David and anti-jailings candidates, 77% in Arts, in the Academic Council elections. Hardly a minority.

"You got in on fees and when that disappeared your narrow scope became evident."

Fees have not 'disappeared', this summer the registration fee will go up a big amount. You obviously did not read any of the manifestos of the 4 'CFE' candidates. They were not just about Fees!

The fact is that the left represent the majority in UCD. Just look at the Coke vote and the massive left vote in Academic Council elections in Arts. It's the likes of you that are in the minority. Ye were in control and you messed it up. In response to the 69% registration fee hike ththe right-wingers voted 'to condemn the CFE', and Aonghus did not come out and oppose fees. NO PASARAN! KEEP THE RIGHT OUT IN FEBRUARY!

by Grant Holder - Faculty of Engineering Wed Jan 07, 2004 13:37

I've been reading this thread over the past while. All I have to say is that those right-wingers are all from good middle class homes and are relatively rich. I am not from Dublin, I'm not from a wealthy home, I'm the first perspn in my family to go to University. My family are crippled enough with bills without having to pay the registration fee or tuition fees. Rent in Dublin is a disgrace and is a serious burden. The grant is pathetic and I have to work at weekends. You idiot hacks may think that the SU is a playgroud for your egos. But we need people in the SU that are serious about fighting the injustice that exists and that your averege student faces. I think that this year is a big big improvement on the previous year when they did not even oppose fees! They even condemned people campaigning against fees, I went to those demos, where they condemning me? I agree that the right-wingers shouldn't be allowed get back in. It means nothing to you South Dublin Middle Class hacks but to struggling students having a SU willing to fight for you makes a difference.

by Angryvoter Wed Jan 07, 2004 14:02

Well said grant holder.

by Pierce Farrell - UCDSU Wed Jan 07, 2004 14:08 a00bf363 at student dot ucd dot ie

The title says it all.

The only reason I write this is so that some of you finally learn how to spell my name.

by Pierce Farrell - UCDSU Wed Jan 07, 2004 14:12

My last comment was directed at ALL the hacks so I offer you my apologies.

Keep making contributions and hopefully people will remain focused on the issues that matter.

by UCD hack Wed Jan 07, 2004 14:17

Ray Rowan is the current amnesty international auditor and helped run the 2 coke referendums,but not against coke more for human rights.He was in cfe last year and is in god knows what this year,labour,the irish civil liberties council,free legal aid and possibly the merchants quay project.I think a more moderate lefty who has little time for the SP and may be leaving labour.Also does second law,is generally considered an ok guy and knows what he is talking about.


Can the candidates please admit which party they are in this year?We all know anyway but just for the non-hacks in ucd.


Seamus is definitely running for pres.

by Another Anonymous UCD hack Wed Jan 07, 2004 14:45

Agreed about UCD being very, very minor in the grand scheme of things. Yes the Sabbat elections are important to the 4000 or so who vote in UCD - but even though the current administration have done, on the whole, excellent work, they're by no means as important as most of the other discussions we have on here. By the way, we doesn't refer to the plethora of ignorant, uncaring right wing hacks who arrive on here and act as if they belong. Indymedia is a site to help the spread of stories kept out of the establishment media run by the kin of these hacks.

Nevertheless, one comment I do have to make about all the speculation is that few seem to be mentioning Fergal Scully. He's an excellent candidate with good experience of campaigns this year, especially 10K and library cutbacks. He's been a very good class rep in Second Social Science and as a mature student will seem quite electable. I'm not fully aware of his politics but I think he was involved in one of the Coke referendums and is certainly a moderate libertarian left. Rumour is that he will run for either Deputy or the big one.

The other news I've heard is that the current Research Officer, Dermot Looney, will not run and has ruled it out to pretty much everyone in the past month. Not sure of the reasons - as current Sports Editor, could he go for Editor of the College Tribune?

And, even more importantly, do any more that the dozen or so hacks on here actually care?

by Sensible SU Wed Jan 07, 2004 16:11

What Seamus won't be President!!
I'd have to disagree, although i wouldn't personally think that he would be the ideal President he is the ideal Candiate. If Anthony Kelly decides not to run Seamus would have all that support and he has a great name profile. His perception especially amoung first years is of a funny guy, and he comes accross well in lecture's. I think he can win if he wants it! and can beat almost anyone!!

On the Right/Left devide I would think that its not as much on policies and theories as on sensibility. There are many FF supporters who recieve grants and assistance to affort going to college while those leading lights on the so called left come from well-off posh D4 backgrounds, teachers, lawyers, managers as parents and the like! Where is the party in UCD for those!!

I think as a person with center-left opinions both Ray Rowan and James Carroll, for DP and Education are the best of those who I think will be elected!!

by anarcho advocate Wed Jan 07, 2004 16:18

I mentioned Fergal Scully's name way back and it seemed to be ignored. Granted he hasn't got the profile of some other candidates but profile means nothing.

Mr. Scully definately has the qualities to be president or deputy president. He's been very committed and energetic in campaigns he's taken part in (10k, library) and is very sensible and independently minded.

Considering he is a mature student, and has a bit of experience in life, unlike the 20-year-olds that usually end up in the top spot, he'd be a great president.

If he's willing to run, then the candidates of the left should really sit down and sort out who'll run for what and how they can run as a team.

Seamus must be stopped at all costs. If it means we all all fail our exams, get kicked out of college and lose lots of blood in the process, then no price is too high. No pasara!

by an arts student - university college dublin Wed Jan 07, 2004 17:03

i think that it's strange that an anarchist sees someone being "sensible" as a trait!! but seriously, it is a good point that you make about the left not running against each other and making sure that the left have people running in all positions. it would alos be great to 'pool resources' to an extent in the election campaign on the left to make sure the gains we made over the last year are not lost to the right and the "centre".

by nice Wed Jan 07, 2004 17:31

I wouldn't say Ray Rowan is a left winger. He has posted on this site in support of the Nice Treaty and the EU. A section of the Nice Treaty is concerned with the sell off off publicly owned assets and services including education. Can someone who supports the privitisation of education be described as left wing? No way! He should not be backed by the left in the elections.

I predict now a load of people will come on and leap to his defence claiming that he is really against privitisation etc, I say to them: Ask him how he voted on the Nice Treaty!

by ucd commentator Wed Jan 07, 2004 17:44

'nice' you are probably a troll or a right winger that is looking for issues to divide the left. I'm going to ignore you. These issues are best brought up face-to-face in any case, this site is not suited for real debate.

On the issue of James carroll. From all accounts he is a nice guy. But from what was said about him by some right winger it would seem that the guy was the only person involved in the library occupation or on the education committee! I think you'll find all (or nearly all) of the education committee were involved in all the occupations. If you look at the other issues that his potential opponants were activly involved in you will see the Carroll has the poorer record. Carroll was not invllved in the Campus Bookshop campaign, the anti war group, 10k walk, Anti Sexist posters, the CFE last year, the various protests against fees/cuts, the Dave Murphy campaign. James hasn't done anything but the library occupation, which means he is on a par with about 500 other students.

by UCD student Wed Jan 07, 2004 17:48

What the hell does it matter?that is the most far out thing i've heard on this stupid list.He was in cfe,i guess that means he is a far right FF member who has spent his life pretending to help people and be a left winger.

by faustus Wed Jan 07, 2004 17:52

Nonsense comment about the leading lights of the left being from D4 backgrounds in UCD. As regards the Union lefties - Dillon from small farming background in Meath, Regan from Tallaght, Oisín Kelly from ordinary background in Dublin, Dwyer from ordinary background in Kilkenny, Looney from working class background in Dublin. Outside the Union corridor, Redmond is from ordinary background in Carlow, Finn went to Gonzaga on a scholarship, Dave Murphy and several of the SP are from working class backgrounds. Of the rising lefties, Scully is from Tallaght, Weafer from Artane/Beaumont, Mulqueen from rural Galway, Rowan from an ordinary country background.

Only Paul Murphy can be described as being from a middle-class Dublin background, not that it really matters anyway. UCD sensible, AKA Seamus O'Maonaigh, not so sensible about the UCD left are you.

by Art 133 Wed Jan 07, 2004 17:55

Ray Rowan supports the Nice Treaty. The Nice Treaty's article 133 is all about the privatisation of public services (like education). The Nice Treaty is all about deepening capitalisms hold on Eastern Europe (including privatising and corporatising Education). Ray supports this. It does matter at if he is a Sabbatical Officer he will be faced with European driven corporate agreements that have an effect on Education in Ireland (eg Bologna). I think that the left should put forward a slate. That does not mean that any punter can join a left slate. From what I can see lefts should be weary of careerist elements trying to get their endorsement. Ray supports the Nice Treaty for heaven's sake, he also supports Partnership deals. That's not left-wing!!

by caution Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:07

We should be very wary of careerists trying to get to power via a left slate.

I think the left have a firm hold of UCDSU, I don't think the right will come back through openly winning an election, I think if they are to come back they will come back by infiltrationg the left.

When deciding who to endorse I think we should only back those with proven records. For example only thos who were ACTIVELY (not just 'supportive' but actually helped in organising demos etc) involved in the CFE last year should be considered.

by UCD hack Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:09

Getting a scholorship to Ganzaga does not mean you are from a poor background. The scholorships are based on academic ability not your means.

by The Straws - the Union Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:23

I agree that it is wrong to say that the left are from middle class backgrounds. Looking at it they are from ordinary working class backgrounds or rural small farming backgrounds. Most are the first in thier families to attend University. On the other hand most of the right-wingers are from traditional University attending backgrounds (i.e. South Dublin Middle Class and Large Farming backgrounds.) We live in a Class Divided society, the right wingers are right-wingers for a reason- their class background. The left wingers are left-wingers for a reason- their class background.

by keep the right out! Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:28

dead right. The right wing are right wing for a reason. They are defenders of privilage, they want to see societies and the SU to be places where the future eleites can mix and practice their shaftings before going into the real world. They want to boost their CV's. They are scum. The SU should be there to fight for decent grants, against fees, against cuts and against the elitism that is endemic in the college authorities.

by Jockster Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:30

Wasn't Dan Finn the 'jock candidate' the year he ran for president.

Then last year it was Donnachadha woulfe. Who will it be this year??

Would people classify Binchy as a jock? Or maybe Richard Donnelan?

by Waggy Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:48

This is the link to the list of Ogra FF members who are registered to use their messageboard. If you follow the link you will discover Richard Waghorne's name. So much for being in the centre and above party politics. Dicky Waghorne is a paid up FFer and is loyal to Bertie at the end of the day.

http://www.ogra.ie/discuss/members.asp?whichpage=6&method=postsdesc

by UCD student Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:51

If the worst thing you can say about Ray Rowan is that he may or may not have voted for nice then more power to him.The labour party,the greens and most left leaning or social democratic parties in europe voted for nice.I think you're type of socialism is far left or you are a right wing troll.

I'm not sure class matters.Margaret Thatcher was poor and Bush is rich,yet they have the same economic policies which are right wing.Paul murphy is rich as is mulqueen and rowan.It doesn't mean any of them are less or more dedicated.

by get out and stay out. Wed Jan 07, 2004 18:55

If you think ray rowan is right wing then so is paul dillon and the labour party.It's just Gregg trying to stir crap.Nice try Gregg but the left is a little more united than the right.

by ex UCD student Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:00

If you support the Nice Treaty then you support the privitisation of public services. Look at article 133. If you favour privitisation then you ARE right wing. If this means the greens and Labour are right wing, well maybe they are. If it means Rowan and Dillon are right wing well maybe they are too. I'm not a UCd student but I would say to all those who plan to vote in the upcoming elections that they should be wary of right wingers posing as left wing. People should queston Dillon and Rowan about this, did they really support the Nice Treaty?

by John Q Public Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:03

its clear that dillon and rowan dont support privatisation. either you are someone on the sectarian far left or someone with a vested interest in promoting electoral candidates opposed to the good work both rowan and dillon have done this year.

by euro Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:07

"...and most left leaning or social democratic parties in europe voted for nice."

Most of the so-called "most left leaning or social democratic parties" in Europe support the war in Iraq and spearhead attacks on the living conditions of workers. Look at Schroeders Agenda 2010 where he plans to roll back workers entitlements into the 19th century. Look at Blairs top up fees, attacks on nhs and firefighters..... I could go on and on...

by art 133 Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:09

Well is it? We still havn't heard from the men themselves.

by Art 133 Cosgrove Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:10

I think that we should be very careful of right-wingers in left wing clothing. The fact is careerist may take the 'can;t beat 'em join 'em' attitude and try to gt endorsed by the left. Dillon is generally left wing and was involved in the CFE, he is more to the right than others, but he does have a record in the CFE. On the other hand Ray Rowen has questions to answer about his vocal support for Nice and "the European Project". Unlike Dillon Rowan is primarily a liberal type, he's not a big fan of class politics. Ray should answer about his views on Nice Treaty and Article 133. He should tell us if he supports EU expansion into Eastern Europe. And what does he think of Partnership and Coalition government.

by Sheep's Clothing Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:18

Ross Higgins is an example of the type that is getting into 'sheep's clothing' to get his hack career back on track. Not happy being in with a bunch of Binchy lovin losers, Ross jumps ship into the 'leftwing' 'Labour' Party. Ross even says he's on the 'left ' of the party! Ross is not a left. He does not have a record on fees, cut-backs etc. Even when he was Deputy President he voted to condemn the CFE. This is the careerist type that Labour are all about.

by Hahahahaha Wed Jan 07, 2004 19:45

So I followed the link to the FF msgboard. Waggy is there in all his glory, along with SF members, labour members, Pds, and members of CFE!!

Waghorne is not an FFer. He is, however, the next UCDSU President.

by Nice Wed Jan 07, 2004 21:02

Everyone who knows ray rowan is aware that he doesn't claim to be a far left type,but they also don't doubt his dedication to the left.You are running on the assumption that he voted for nice(as if it matters in a sabbat election) and have shown yourself as an extremist with time to look up someones post history.I don't know the guy well,but he is certainly left wing,he was in cfe(for education access)and is on the labour left.I'd like to know when the right became so worried about him they had to slag him?

by steve buscemi Wed Jan 07, 2004 21:24

the mutual exclusiveness of "left-wingedness" and supporting the Nice Treaty is the most ridiculous thing i've ever read. there are people who believe in the idea of Europe. although that idea may currently be in the process of being bastardized by neo-liberal economic policies, the dream remains of Solidarity among the peoples of Europe. the Nice Treaty and the current draft of the EU constitution may have been extremely flawed documents, but one cannot vilify a left-winger who, despite being as 'extreme' as the next person on most socio-economic issues, was willing to put the expansion of the EU over these concerns. people don't vote for privatisation, they just prioritise other things above being against it.

so what i'm looking for, as Steve Buscemi so eloquently says in Reservoir Dogs "Fuck sides man. What we need here is a bit of fucking solidarity". If, for example, Paul Murphy, Raw Rowan and Waghorne were to be the candidates for president then, i believe, that every left-winger should come out and vote for Ray because firstly, with no offence to Paul, Paul won't get in, and secondly, he may not be as left-wing as some people might like, but he's a hell of a lot more left-wing than Waghorne. Ray's credentials as a campaigner must erase any other concerns.

by sillystudent Wed Jan 07, 2004 21:37

I heard that ray rowan supports nice.Are you ray because if you aren't then you really wouldn't know.I think it'll come as a big shock to him that he a right winger and completely on board with europe,supports partnership and whatever else.You need to take a slow bath with some electricity.

by Tweety Bird Wed Jan 07, 2004 22:15

U are a gimp. Look lads, I'll list all potential runners and see, look they're nice normal people. Yeah, great job you did! Bit off, though.

Ever check the backgrounds of some of the other people? Rowan, private school, then repeated in the Institute!!
Paul (I'm one of the people) Murphy drives to college in his car, ah yeah, supporting the proletariat. God, you'd want to get a grip lads.

Sure look at James Carroll. He's from a working class background from the country(Laois, is it? Somewhere in the arsehole of nowhere! A bogger with sense though, I'm telling you, watch out)and you lump him in as from the 'rich' right. Obviously, your lacking in knowledge of the facts, Faustus.
He wasn't involved in the 10k Walk!! Wrong. Last year, he was too. This year got a big increase in 2nd Law participation in it.

Just thinking that maybe Jennifer Allen could be a reasonable candidate for Pres. Dicky W is too right wing, Regan is a dildo head. When's candidates lists out?

by Europe! Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:33

Steve says that 'left-wingers' like Ray Rowan "was willing to put the expansion of the EU over these concerns". The fact is that the EU itself should be opposed by anyoneon the left. The EU is not an organisation established in the interests of the working class people of Europe. It was established as a way for the capitalist classes of Western Europe to get further profit from the people of Europe and from people all around the world. The expansion into Eastern Europe is all about getting western European companies into the East so that they can make more profits, afterall they don't have to pay them much there! The EU is insisting on further privatisation of public services like Education in Eastern Europe as a condition for membership of the EU. Why dont Labour's Liberals go to Poland and tell the unemployed that the EU is going to be a land of milk and honey.

Ray Rowan is in Amnesty, he is interested in Human rights. However he supports an institution that further exploits the working people of the third world. The USI is littered with liberal Ray Rowan types why should we get another one elected in the clothing of a radical?

by UCD student Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:06

You are throwing around all these remarks on the basis of ray rowan disagreeing with you over europe.I don't know if he gives a shit about europe either way or how much of a liberal/socialist/communist he is but he is left wing,he would be a great DP and all you have is some loon left perspective that anyone which includes most of the left who supports the existence of the eu is a sell out.This against the two years of work ray has done.......i think we should just ignore him/her,Gregg or Binchy or whichever troll he is.

by killergirl Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:17

I think we should leave the decision if weafer,rowan,scully,mulqueen to them and who supports them to the left.With all the crap on this board,only those people know if they are running so speculating is a waste of time.

by the end Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:43

I think that we should all just stop this rubbish online. The fact is that the right are all over the place. It's very likely that the right wingers will have more than 1 candidate for President. The left seem agreed on Weafer fro President, Cogavin for Deputy President, Rowan for Education, and Mulqueen for Welfare. That would make a good left slate to take on any right-wingers that run. Although they don't agree on everything under the sun, they all do have the view that the union is not a place for hack egos and it is a serious organisation for the defence of students interests inside and outside of UCD.

by Agreed - UCD Thu Jan 08, 2004 13:09

I agree with the above we all have better things to do with our time.

by DEV Thu Jan 08, 2004 13:19

The right are all over the place the end?nice try at drawing false conclusions.the left seem divided over rowan and no left candidate has actually come forward so as far as i can see the race is still one right winger announced against no trots.

by UCDSu Sensible Thu Jan 08, 2004 17:20

Never in all my life Have I ever been so insulted.
Where on earth did that come from Dan
AKA MR Faustus Finn?
Maybe if yourself and your group of goons got a proper person to run for President the so called left would hold onto the title however if yee run someone like Weafer the Embarressment of being beaten by Seamus will never go away!!!

by blob watcher Thu Jan 08, 2004 17:30

regular forums, new members, busy around sexist posters campaign and pushed through anti war policy on Council?

will they stand a candidate as part of a left slate?

by Grant holder2 Thu Jan 08, 2004 17:59

Good man over there in Engineering. It's good to see you're normal too. I'm a grant holder aswell. Ii'm the first generation of college goers too, good to see I'm not alone up here in D4 World.

The rent is crippling. fuckin 90 euro a week for shite I'm paying.Two hours a day the heating is on!

Just heard of this message board. Was wondering though if fees were introduced, we wouldn't have to pay for them, only the rich D4's and they'd go to college anyhow, so the money would be pumped back into our working class schools and get more than 15% of us going to 3rd level. The money could be used to be pumped into our poorer areas.

What do you think,grant holder?
Good to hear from you.

by shitstirrer Thu Jan 08, 2004 18:07

now maybe i'm wrong, as i was absent from college last year with other pursuits, but surely ray rowan would be a deputy president and darren could take education. from what i've seen this year it's been ray that's been involved in campaigns, often being one of the driving forces behind them. considering that deputy president is all about campaigns surely this would make more sense?? of course that being with the caveat that he wants it.

by RAY ROWAN - AND SO ON AND SO ON..... Thu Jan 08, 2004 19:06

Did anyone see that programme about that snake which takes an overly long and painful time to digest it's prey and is nearly extinct,on an unrelated note this thread has gone on too long.
What a special and certainly individual view Art 133 has on europe.As head professor at the institute of ray's opinions,he is the leading mind in the area of telling me what i think.I have however noted some glaring inaccuracies in his current thesis.When the first nice treaty came out i was working on the abolition of the death penalty in Ireland and the acceptance of the jurisdiction of the international criminal court so it wasn't my big concern.The treaty did however endanger our neutrality,left eastern european markets open to exploitation and did nothing to strenghten human rights in the eu.So I VOTED AGAINST NICE and joined those with whom i rarely agree,far left and right.What confuses the good doctor is that i'm generally in favour of europe.It has some terrible effects,eg.immigration policy recently introduced the safe third country rule and reduced the countries of non-return but it has some good points,eg.lack of war,free movement of labour,employment equality directives,promotes human rights education.
But beware all of you out there who thought you were left wing because the good doctor knows better.If you are in favour of europe,were in the cfe,are against all cutbacks and for helping those who deserve to be in college on merit and not money then you are unfortunately right wing.The doctor recommends a healthy dose of his own personal opinion taken 45 times daily.Anally.

PS.There is a post on asylum seekers requiring help and a talk i think next thursday on anti-traveller racism in ucd in the events list.We should all learn from those people who spend their time productively unlike ourselves and get involved.

by beware - beware the liberal Thu Jan 08, 2004 19:21

Angry liberal,remind me not to get on your bad side.Run for the lot this year ya crazy mudder.

by Art 133 Thu Jan 08, 2004 19:34

Ray did you do as you were advised by your party leader in the 2nd referendum and 'hold your fire' and vote yes?

by The FACTS Thu Jan 08, 2004 20:08

Ray hasn't even put his name forward yet. So all this speculation about whether or not he support the EU is a bit premature.

The only lefts that have ACTUALLY declared are Ciarán Weafer, Darren Cogavin and Fergal Scully.

Aoife Mulqueen has indicated her interest in standing. But has not made her decision public as of yet.

by Corridoor whispers Thu Jan 08, 2004 20:25

Is it true that Ross Higgins has done a deal with Paul Dillon that in return for not running for the Auditorship of UCD Labour that he will be standing as an unopposed 'left' candidate for the position of Finance Officer.

by Rossi Thu Jan 08, 2004 21:31

Is this the same Ross Higgins that made those disgusting remarks about the 'working class collecting grants'? http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=30428&search_text=ross%20higgins&search_comments=on

Is this the same Ross Higgins that was part of the 'UCD Pro Liberation Society'? (http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=40270&search_text=ross%20higgins&search_comments=on)

Is this the same Ross Higgins that proposed a motion on SU Council to 'condemn the actions of CFE'? and is it the same Ross Higgins that proposed a motion to have Aidan Regan barred from speaking at a SU council meeting and called him a 'knacker' in the college papers?

If it is i find it utterly disgusting that this creature should be allowed be even considered as a 'left' candidate. They guy is an out and out right winger that has only jumped ship because he had a few personality clashes in FG. He is only trying to further his own career. It really says alot about the Labour Party that Ross Higgins is in the 'left wing' of the party.

by sudreamer Thu Jan 08, 2004 22:13

I don't think he ever voted for the nice treaty.Art 133 your patheric attempt has failed i think it's time you talked about something else,as fascinating as the eu is and all.Weafer number one.

by Ray Rowan Thu Jan 08, 2004 22:16

Sorry doc wrong again.

by student Fri Jan 09, 2004 12:57

What are you running for?Are you running?

by orts student Fri Jan 09, 2004 14:22 lucypc at yahoo dot com

PLEASE Please Please learn to SPELL. You are = you're and Richard Waghorne spells his name with an E at the end. This level of grammatical ability from supposedly third level students is deeply depressing!

by Marty McFly Fri Jan 09, 2004 15:55

I got some info from an SPer that David Murphy will be running for Education. He's got one of the best known names on campus and he has shown that he is willing to seriously campaign on issues even putting his personal liberty on the line.

by emmet brown - personal capaticy Fri Jan 09, 2004 18:17

Yeah I heard that too, Richard Waghorne is reported to be backing out due to his running.

by ross Fri Jan 09, 2004 18:41

I am sorry to disappoint but there is nothing to rumors of me running for a position in Labour Youth, the SU or anything else in UCD. As for the comments you refer to in the freshers guide; that was a contribution that wasnt edited, much to my regret, before it went to print and was certainly nothing I said. The same is true in reference to my supposed statements regarding my successor. Finally the last time I checked I was never in favor of Bush being allowed murder Iraqi women and children and hence I was not a member of "Pro-Liberation Soc".
You have every right to your beliefs and opinions of course - just wanted to put my perspective on these comments out there.

by sweet jesus Fri Jan 09, 2004 20:37

ross, dont be so smarmy! was it not your job, as DP, to edit the freshers guide? the fact of the matter is that you even contemplated publishing such a dispicable comments. it appalled me then, it appalls me now.

by Grant Holder2 Fri Jan 09, 2004 21:18

What's the craic giving Ross all that abuse? I collect the grant. I'm working class. So what? He called me working class, I don't care. Yes, me, a working class person!

Lads, I'm not political. Just found out about this page during the week, but it looks like it's all interpersonal quarrels, and you (plural) do not actually care about me or my type!
But, who do you think you all are to be pontificating? About what? About little irrelevant phrases being thrown about? Get some real issues and focus your energies on them. Please.

By the way, how many of you have to work at the weekend to pay for college? I'm not talking about going out "on the piss", but to pay rent, to pay for food.
Cop on, please, for my sake. I know you might think it's a derogatory phrase and all, but it's not really high on my list of priorities.

by Waggy voter Fri Jan 09, 2004 22:21

"Yeah I heard that too, Richard Waghorne is reported to be backing out due to his running."


Where do these rumours come from? This is utter tosh. One, Richard is in the Presidential race, not the Education one, two, Richard would hardly lose votes to a far left candidate. Some of the stuff on her about Waggy and about Ross Higgin's "run for labour" comes out of idle right wing hacks wet dreams.

Good god.

by Thomas D Sat Jan 10, 2004 02:15

Ciaran Weafer is the man for the job with the righit looking like Binchy and Waghorne battling for pride and sure to bring the old tedious debate of civil war politics into the equasion, the door is left open for Weafer with the guidence of Dillon and Looney he stands a very good chance.


the left i hope will be markrted well they have intelegent people behind them with grit determination and will fight anything thrown from the right with integrity and passion. Ihave a feeling that Dillon will run a tight ship and orgnise his troops well. I am sure the Dilllonites will strike in full confidence of victory.
With the left united it is possible they could white wash the elections and finally put the ghosts of FF to bed.

THANK GOD.

by Fungus Sat Jan 10, 2004 11:30

Well my sources suggest darren cogaven, and not david murphy, will be running for a seat on behalf of the sp. Cogaven is remaining tight lipped about it, but would seem to be the more likely candidate as he is seen as one of the more cooperative and friendlier faces within the sp, and this would be seen to be important if the sp want to reach an electoral pact with the rest of the left.

He has done a lot good work in both coke referendums and also too in the ucd anti-war group. Unlike others within ucd sp, he dosen't seem to rigidly obey the party line, and he was particularly critical of his party's involvement within the IAWM( he's more sympathethic of GNAW). if the sp are contesting a seat, and they most probably are, then it will be cogaven running.

by history student Sat Jan 10, 2004 11:47

Last year the rest of the left refused a vote transfer pact with the sp,i can't see it happening this year.What happens when the sp run against other left wing candidates?The left isn't as united as you think,alot of students just signed on to battle coke not socialism,the candidates vary in opinions and are personally different,ciaran weafer,murphy,rowan,regan.there will be alot of infighting before the decisions are made.Do you go with far left or more soft candidates?do you go for brains or righteous anger?At least the left will discuss it,binchy and waghorne won't.

by SU CRITIC Sat Jan 10, 2004 14:36

It is true what they say about there being a 'jock candidate' every year. It was Finn, last year it was Woulfe and this year I'm guessing it will be Anto Kelly. While he has experience (B & L auditor, research officer etc.), a D4 following will not get you elected in UCD, as past times have shown.

Mmmm James Carroll, what a load of nonsense there is going around. Yes, he is a class rep, on education committees etc. and yes he is the Roebuck rep for law soc, but he is completely inexperienced in the union ways. He should hold out another year if he is to run, get more experience and get some ideas. He isn't really involved in anything either. So, he took part in the library protest,big bloody deal!!

Ray Rowan, now he is a man with ideas and experience-equality auditor of Labour youth, Auditor of Amnesty International,2 successful Coke referendums etc. I think he is too concerned with outside issues though. This year the union drifted away from UCD student issues. It concentrated on anti-war issues, colombian workers, Chernobyl 10k walk etc. While these are not bad issues, and I fully support them all, I must stress they are not student issues.

Richard Waghorne seems to be getting a lot of support, and could surprise us all. However, I anticipate the hustings, as he is not really a people person, and I don't think he can come up with fast answers and cope under pressure.

While I doubt she is running, I think Jen Allen would make a fabulous President. She is one of the few sabbats no-one can complain about, and who has excelled in her job all year.

by Pierce Sat Jan 10, 2004 18:04

I can't see the SP and their supporters pulling out all the stops for Rowan and other Dillon people if they are not going to have a free run at at least one sabbat position themselves. Whatever people think about the SP's politics nobody can deny that they do have some of the best and most dedicated campaigners, if they were not to be active in the sabbat election campaigns it would be a blow to the left as a whole. I think that the Dillon/Labour left will therefore not stand against Cogavin.

by UCD hack observer Sat Jan 10, 2004 18:28

The formation of the left ticket in these elections is far more interesting than the gings on on the right. The left will try to get just one candidate per position to maximise the effectivness of the campaign teams and to avoid dividing the vote. The right wing all hate each other, none of them can tolerate sharing power with each other, and will have no problem with standing against each other. Could anyone imagine James Carroll, Binchy, Gregg O'Neill and Waghorne sitting down to divvy up who is standing for what position?!

The left it seems only has four people that have come forward, Weafer - President. Fergal Scully - Education, Deputy and poss Welfare. Cogavin - Deputy or Education. Mulqueen - Welfare. I reckon we might also see Finbar Dwyer going for Welfare instead of Mulqueen.

If it stays like this it should be fairly straight forward. If we see more people like Rowan or Regan putting their hats in the ring it will get very interesting as the various factions compete to be included on the ticket.

Will the Dan Finn/SA faction back fellow socialist Cogavin's candidicy? Will The Dillon/LY faction push for a free run at all positions? Will the SP be active in the elections if Cogavin does not stand? And then what about the SWP? They could back anyone, they are unpredictable, but then they are always likely to unilaterally push forward one of their own candidates reghardless of what others on the left are doing.

by anarcho advocate Sat Jan 10, 2004 20:35

if dan finn was the jock candidate 2 years ago just because he was running against country bumpkin aenghus does that make Thomas Kador the jock candidate from the previous year? sorry guys, there isn't a jock candidate every year. the logic is flawed.

although cogavin may be let run unopposed by the left for one of the positions in order to minimise any damaging infighting, i think, firstly, it won't be deputy president as there are too many people eyeing it up already (weafer (if scully goes for president), mulqueen and possibly mr rowan). secondly, although cogavin may not be opposed i think that many campaigners supporting other left candidates might have a problem advocating a vote for cogavin on a personal basis considering the politics of the sp.

by Ted Sat Jan 10, 2004 21:43

Do you not think that more activists will have problems backing Labour people?

by joe soup ucd - free lance dude Sat Jan 10, 2004 21:56

Well regarding Waghorne I believe he will get in for the novelty factor plus he is a nice guy so people warm to him plus the majority will vote simply because he is an interesting person.

Cogavin I guess should run unopposed by the left, he is a good activist and a friendly face as others have noted. I think he would make a good candidate though David Murphy might have been good reputation wise. Either way the SP I suppose deserve to get someone in as they are good left activists, at least we know they will get something done evn if they are far from moderate like say Labour etc.

Ciaran should definately get in with the help of all the left, he is a very good candidate and a good activist, I hope nobody decides to runs and splits the vote getting some right winger in.

by Jockstrap Sat Jan 10, 2004 22:03

Dan Finn is a jock candidate because he is a jock. He went to Gonzaga, plays Rugby, talks posh, contributes to L&H debates, socialises with Jocks and was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

by Another UCD HACK Sat Jan 10, 2004 22:28

Somebody was arguing that the SWP might stand against other left candidates but that seems a bit unlikely to me. They don't have any potential candidates.

As for the rest of the left its still hard to see how things will pan out. The SP will presumably want to run one candidate. Murphy would be a dead cert to win, but Cogavin is also a presentable candidate..

The question is what about the others? The left is a good bit more coherent than the right, but there still isn't really much beyond a general political sympathy and some friendships holding them together (other than the SP who will act as a unit). If two of them really want the same post there is no guarantee of a unified slate. If there is real competition for posts, the soft left could also end up standing against the SP.

Nobody and no broad organisation has the real authority to establish a one candidate - one post left slate, despite Dillon's fond dreams. It could happen, but it will depend on people being prepared to put egos aside for once.

by left winger Sat Jan 10, 2004 22:33

Maybe Dillon together with Regan and Kelly should organise a meeting of all the various left wing factions/groups/tnedencies/parties and those who are rumoured to be interested and try to put something together next week.

I really would not rule out the SWP unilaterally standing for President. Joe Carolan is a registered student and would be a colourful candidate.

by Insider Sun Jan 11, 2004 16:55

an unscientifc survey of 100 students by people one of these candidates showed that for President they would vote as follows:

Weafer: 6
Binchy: 4
O Maonaigh: 12
Dillon: 24
Waghorne: 26
Anto Kelly: 16
Murphy: 7
RON: 5

This is good news for Waggie, although his vote would still need to be higher to win, and when you add up the 3 left candidates they are at 39, which is strong. Weafer obviously suffers from a lack of name recognition a this stage and I imagine his vote would be a lot higher after a campaign, especially considering 24 people said Dillon.

The Right is totally split.
On these figures, Michael Binchy cannot run, but one of either Seamus or Kelly could well outpoll Waghorne on the first count, knocking him out if it was a three horse race. The lefts best bet is to get behind one candidate and rely on Waghorne not transferring well to the Right. The Right need to do a deal with Waghorne to stop him running or indeed to get behind his campaign. I get the feeling, however, that the Waghorne vote is a relatively constant thing, and not that flexible upwards.
Waht do people think?

I promise you these are real figures, but Im not going to reveal which candidate carried out the study, since the people who did it were pretending to work for the observer and I don't want to get the candidate in trouble.

by election analyst Sun Jan 11, 2004 17:05

I'm interested to see Waghorne atop the poll, that should surprise a few people. However, I don't think these figures point to anything but a win for Weafer if he runs by himself from the left. Dillons votes should in thepry go to him, as should Murphys, giving him over 30%. Factor in the lack of a campaign as yet, - the fact that Weafer will have the most committed Campaign team and the Brains of Dillon and Looney behind him, as well as the fact that I suspect Waghorne will transfer more to him than to Kelly or Seamus, and you have a comfortable win.

Caution however. Waghorne has 26% before the campaign even begins. He will be very strong on the issues and I doubt he will make a cock-up. The left should hope for all three Righties to run, - O maonaigh and Kelly will attract votes away from Dickie. Dickies only hope in my view is a 1 on 1 fight with Weafer.

by election analyst Sun Jan 11, 2004 17:11

The real figures are as follows:

Weafer: 37%
Kelly/O Maonaigh 32%
Waghorne 26%
Ron: 5%

Which is bad news for Dickie, and excellent news for Weafer.

by election analyst Sun Jan 11, 2004 17:20

Weafer actually would have 39%, 3 points off Dillons winning 42% last year.

So my opinion is a comfortable win for Weafer, unless Waghorne is his only opponant. My reasoning for this is simple.

While the 32% who would vote for a candidate of the right would vote Waghorne over Weafer, on last years figures at least 10% of the 26% who support Dickie should transfer to Weafer.

Theres a 10% left vote (murphys) missing somewhere here, and I think its been incorporated in to Waghornes "Centrist" vote, wuth Weafer getting a more solidly left constituency. This would make sense considering Waghorne is an Arts Student and Dillons vote in Arts was massive.

Anyway, thats my non biased look at the figures and my analysis.

So, what do other people think?

by Im voting Waghorne No.1 Sun Jan 11, 2004 17:55

Im sure these figures very well refect the feeling on the ground at this stage, but Election Analyst has been overly simple in his contestation that Waghorne will not benefit from transfers in this poll.

Take for example the O Maonaigh vote. I rather suspect that a lot of stereotypical Seamus voters would pick Waghorne over Kelly. I also think That the Dillon 24% does not necessarily go to Weafer just because he is Pauls heir apparent. Voters are not sheep.

Waghorne has 26% and a high name recognition. This is an immensly strong base from which to run. Contrast him with Michael Binchy and you see what I mean. I'm not saying election analyst is wrong, I just think that its too hard to predict when we don't know for certain who is running. I would expect richard to get around 35% on the first count and come close to a win on transfers.

I think this will be one of the tightest races in years. Good to see, is it not?

by Woo Sun Jan 11, 2004 20:03

Dillo must be shakin in his boots!

Waghorne for President. This is great news and shows that studnts are listening to Waggys positive message.

Legend.

by tallyman Sun Jan 11, 2004 20:13

This is utter bullshit and completely unscientific. You would need at least 400 to be surveyed for it to be scientific. Nobody knows Weafer outside of arts because there is no campaing yet.

Someone above indicated that Waghorne would get a good vote in arts. No he would not! Look at the results in the academic council eletion, the left (SP anti jailings canidates) got 77% Waghorne only managed to scrape through due to sloppy transfering from Dave Murphy's surplus. Look at the results in the Coke referenda, 51% and 56% voted for the left. in last years sabbats in the presidential election 53% voted for Dillon/Murphy, 51% voted for Oisin Kelly against FG's Harvey in the eudcation race. There is a consistant left wing majority in the past two years and the Coke referendum and Academic Council vote would indicate that that majority is growing. Waghorne has no chance. Weafer will win if he stands as the only left candidate. The only hope the right has is if they stand just one candidate and the left stands 3.

by Peter Snow Sun Jan 11, 2004 20:32

'election analysist' are you saying that Murphy's 10% will go straight to Waghorne?! No credible person actually thinks that the vote for Murphy was to the right of Dillon. I would have thought that Weafer could count on getting all the votes that went to Murphy last year and probably all the votes that went to Dillon also. If there is going to be any leaks from the left vote last year that it may come from the Dillon vote.

by UCd hack election head Sun Jan 11, 2004 20:40

I think the Academic Council results is the best indication of how Waghorne will fare. He was hammered.

He only got 23%, despite Waghorne putting in a bit of a campaign as he was not active in the Coke referendum. He had 100 posters and lecture addressed Theatre L every hour, he was the only non SP and only right wing candidate and was still nearly defeated by Dave Murphy's 2nd running mate who did minimal campaigning.

People in that election knew who Waghorne was and decided not to vote for him. Look at the transfers, there was a trend of voting to keep Waghorne out.

by Richard Sinnott Mon Jan 12, 2004 13:10

On the question of comparing last year to this year. I think it's correct analysis that Paul Murphy's vote is solid left wing, and that 10-15% SP vote will definitely go to a unified left candidate. I also think it's reliable to say that Paul Dillon's left vote would transfer to a left candidate. Although his vote is a soft left vote, it's a left vote no the less. Depending on who the right-wing candidate(s) is(are) I think that a left candidate will get more votes than the combined Dillon and Murphy vote of last year.

by Prof. John Coakley - UCD Politics Department (not!) Mon Jan 12, 2004 13:18

I agree Richard. I would also point to the trend for the 'left' to increase over the past year. The two Coke referenda show a clear conscious left majority that is consistant. It would seem that if just one left candidate goes for each position they should win every position.

by Record Breaker? Mon Jan 12, 2004 13:26

Is this a record?

by SU Insider Mon Jan 12, 2004 13:52

Mr. Michael D. Clark, B.Sc. has deposited nomination forms for the upcoming Presidential and Vice Presidential elections in the Students' Union General Office for candidates or their agents to collect.

Play Ball!

by eng Mon Jan 12, 2004 14:14

Took one in earlsfort for deputy and welfare.

Deputy:
Scully-3
Regan-16
weafer-2
Rowan-24
binchy-15
seamus-15
o'neill-3
no-one/undecided-22

Name recognition was a big factor,as was faculty(binchy,rowan do law)and political affiliation.Rowan popular due to amnesty in earlsfort,seamus due to paper and past experience and binchy due to coke.

Welfare:
Mulqueen-28
olivia o'neill-2
rowan-21
no-one/undecided/not voting.

by SU hack Mon Jan 12, 2004 14:34

Can people please stop doing this stupid polls. They are completely unscientific. Most of those mentioned in the above poll will probably not stand and some of those that have declared have not been included. They're a waste of time.

by birdwatcher Mon Jan 12, 2004 14:40

I agree we aren't the irish times and most voters make up their mind on the day so what would it matter.Having said that,nice to see the lefties ahead in earlsfort no-matter how unscientific the census.

by Ag pollster Mon Jan 12, 2004 14:44

I've just completed a survey of the Agriculture block for the Deputy race.

The results are as follows
Cogavin - 36
Carroll -28
O'Maonaigh - 22
Scully - 15
Rowan - 10

It seems Cogavin's small-farmer rural Roscommon background is a vote puller in Ag. James Carroll got a good vote probably due to the sizable FF support in Ag. O'Maonaigh's vote I would say is due to the fact he is neve out of the fucking papers and attends every society event known. I don't think Scully and Rowan will be too happy with that result, prehaps they are seen as cute jackeens whos pacifist/liberal politics don't go down too well.

by bias? Mon Jan 12, 2004 14:49

Maybe the lefties are ahead because the poll was conducted by a well known lefty 2nd yr class rep?

Although the accuracy of the poll taken is seriously questionable the terrace has shown itself to vote left. As far as I know there were anti Coke majorities and in last years sabbats the left had good majorities.

These polls are stupid. Most people don't know any of the names bar the current sabbats and maybe Seamus. People only get to know the candidates whr the campaign starts itself. Any polls taken before at least a week of campaigning are a waste of time

by waster Mon Jan 12, 2004 17:06

I think faculties can be seen as left or right.Arts and earlsfort are left wing while science and commerce are right wing.Law and architecture swing depending on the issue.The best chanses of winning go to a right wing arts student and a left wing student outside arts.People vote for their faculty or classmates.UCD is stil a small town.

by Tom Garvin Mon Jan 12, 2004 17:31

Left faculties/classes include: Arts, Social Science, Law , Nursing, Earlsfort Terrace.

Right faculties/classes include: Commerce, Business and Legal Studies, Science.

NB: when analysising results you must remember that Law includes Business and Legal in referenda, but not in other votes.

When you look at the Left Faculties you will see they are the largest. Arts/Human Sciences/Celtic Studies has over 6,000 students. Medicine (includes Nursing and Earlsfort) has over 3,000. The biggest that the right get is Science, and in fairness it's not too right-wing, just look at the Education last year where Kelly nearly beat Harvey in his own faculty. Commerce only has 3,000 students, and about one-quarter of them are in Blackrock.

by Arts Bum Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:16

So... all 6,000 Arts students are left-wingers who give a shit about student politics and will actually vote in these elections. Riiiiight.

Labeling entire faculties as 'left' or 'right' is a stupid, short-sighted and sickeningly collectivist approach to analysing student politics.

by Arts head Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:16

Asked 60 people in Arts this morning how they would vote for these 5 Candidates:


Weafer 7
Rowan 15
Waghorne 25
Kelly 2
O Maonaigh 7
Dunno: 4

Dickie Waghorne well ahead. Maybe it was a bad sample or something.

by scully Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:39

Dillon and Regan have picked out the lefty candidates already,looney,scully,mulqueen and weafer are all running.The right had a meeting in the bar last wednesday and waghorne won the nomination,with binchy losing out and going for deputy.

by Labour Hack Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:48

"Do you not think that more activists will have problems backing Labour people?"

It may be moreof a case of more activsts having a problem backing the SP. Contrary to belief on Indymedia the majority of UCD students do not support a Leninist dictatorship.

by Waghorne supporter Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:49

The right had a meeting in the bar last wednesday and waghorne won the nomination,with binchy losing out and going for deputy.



HA! The very idea. This guy just made that right up!

I hear O Maonaigh and Anto Kelly are both def running for Pres from the right. Never mind, Dickie will beat them both.

by Ear to the ground Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:57

Waghorne is doing very well on the ground. Apparently he's confident of taking Science and winning almost 40% of Arts. With those numbers he'll win. If no commerce types run he'll sweep that as well.

by sum up Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:58

From what I can see these are the definites

For President: Weafer, Waghorne, Anto Kelly, Ó Maonaigh
For Deputy President: Cogavin
For Education: none yet
For Welfare: Mulqueen
For Ents: none yet

People speculated about are: Looney, Scully, Rowan, Binchy, Lily Phelan.

by Waghorne supporter (unofficial) Mon Jan 12, 2004 18:58

Waghorne collected over 300 signatures this morning for his nomination. In Arts.

by waggy Mon Jan 12, 2004 19:43

Will richard waghornes campaign team please stop posting on ths board pretending that anyone but themselves cares.Waghorne intends to get such a number of votes and i'm left wing but i'll vote waghorne or my favourite waghorne will win arts.All complete crap.Name a lefty voting for waghorne and where exactly is this huge surge against the left in arts coming from.Alot of people won't vote for waghorne because of the way he sounds and looks,that isn't intelligent but it's realistic.Many won't vote for someone who decided to join and leave FF and who supported war in Iraq and sat on his ass all year.Can we please stop waffling about people who(besides a small minority)aren't realistically going to vote for.

by barking Mon Jan 12, 2004 19:56

.

by j Mon Jan 12, 2004 20:18

James Carroll is def runnning for Education. He has handed in over 130 signatures already and is still collecting.

by bonzo - ucd student Mon Jan 12, 2004 21:43

I thought you only needed 130 signatures to run. whats the point in getting any more? Also just cos someone signs your form when you ask them doesn't by any stretch make them a garaunteed vote (thats why we have secret ballots duh..)

by waggey hater - anti-waggey society Mon Jan 12, 2004 21:52

Waggey can't even run PhilSoc, imagine how he would do running UCD.

by spoon Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:38

James Carroll is the human puppet of Gregg O'neill and hasn't had an independent thought since he came to ucd.He is a fucking terrible class rep,he does nothing for the union just his own society and his claim to fame is being treasurer of the KBC,which he may not put in his manifesto.The guy would destroy the education office,unless gregg wanted him out boycotting bookshops or working for better grants which i doubt.
Seamus is another disaster case,how funny will dirty jokes be when we actually have to rally around his office to fight campaigns?Waghorne another muppet,i can name ten people in my class that would run a better office than those three,unfortunately both left and right have it tied up.
What a bunch of idiots,really i mean they are terrible.

by left Tue Jan 13, 2004 11:31

the left only need to run someone against hcarroll and he is gone.make it covagin or scully.

by analysis Tue Jan 13, 2004 11:39

next years sabbats will be:

pres-weafer after waghorne,seamus and anto rip each other to bits.
deputy-rowan if he runs but otherwise scully or binchy.
welfare-mulqueen.
education-carroll if unopposed but cogavin if he runs.
ents-larragy or woulfe.

by The Oracle Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:04

President; Ciarán Weafer, Richard Waghorne, Michael Binchy

Deputy President; Darren Cogavin

Education; Fergal Scully, James Carroll

Welfare; none yet.

Ents; Anthony Kelly

These are the definites. I have heard a few names speculated about for Welfare but I'm only going on reliable information. For the top office Binchy will likely to be the credible rightwing candidate against Weafer. In Education Scully is the man on the left who is able to beat Carroll, so it looks like he'll be going for that position in the interests of keeping Education in the hands of the left. Cogavin has built up a good level of support for his candidature and would be well suited to the campaigning role of DP. Anto Kelly is B&L auditor and may be seen as a good Ents Officer. I don't take Seamus Ó Maonaigh seriously, i make no apologies for that.

by Scully Supporter Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:09

Scully would make an excellant Education Officer. He has the maturity and the cop-on for the position. He is well able to do the job, and do it well. In the next year there will be massive cuts and fees coming in again- last thing we need is a FFer in the key Education position.

by angry liberal - blah blah Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:24

9.15 to 10.30-10.45 a.m. on thursday in f308 arts block,talk on violence and discrimination against the travelling community.All potential candidates should turn up if they are really serious about running.That should be over 200 people then.

by DW Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:34

Will you be announcing your candiditure there?

by election agent hack Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:36

Bonzo, the reason a candidate collects more than the nesessary 130 signitures is that it goves them an oppurtunity to canvass people. Last year Pollard collected 1,000 signitures and between Kelly and Murphy they collected 1,500.

by Arts Student Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:51

Unfortunatley the candidates are students and are not always able to skip lectures to go to meetings. It sounds like an interesting discussion and would go if I could. I won't think badly of any candidate not going. My advice to candidates is: go to all your lectures and tutorials before the campaign starts as you will be missing 2 weeks (maybe more) and last thing you wanna do is fail and have to repeat!

by bonzo Tue Jan 13, 2004 15:28

1000 signatures for pollard well done that man. I see he didn't get elected. Ah well....

by trinity gossip Tue Jan 13, 2004 16:47

anyone know what the hell happened to the stream about TCDSU elections?

by ec (1 of Indymedia.ie) Tue Jan 13, 2004 17:08

That threads are started by NEWS STORIES or at Least Opinion pieces. Inviting yourself and friends to have a debate here without a corresponding contribution to the enlightenment and news hunger of the users is GREEDY, RUDE and Thankfully AGAINST EDITORIAL GUIDELINES.

by blobhead Tue Jan 13, 2004 17:20

What's his reputation though

by SP member Tue Jan 13, 2004 17:36

Dremot Looney is not running.

by Hula hoop Tue Jan 13, 2004 18:06

Dickie Waghorne has met with Hugh Brady and put forward his plans for the Union. Seems Waggy will be getting Bradys support in the election.

by WEEDBOY - WEED Tue Jan 13, 2004 19:15

On a recent trip to amsterdam (payed by the ucd student union). We discoverd another fine use of hemp other than what we were told at the beginning of the year by our lovely dovely Deputy President.

Thank you

by excalibur Tue Jan 13, 2004 19:48

Dickie in d newspaper I see. lookin awful. Agreed with what he said though. Maybe ill give him a scratch after all. Unless Dilloo runs again. C'mon Dillo, run!

by UCD 3rd year Tue Jan 13, 2004 19:52

No he is not a disgrace to UCD. He did not 'bring shame' to UCD when he had a go at McDowell. McDowell is well use to a bit of anger directed at him. All it brought was red faces to hacks in LawSoc/L&H who organised the event.

I'm not the biggest fan of Regan but overall the current regime has done an excellent job, at least we have a union that is willing to take up basic issues like fees,grants and cutbacks. The previous regime that the above poster wants to see back condemned the actions of students protesting against fees and REFUSED to take a position on fees.

I say keep these right wing careerists out VOTE WEAFER, COGAVIN and SCULLY!!

by VINCENT BROWN Tue Jan 13, 2004 21:24

Dont get me wrong scully is a cool guy but i dont think he would manage the job weafer is better suited he is alot more vocal and very presentable. I think Fergal would do an excelent job in the education office he will stand up for students and would manage the job very well. I dont think he works well under presure. Weafer will hammer Waggy and the sausauge jockey. He needs a good manager thats is as pasionate as he is, the important thing is not to waist time taking the piss out of the other 2

by What's going on in USI? Tue Jan 13, 2004 21:40

What you mean Brighid Breathnach? What has she done in USI? Where's the problem with her?

by Hankerchief Tue Jan 13, 2004 21:53

Im voting for Dickie Waghorne. I hope the rest of you will do likewise. He'll be a great president!

by College Insider Wed Jan 14, 2004 11:08

Waghorne did not meet Dr. Hugh Brady. It's almost impossible to meet the University President. And you certainly wouldn't meet him to discuss the SU. Although I would not put it past him trying to get such a meeting. Afterall Waggy sees the College Authorities as our 'partners'. Waggy will be at one with the College Authorities and will even condemn students from the safety and warmth of the Boardrooms in the Admin Building.

by UCD person Wed Jan 14, 2004 11:39

Can people stop coming on to this site claiming to be ex-lefts that have become dissillusioned with the current leadership and that Waghorne is the best thing since sliced bread. It is very obvious that these posts are from Waghorne himself or people close to him, it's pathetic.

by heckfest 2004 Wed Jan 14, 2004 15:32

Hasn't he confirmed that he's running for pres? That's what I heard...

by hack insider Thu Jan 15, 2004 21:30

I was talking to Michael Douglas Clarke and he confirmed to me that Jimmy Mooney (aka Seamus O'Maonaigh) has aquired nomination papers and is currently collecting signitures for the position of President. Whether he will hand them in or not is another question as is whether or not he will withdraw early. From what I heard he has the habit withdrawing early.

I was also keeping my ear to the ground in the union corridoor this week. It seems there was a meeting on Tuesday in the Arts block between the various different factions of the left. It seems that they left have agreed to only stand one candidate per position and have agreed to have maximum co-operation between the various campaign teams of the left wingers. It looks like they have candidates for President (Ciaran Weafer), Deputy (Darren Cogaven)and Education (Seamus Scully) and are currently seeking a candidate for Welfare. If this is all true I would think that Richie Waghorne and Jim Carroll have an uphill struggle on their hands.

Anto Kelly, current Research Officer and general "go-for" of the SU is keeping tight lipped. He has got himself nomination papers but is at the moment only collecting signitures from close friends and associates. It looks like he will be standing for President or Ents. Probably the latter.

In other news, Binchy has confirmed that he will not be standing for ANY position. Probably to concentrate on his finals or go for a position in society land.

by the insider Thu Jan 15, 2004 21:49

first of all i can confirm there was a meeting of the various tendencies/factions/groupings of the left during the week and they are agreed about running a 'left slate' involving co-operation in the campaign. the previous posting made a few mistakes. darren's surname is spelt cogavin, and it's fergal scully, not seamus scully. the grand council of the left are currently recruiting a welfare candidate from among their ranks.

i can also confirm that anto kelly is running, probably ents. as is richard waghorne (ff, 2nd arts) for president and james carroll (ff, 2nd law) for education. seamus o maonaigh says he's running, but i don't pay much attention to that incompetant, ignorant, bafoon.

by superman Fri Jan 16, 2004 13:25

I heard on the grapevine that Shane Henley, a second year Social Science student, is running for Welfare. He may seek 'the left nomination', hownever there are rumblings on the left that Shane is a bit of an opportunist. Shane is the Auditor of the Handball Society.

If Henley runs there will be 3 candidates from the 2nd Social Science class. Cogavin is running for Deputy President, and Scully for Education.

by Left activist Fri Jan 16, 2004 13:31

Who the fuck is Shane Henley? I have never heard of him, he was not active in CFE or has any experience on the left. Scully, Weafer and Cogavin all have some records, particularly Weafer and Cogavin. Henley should not get the backing of the left at all, he seems to be an oppurtunist that is trying to piggy back on the left. Careerists and oppurtunists shoudl not be tolerated by the left, if they are this is how the right will come back to power. I will not campaign for this person and will do all that I can to stop him being endorsed as a 'left' candidate.

by BSocSc Fri Jan 16, 2004 13:33

Weafer is in 2nd Sociology, at least 50% of that class are in 2nd Social Science.

by hack Fri Jan 16, 2004 13:37

If Henley has any cop on he would not even try to seek a nomination from the left. It would seriously damage his campaign as he would not get it and in the process would be denounced infront of a large room of activists as an oppurtunist and bandwagoneer by those on the 'hard' left and most of the 'centre' left. He would be bettter off just standing without the official endorsment, that way at least he will get some votes from the left.

by magic 8ball - Lefty are us Fri Jan 16, 2004 14:29

I was on the bus minding my own busy, when these 'FG' people started talking politics. I was thinking to myself would they ever shut up!!!!

But most of all they are think of running for nearly everything in the coming elections!!!!

They think they can surprise with Michael Binchy for President (like thats going to HAppen!!) and Then the biggest surprise to me was they are going to run this random guy called Will Chung (who the fuck is he....) for Ents. Come on, what are the fg people thinking......

Can anyone tell me about this guy Will Chung???

Go Socialist...

The magic eight ball needs to know all, hahaha

by Su insider Fri Jan 16, 2004 14:41

Will Chung is a 3rd year Mathematics student which he did through Arts. He's a big FGer and close friend and drinking buddy of FG politics professor Tom Garvin. Chung was active in the two Coke referenda. He has a particular thing against left wingers, throughout the two referenda whenever he passed with in earshot of an antiCoke canvasser he would denounce them as 'communists' or 'crazy socialists'. He is very right wing, if he is elected he would have to be shafted sidelined or impeached by the left as he'd do all in his power to undermine the left.

He doesn't really have any experience of organising Ents events and will in my opinion will do very badly in the election. I would hardly think his experience of organising FG social events will be attractive for most students when deciding who to pick as Ents Officer.

I am not sure about Binchy. He seems to be fairly convincing when he says he's not standing for any position. Another FG candidate that might emerge is John Kennedy. He is a 3rd Year Computer Science student and might go for education? Although I wouldn't reckon he'd stand a chance against FF's James Carroll or Dillon's man Fergus Scully.

by magic 8ball - Lefty are us Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:04

So this Will Chung, is a right wing extremist??? I'm not sure if he's running for Ents. It was either Edu or ents. but from this profile it looks like he's running for Edu. I think i remember him, he was always willing to talk to people including people from the left(like us). He seemed like a nice guy.

He could be the man to overhaul the education in UCD, I like Kelly is a nice guy but there's just to much internal fighting in the SU.

If this Will Chung, is what is sounds like he could be good, what does everyone else think???

by no way Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:12

magic 8ball are you for real. This guy in Fine Gael and he was campaigning against those campaigning for human rights. How can you say he's any good. My experience of him is that he is a complete right-winger that even said that David Murphy should rot in jail. The day 'the left' start endorsing fuckers like that is the day the right have come back to power. Chung would bring education back to the days of Abey Campbell and his 'committee work'. I bet Chung would walk accross a picket to meet the minister like Abey. I bet Chung would not attend a national demo because of 'an important committee'.

Chung is a scumbag and is one of the most pro-establishment wankers in the university.

by the latest gossip Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:17

President: Weafer (Left - Ind), Waghorne (Right - ind), O'Maonaigh (Ind - SF). maybe Anto Kelly (FF)

Deputy: Cogavin (SP)

Welfare: Henley (Ind)

Education: Carroll (FF), Scully (Left - Ind)

Ents: Chung (FG), maybe Anto Kelly (FF)

Of course these are only the candidates that are 100% or close to 100% running. They are all subject to change. Scully (Left Ind)could well end up going for President instead of Weafer (Left Ind). O'Maonaigh (Ind- SF) is never really taken seriously and might withdraw after a chat with his mammy. Henley (ind) is an unknown that will probably not be backed by centre left and hard left but could be by The Labour Party left. The hard left are currently seeking a suitable candidate that they could back for welfare, a few names that have been mentioned are Mulqueen (Left ind), O'Neill (SP) or Redmond (SA). Chung is a loyal FGer and will probably not be seen as a good Ents person by the majority of students, Anto Kelly (FF) would be seen as a good candidate and would probably be the favourite for Ents at this stage.It also is an outside possibility of the 'left' coming out wiht an Ents candidate as could Party Soc. In the deputy race it would seem Cogavin (SP) has a free run but a FGer could well pop up, posibly Binchy or Kennedy.

It will all become much clearer when the Left have their final selection grand council on monday and candidaes all start collecting signitures as the deadline is next week.

by Leftie Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:21

Chung is a drinking buddy of the Politics professor Tom Garvin for christs sake!! This guy is a hardcore FG careerist. He wants to have no protests on fees, grants, cuts.. He thinks the SU is there to act as a springborad for his career and he wants to cozy up to the college authorities. How can you back him because you had a nice chat with him! He would be a disaster for the SU.

by magic 8 ball Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:25

Jesus, didnt think he was that bad. Personal I thought Abey Campell did a good job and he didnt constantly fights with the SU.

Fuck that I would never vote for that fg person Will chung. Hopefully Kelly will run again so that these right wing fools can never take our Uni away from Us.

Go Dillion for a second term, down with Binchy...

by left wing head Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:36

How can you say Campbell did a good job! He passed the picket of 200+ students protesting against fees. The guy is a blackleg scab bastard. He thinks college committees and cozying up to Deans is what the SU is all about. He was completely ineffective, in all this committee work he did not reverse one cutback at all and in fact voted for many! At least Kelly is partly responsible for winning an increase in library hours for Earlsfort Terrace, somehting Abey could not do. Abey also stood idly by while students were ripped off in the campus book shop. At least the current SU are standing up for students and taking on these scumbag franchisees.

This talk of infighting is bullshit. It is not really IN fighting. The right wing do not have the interests of students at heart, they want nice careers and a playground for their pathetic politics. Kelly and others actually want a SU that will act in the interests of students and not be scared of standing up to the college or the government. If the right wing oppose such a union it is the duty of all those on the left to take on the right wing of the SU, this is of a completely different to the careerist shaftings and hack infightings that the right get up to.

by Su hack Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:39

'magic 8 ball' your out of touch. Dillon is not standing. Weafer or Scully will be standing for President from the left. It looks like Binchy is not standing either, Waghorne of FF will be the main right wing candidate.

by Huffed Fri Jan 16, 2004 15:56

Why do people think that the KBC want anything to do with Waghorne! He stabbed us in the back 4 times this year. He's an opportunistic bastard and anyway, he's miles to the right of anyone in the KBC

by hula hoop Fri Jan 16, 2004 16:01

I hear Susan Connolly of the L&H is managing the Waghorne campaign. Seems he will reward her by backing her for LnH Auditor if she delivers the LnH to Dickie over the head of 2 Gs and Lawlor.

A shrewd appointment by Dickie if its true.

by piffle Fri Jan 16, 2004 16:10

Waggy wouldnt appoint Connolly in a million years. Everyone knows the real power behind Dickie is none other than his good friend, mentor, and political soulmate Noel McGrath. McGrath will be LnH treasurer cos Waghorne is the powerbroker behing Frank Kennedys Lnh bid. Kennedy has no choice but to go along with it. Waghorne had a campaign meeting with 80 people at it last wednesday evening before the LnH colours debate, and McGrath was the man calling the shots.

by shit for sale Fri Jan 16, 2004 16:54

susan connelly as campaign manager.. hahahahahahaha one word.. incompetent. i couldnt think of a better person to help waggy loose!
that just made my day! thanks!
weafer for prez!

by FF Rules, GO DICKIE Fri Jan 16, 2004 17:21

I like to point out to all the those who comment on this site, esp the people from the left.

It is because of the left in recent years that had allowed crimes against humanity, society and the people of this world to be violated.

Because of the lefts' ideas of breaking borders and walls ,it has allows oppourtunites to seize control and cause chaos. If under the right, terrorism would not cause the mayhem in the world today. TRADE stops WARS.. Its so simply that the LEFT can understand, stupid idiots, thats right you FINBAR. Where are your shoes made?? How about your jacket??? Without trade you would have paid three time the amount you paid for that jacket, unless you steal it from a home less man....

Back to UCD politics, it is because of the left that UCD SU is stuck in the mud and unable to get out. Dillion and his "champagne socialist" have done nothing to this great college but wasted its money which could have been used to help those who needed most.

There has only be a handful of people who benefitted from this socialist SU, and thats there HACKS, who sit around giving out about the right and how can we undermine them. Please will they enter the real world and grow up. You guys came to college to learn and open your minds and hopefully gain a good degree and a good job.

If they hate the establishment so much, why dont they just leave and allow the good people of this college and nation to live there lives in peace without these damn hippies...

Vote to the right and then we might get a decent college back to where it belongs, as UCD is the leader of education.

by hard leftie Fri Jan 16, 2004 18:03

I've been reading this thread over the past while. All I have to say is that those right-wingers are all from good middle class homes and are relatively rich. I am not from Dublin, I'm not from a wealthy home, I'm the first perspn in my family to go to University. My family are crippled enough with bills without having to pay the registration fee or tuition fees. Rent in Dublin is a disgrace and is a serious burden. The grant is pathetic and I have to work at weekends. You idiot hacks may think that the SU is a playgroud for your egos. But we need people in the SU that are serious about fighting the injustice that exists and that your averege student faces. I think that this year is a big big improvement on the previous year when they did not even oppose fees! They even condemned people campaigning against fees, I went to those demos, where they condemning me? I agree that the right-wingers shouldn't be allowed get back in. It means nothing to you South Dublin Middle Class hacks but to struggling students having a SU willing to fight for you makes a difference.

by susan Fri Jan 16, 2004 18:57

I just wanted to be the 300th person posting on this and to add my little bit.Having been involved in politics in ucd i was in awe of my own ignorance having read the above posts.There is such a thing as a hard,soft and labour left?James redmond is going for welfare?chung is a dickhead?the left support people who just turn up?u had to be in cfe to be left wing?if you can't back something up then why say it?waste of time.thank you.

by susan Fri Jan 16, 2004 19:24

I'll accept the criticism,he is indeed a waste.A blueshirt,tight ass,momma's boy,totally out of kilter with ucd,modern ireland and the world.Chung you better get more anti-choice legislation through the dail,we need more soldiers in the eternal war against communism.

by William Cheung Fri Jan 16, 2004 19:46

I dont know what has come over you guys. But I have NO intention in running for the SU and I will never go so low to personal attack.

I do not care if the 'Left' win the elections or the 'right' win. It really doesnt matter to me, why??

Because I live in the real world, where jobs are important, human life is important, reducing proverty is important BUT SU elections would not and will not ever be important in my books. Sure its interesting but not important, if anyone thinks other wise has to really reevaulate there thinking.

I hope I will never ever go so low to personal attacks.

by Booobooo - none Fri Jan 16, 2004 19:54 booobooo at hotmail dot com none none

Bríd Ban Breathanach ex UCD SU and ex KBC has been the worst officer USI has ever had.

by dickie campaign insider Fri Jan 16, 2004 20:03

Neither Susan Connolly or Noel McGrath are running the Waghorne Campaign, although both are, it is true, close friends of Mr. Waghorne.

Vote Waghorne No. 1

by Waghorne for President Campaign 2004 Fri Jan 16, 2004 22:20

Neither of the two people speculated about above have been invited to take part in the campaign to make Richard Waghorne UCDSU President. Although Mr. Waghorne considers both individuals to be very close friends, neither would be suitable for the position of Campaign manager. Indeed that position has already been filled.

The campaign can also confirm that no meeting of any kind took place between Mr. Waghorne and the new President of UCD, Mr. Hugh Brady.

Mr. Waghorne regrets that there are those who would seek to engage in such immature gossip rather than focusing on the issues that affect students.

by Richard Waghorne Sat Jan 17, 2004 00:30 richardwaghorne at hotmail dot com 0876123021

This is just a short note to clarify a few things in light of some posts to this thread today. Firstly, and most importantly, this is the only post that has been issued with my knowledge or my approval since the original declaration on Monday of last week and the only other post that constitutes a campaign statement of any description. I have asked those around me not to post to the thread, and certainly not on my behalf.

In a medium such as this it is very easy to impersonate people and to misrepresent their views; this evening's post purporting to be from my campaign is a particularly annoying example. I have posted my contact details above so that anyone who can be bothered ascertaining which post is genuine can get in touch with me and have it confirmed in person. To whoever has been posting 'on my behalf', I ask that you stop. I have no time for people who resort to misinformation to further their aims. Obviously, posting contact details cannot in itself eliminate the possibility of someone else signing their posts with my name or on my behalf, so I've decided that I'll have to make this my final post here at least for the foreseeable future. I'm not happy about this but I think it's the only way to avoid confusion.

For the record, neither of the individuals mentioned above are managing any aspects of my campaign, though these positions have indeed been filled. They are, however, good friends for whom I have much respect. Neither did I have or seek a meeting with UCD President Professor Hugh Brady.

Richard Waghorne, 0876123021

by peter m - Science student Sat Jan 17, 2004 02:37

Will Cheung, Su elections are in the grand scheme of things not important but for the average student who is scrapeing by with a crap grant, suffering from rackrenting landlords, being screwed by the campus bookshop, having to work nights and weekends as well as paying fees it is important.

Electing Waghorne and the right back into power will mean that these issues will not be taken up by the SU. Remember the previous FF lead executive? They REFUSED to take a position on fees, Hourihane favoured them and all the sabbats CONDEMNED protesters against fees! This is what Waghorne stands for, if elected he will return the SU back to a place where CVs are built up and aspiring politicians cut their electoral teeth.

I am the first to acknowledge that the current SU are not perfect. I think Dillon and Regan have plenty of flaws and have to a certain extent not lived up to expectations but there have been massive step forwards in the SU. At least we now have a SU that will listen to the membership and will fight on the issues that matter ie grants, cutbacks, landlords, fees.

All the middle class D4 private school boys that hack around in the SU and in the big societies don't care about the ordianry student, for them Daddy will pay for them and they are comfortable that why we need to put a permanent end to these parasites and re-elect a left wing exec.

by The Best Hack In The World Sat Jan 17, 2004 14:19

Ladies and gentlemen, This website was first brought to my attention in the college newspaper The Tribune. I have looked at the site a number at times with growing interest. To think that so many students take time out to post such idiotic and not to mention liable comments amazes me.I am one of the best hacks UCD has ever seen,although i do not like being labeled as a d4 hack who's daddy pay's for everything. The mentioned "lefties" on these internet pages probably have more money that I do, thanks to their jobs in the SU and of course with special thanks to their mammy's and daddy's. If any of them would like to lend me some money it would be great and i will pay you back when hell freezes over.

by classy Sat Jan 17, 2004 15:00

Class in terms of ucd politics is meaningless.The approaches of left and right definitely differ regarding class and access to education for those less well off but personal political persuasion isn't predicated by their parents money.
Of course class background can play a part but that isn't a constant.James Carroll is from a normal country background and yet is among this years self-ambitious FF group who couldn't give a shit about helping students.Ray Rowan is silver spoon,private boarding school material but helps heroin addicts,refugees,was in cfe and is on the left.Mulqueen is the same.Class is irrelevant to the discussion.

by Benny Benassi Sun Jan 18, 2004 21:01

I think 'classy' is dead right in saying one's background is not an immediate indicator of their politics. This is fairly self evident, trade unions for example are made up of workers yet within the trade unions you will find reactionaries, FFers, youth defencers, racists, strike breakers.... they are not all socialists or even social democrats. In saying this i think the crucial thing when looking at the politics of an individual is their approach to the working class. If a middle class studenty type throws himself/herself into the working class's movements and into the trade unions and sees the working class as the key class in society because of their role in the economy then I think you can classify that person as a left winger.

by Dickie for Taoiseach Sun Jan 18, 2004 23:52

With Dick Waghorne having collected over 1,900 signatures and the famous former welfare officer about to withdraw from his latest failed attempt at a publicity stunt, are the left going to run a candidate or is Dickie going to sweep to power in a popular revolution?

The answer, is, of course, yes. All that is in question is what sacrificial lamb is put forward by Dillo. Dillo actually wants the left to loose so as he can claim to be their only electable candidate.

Dickie all the way!

by hahahahaha Mon Jan 19, 2004 11:55

i'd just like to point out the hilarity of will chung stating in his "higher moral ground" rant that "human life is important" when he campaigned against human rights in the coke referundum.

also i like to agree with classy that class has nothing to do with peoples politics, its about what ideology apeals to you best, thus i fail to see the relation between silverspoons and moral coruption.

i'd like to issue to waggy a warning, dont publish your phone number! BAD idea! i wont be voting for you or anything, but since your a nice guy, and not everyone out there smells of roses, if i were you i'd email the IMC moderators and ask them to delete.

finally i wouldnt get too suspicious of IMC moderators, cause plenty of my right wing blasting posts have been deleted. i think the going rule is if you are out rightly personally insulting to someone, left or right, with more than your quota of the word "fucker" or "wanker" you get exterminated.

word

by classy Mon Jan 19, 2004 12:15

Just a clarification, I was not saying that class had nothing to do with ones politics. It does. What I was saying was that an individuals class background does not always indicate their politics. FOr example there are working class FFers and there are middle class socialists. They key determining factor is their attitude to the working class. If a middle class person see the workers as the key revolutionary class in society and throws themselves into that movement then they can be considered socialists. If a worker views his fellow workers with contempt and does all he can to escape his background and hamper the workers movement than that person is a right winger.

BTW
Waggy has not collected 1,900 signitures. To do that requires nearly full time activity. I and nobody i know came accross his team collecting signitures so I reckon its not true. Anyhow collecting signitures does not mean a great deal. It is of some benefit but you can easily just pass around your form in the restaraunt and get loads of signitures but whether people know what they are signing and are convinced woth your politics is another thing altogether. The campaign starts properly two weeks prior to polling.

by FFDempseyman Mon Jan 19, 2004 14:42

The CFE was a load of champagne socialists campaigning against a socialist policy under the guise of being unable to afford fees...otherwise it was people who would have benefitted, more than likely, through a higher grant...

by scary mary Mon Jan 19, 2004 15:50

i hear tell that will Cheung is running for president!!! pass it on! we gotta stop this megalomaniac!!!

by Su insider Mon Jan 19, 2004 18:19

I heard that too scary mary, will chung should be stopped at soon as possible. This is guy is a FGer and could only be doing this for his career. He would not put the student welfare first. Dont get me wrong, he knows what he is talking about, a nice giy, very intelligent man but he from the right and he could only be after power for his own good.

We got to stop this meglomanic, the left will unite to stop this fascist. Viv the resistont

by Su hack Mon Jan 19, 2004 18:28

What's going on today, we've had chung for President (not likely). Hear this Mulqueen is thinking of running for welfare. I think she should run for welfare, I think she would do a great job.

Personally, I think Jennifer Allen has done a good job, you may not like or her FF back ground but she has highlighted the issues and done her job well(one of very few in the SU), but its time for Mulqueen to give it a go.

I conducted a poll today in the forum bar, and asked around who whould they vote for in the SU elections.

This is out of TEN;

President:
Dickie 2
Seamus 5
Binchy 2
RON 1

Ents:
LaGarrahy 4
Chung 3
Kelly 1
RON 2

Its looks like we could be getting a right wing SU at this rate. We cant have this, Waghourne is an idiot.... Chung is just fascist

by 1 of Indymedia Ireland Editorial Group - Indymedia Ireland Mon Jan 19, 2004 18:35

Don't ye have a bulletin board out in UCD? This thread has already broken all known indymedia records for number of comments and length of activity. Very few of the contributions have any news content (for 99.9999% of the population) at all. If ye keep this up we're going to have to get a dedicated server for this thread alone.

by Arts Bum Mon Jan 19, 2004 21:42

Fergal Scully has posted a message on the UCDSU message board (yes, we do have one - http://ucdsu.proboards20.com) confirming he will be running for President.

by leftie Tue Jan 20, 2004 12:23

President:
Fergal Scully (2 Social Science) , Seamus Ó Maonaigh (2 Arts), Richard Waghorne (2 Arts).

Deputy President:
Darren Cogavin (2 Social Science)

Education:
Ciaran Weafer (2 Arts), James Carroll (2 Law)

Welfare:
Shane Henley (2 Social Science), Stephanie Lord (1 Law)

Ents:
Anthony Kelly (3 B&L), and A Craic Soc Candidate

by discontent? Tue Jan 20, 2004 12:36

any truth to the rumour that i heard that there is discontent over the choice of scully as presidential candidate? i heard some are unhappy as scully represents a rightward drift from dillon. scully is saying there is a need for 'a balance between protests and services'- a bit like mr. waghorne. i also heard that scully hasn't many original ideas.

by Dermot Looney - Development Officer, Aontas na Mac Léinn, COBÁC Tue Jan 20, 2004 12:52

Yes there is a UCD-only board, it's at the address above and anyone can register and post.

by ThePimp Tue Jan 20, 2004 13:03

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=ecbe260ffdd035c6674b1b28c606ad74&postid=1335390#post1335390

Ive painstakingly posted every single one of these comments onto boards.ie, indymedia have threatened a few times to delete this thread. Its turned into a message board, but i dont think the UCDSU board would be possible due to probably electioneering complications. Either way, i dont really care if people use boards.ie or not. You hafta register allright, but it only takes 5 minutes and people seem to be on here more then 5 minutes in total so ya might as well!

But its an option ya should think about.

by Leftie Hack Tue Jan 20, 2004 15:39

I for one will abstain rather than vote for a rightwinger in Dillonite clothes. We will never beat Waghorne by appearing to agree with his agenda.

Anyway, what has Scully done? He has no record! We are supposed to be able to attack Waghorne about his lack of experience and involvement in SU campaigns, but Scully is worse! He's a complete unknown. Waghorne has coke under his belt, and Dillon had dissaffiliation under his. Scully has the votes of Second Social Science, but what else? Waghorne will beat him in Law and Science, faculties Weafer could have won. Commerece will be a fight between Waghorne and Seamus, in Arts Scully wont beat Waghorne by enough, and elsewhere people will just be turned off by him.

Why, why, why, are we running a loser when we have Looney, Weafer, and Dillon, any of whom would trounce Dicky Waghorne.

by leftwinger Tue Jan 20, 2004 15:44

'FFDempseyman' you say CFE are a bunch of champagne socialists.

I didn't know that they served champagne in Moutjoy prison.

by Hack Tue Jan 20, 2004 16:00

There is definite discontent among the left. The hard left around the SP and The Anarchists are not very impressed with (Dillo's man) Scully's record and from what I've heard the hard left might stand seperately that is if the manifesto is in any way to the right of Dillon.

They would not put themselves on the same ticket as Weafer/Scully, Although they may not stand against each other they could well call for RONs in the Presidential race. It looks like Cogavin and Redmond will constitute the hard left ticket.

Elsewhere it looks like Shane Henley is running for Welfare. As I said above Redmond may throw his hat in too especially considering the hostility felt towards Henley by the jard left .

O'Maonaigh is still in the race and has not withdrawn yet. He does last long, doesn't he.

Waghorne is collecting signitures and using it as a chance to 'meet the people'. Although I think if he wants to win he'd stop now.

Anto Kelly is collecting signitures for Ents as is the craic socs Gearoid Cashman. Supposedly he will stand on a free the weed and a knacker drinking on campus ticket.

Chung and Kennedy are possible FG surprise nominations. And you can never rule out Binchy.

Jim Carroll of FF is currently getting his campaign team together and drawing up a manifesto. He handed in his papers a day after they arrived in the SU office.

by Right wing Uberhack Tue Jan 20, 2004 16:03

I bumped into a leftie last night and they were hopping about Dillon's imposition of Scully. The thing that really annoyed them was that Scully supposedly was praising USI to the hilt.

by sumdumguy - none Tue Jan 20, 2004 16:34

Why are the left allowing Scully to go forward, nobody has a clue who he is whereas Weafer is more likely to win along with Cogavin as Deputy, he would have had a clear run!

This is absolute stupidity on the lefts part!

by a real ucd leftie Tue Jan 20, 2004 16:59

The important argument here isn't who's running for what, but why are people trying to split the left candidates? The truth is that Fergal Scully is a good left winger, he's a liberal, he's electable and he's democratic.

Paul Dillon ain't gonna run again. Dermot Looney isn't gonna run. Weafer has decided on Deputy President given his experience in campaigning. Fergal is a good candidate, and only a united front against the potentially appalling union that Waghorne/O'Maonaigh will lead will win victory for the left.

Sure, examine his credentials, examine his manifesto, but I think you'll find that Scully will carry on most of the good work of reclaiming the Union for the students that has occurred this year, as well as bringing forward his own ideas to a new and better Union in 04/05.

by John McGuirk Tue Jan 20, 2004 19:23 mcguirkj at tcd dot ie 086 083 2011

Todays tallyrand in UCD's Observer Newspaper carried the allegation that I am running the SU Presidential campaign of one Mr. Richard Waghorne. This is not true. Mr. Waghorne is a friend, and if he asks advice, I give it to him. I am not, however, in any way formally a member of his campaign, nor am I running it from behind the scenes. I don't particularly caer that people think I am, however, since I believe Mr. Waghorne to be an excellent candidate who would do a great job if elected.

I can also confirm that I will be seeking a retraction of the factually inaccurate and defamatory section concerning my relationship with Fianna Fail and how it came to an end.

Whoever decided to publish this material should think carefully about how they verify their stories. Those who write Tallyrand have been shown in the none too distant past to have their Own agenda.

by Bonzo Tue Jan 20, 2004 19:56

Scully has been involved this year in the anti deportation campaign, the ban coke campaign and the library sit in. This makes him a lefty in my book.
The fact is that the students union owns and runs shops selling books, food and drink on this campus (services). To say that its right wing for students to take ownership of these services for the benifit of all students is lunacy.

cop on the lunatic fringe.

Scully will make a great President as he has experience of real life. Not just of some abstract political theories.

by bored arts hack Tue Jan 20, 2004 19:58

Can I just ask does it really matter what political party the candidates are or are not connected with? We're not talking about a college popularity contest. The issue should be what the candidate's will do for the students of the college, and issues relating to college activities, rather than petty arguements over party politics.

by centrehack Tue Jan 20, 2004 21:40

Everyone but the most blind Scully loyalist can see that the election of Scully will be a step in to the right in the student union. Despite what people might say; trying to inflate his profile he is no way as left wing or have as good records as those that stood for the left last year. He was in the library sit in - So were 200-400 others, he was involved in Coke - so were another 50. To my knowledge he was not one of the main organisers for anything.

I fear that an uninspiring Scully, an right wing Waghorne and an idiotic O'Maonaigh will not catch the imagination of students. I reckon turnout could be lower than the 2nd Coke referendum.

Editors, I suggest that you allow this thread to continue until Friday. Friday is close of nominations. Anything after that will be electioneering and not speculation. After a post listing the candidates all posts subsequent should be deleted.

by corse Tue Jan 20, 2004 22:09

It seems the left have their candidates all worked out. Scully will be going for president after being backed by kingmakers Dillon and Dwyer. This is despite alot of discontent from others on the left who would have prefered the more left wing Weafer go for the job. With Weafer now going for Deputy with Dillons backing it looks like SP's cogavin will try to retain the position of Education for the socialists. We could well see the education job transforming from a FF dynasty to a SP dynasty!!

The specualtion has now shifted to possible campaign managers. Scully looks like picking Ross Higgins who recently came out of the closet to reveal he was a Labour supporter all along. He may also go for Enda Duffy. Weafer may pick Donal Lyons or Dan Finn but we could also see womens officer Aoife Mulqueen being Ciaran right hand woman. Cogavin will pick a SPer for the job. They have a number of people, oisin Kelly may take his summer holidays early to direct the campaign. Olivia O'Neill, if she doesn't go for welfare might do the job.

by why scully? - none Tue Jan 20, 2004 22:58

Who the feck is Scully, this is a joke for the left. This will guarantee a right wing union.

by leftsplit Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:47

The left are all over the place,the hard left are supporting cogavin and redmond,some are with weafer and then a sizeable minority are disgusted with both.Dictator dillon just appointed who he wanted and the left are raging at scully,a veritable nobody.
The likes of mulqueen,looney,rowan and finn could have taken positions this year and were sold out from above for two boot lickers.the left is dead long live waghorne!

by Dermot Looney - Aontas na Mac Léinn, COBÁC Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:39

Sold out eh? I have had absolutely no intention of running for any Sabbat position since July!

I'm delighted such solid, experienced and electable candidates as Ciarán, Fergal and Darren have put their names forward. People are of course entitled to criticise but something about the tone and anonymity of recent critical posts suggests to me that political sense, or indeed sectarianism on the left, have little to do with it.

Devious thwarths in traditional UCD hackdom with nothing better to do with their time no doubt do. If this is the extent of right wing camapigning we'll triumph again.

Here's to a continuation of the good work of this year, a left wing Union in '04-'05.

by waggy Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:56

what about mulqueen,rowan and finn then?

by smokey Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:14

Living Nextdoor to Scully...

Scully....

Who the F**k is Scully!

by Dermot L Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:53

Ray and Dan had no intention of running. Aoife may still be considering, I don't know.

by su lady Wed Jan 21, 2004 13:33

The left should have got ray rowan or aoife mulqueen to run.They both did alot this year and nobody seemed to care.Aoife would get huge support as easily the most electable candidate and ray is a good public speaker,isn't bad on the eyes and is mature enough to run a union.
I think scully and ciaran will still win but the union won't be as good as it was this year.

by saved Wed Jan 21, 2004 13:44

It looks like Darren Cogavin will be the driving force in next years Executive. Unlike Scully and Weafer he has ideas and knows what he is up to. He is gaining a good bit of support from the left is what I hear.

by waggy Wed Jan 21, 2004 13:48

I agree with su lady,but i think the left will lose because the candidates are not up to competing with the likes of richard or even seamus.Just because someone is left or right wing doesn't mean they should be automatically elected.Richard speaks for the people not his party.

by Sexy Wed Jan 21, 2004 14:55

Left wing boys in ucd are beautiful.From the statuesque mr.dillion,the manly finbar dwyer, to the studly cogavin and the melancholy rowan they make richard waghorne look like richard waghorne.Grgg o'neill is a close second in the beaten with a stick list.

by Liar (sic) watch Wed Jan 21, 2004 15:02

Is he related to that defence lawyer?

by the hack Wed Jan 21, 2004 22:22

I heared a rumour that Enda Duffy is going to be Weafer and Scullys campaign manager did anyone else hear anything?

I dont know him but i heared he is a bit of a loose cannon and is very unpredictable and will probably get the two of them disqualified. I also must question his experience has he organised or been involved in any campain to date?

The one good thing i will say about him is that i heared that he has brass balls and is very outspoken. He has come to blows with both Seamus and Waghorne and rumour has it that he has even had a couple of battles with Dillon. So maybe thats what the timid Scully needs.One thing is for sure if he is going to be in charge he will need alot of guidence from the campaign ledgend Looney.

by possible Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:52

Finbar Dwyer is allegedly running weafers campaign,with ray rowan running mulqueens and looney running scullys.There are already candidates in arts and law for the irish language,it and finance offices.

by dinger Thu Jan 22, 2004 13:34

scully and weafer will be running a joint campaign under the directorship of enda duffy. cogavin will have olivia o'neill or fergus butler running his. waghorne has a mate from trinity. seamus will not need a campaign manager, he's the man that puts CAMP back into campaign. james carroll will have his campaign directed by gregg o'neill.

by bye Thu Jan 22, 2004 13:53

There goes james carrolls campaign.Who is going for finance,irish languages and i.t.?

by agh Thu Jan 22, 2004 14:46

I wish they were over. Im sick of it. I wish I could oush all the candidates off a cliff, you're all the same, and those of you who are different like wagshisname or that o mwanig are just too weird and should not be allowed to run. UCD is just a feckin University. Of that university, about 1 in 10 give a damn. jus stop it, stop it please. oh i could cry

by curious Thu Jan 22, 2004 14:48

who are the anarchists in UCD? do they exist? do they vote?

by Ucd Hack Thu Jan 22, 2004 15:22

Look its a simple fact Richard will make the better president.He has a clear view of what the students need, not his own agenda which he's trying to manifest through the office. Or you could have 'Seamy' i can't keep any of my welfare cases a secret, or a 29 year old who should be in the workforce. He's also a letie candidate which means he'l have his own agenda for himself and the left as a whole. The students union this year with the exception of Ms. Jennifer Allen gave done an appaling job. There biggest achievement, if you could even call it that was banning coke. All they did was protest. Protesting doesn't work. At the best of times it get you landed in jail. As for David Murphy for education, the ucd student body don't want to hear how great he was for going to jail unjustly. He went to jail because he broke the law. He got what he deserved.That's where people like him belong. I thought after the anti war protest all you 'protesting types' would of gotton the message it doesn't work. Noel Dempsey didn't care and as sure as hell most of the ucd population don't either! You all need to find something beter to do with your life. I suggest washing.

by SU critic Thu Jan 22, 2004 15:24

James Carrolls campaign manager is not Gregg O'Neill but in fact Shaun Smyth, and Richard Waghornes main man on the ground is not a Trinity head, but Law Soc-er John McDermott. This site is full of so much speculation, lies and guessing. Why don't people go out and ask the "potential candidates" if they are running , and if so who their campaign managers are? instead of just speculating the whole time. Be constructive people!!

by UCDSU Executive member Thu Jan 22, 2004 15:32

There have been great achievements this year. The Library hours were restored because the SU mobilised students in protest against cuts. The SU also did the 'lobbying' work that some think the SU should be restricted to. The SUs lobbying was far more effective. For the first time in years we are getting somewhere on the Res issues, the restaurant, recycling, lecture theatres being refurbished. This years SU officers also did far better 'committee work' than previous years. Paul Dillon is on the committee to select the Registrar, he is also likely to get on the Finance Committee. Oisín Kelly was elected to the Buildings Committee. This is far more than previous years.

It all comes down to attitude and approach. If you restrict yourself to 'ucd concerns', or to 'lobbying' or to 'committee work' you will not achieve much. But if you have the understanding that real change does not happen in UCD committees but by students getting active and fighting for what they want you will win on the 'committees' you will win in campaigns and in the 'lobbying work'.

A bit of advice for Richard Waghorne, James Carroll, Greg O'Neill et al: if you think that you will achieve things by being 'nice' and 'polite' you must be stupid- UCD does not work like that.

by an imc editor Thu Jan 22, 2004 15:41

.

by joker Thu Jan 22, 2004 15:48

This is what I heard about the Executive elections.
IT and Comm: Alan Morkan (3rd Arts)
Irish Language: Feargal De Butléir (1st Arts)
Finance: Oisín Kelly (Education VP)
Womens: Caoimhe Kerins (2 Social Science)

by Dermot Looney - Oifigeach Forbairt, Aontas na Mac Léinn, COBÁC Thu Jan 22, 2004 16:03

To the imc editor - The Students' Union Message Boards are a more appropriate location for this discussion - the address is given below. If you wish to delete this thread give me a shout at sudevelopment@ucd.ie and I'll copy and paste it.

by UCD hack Thu Jan 22, 2004 17:10

I heard rowan has his eye on finance,good candidate and i don't see him losing.Alan morkan for it,olivia o'neill for womens and david kitching for irish.

by David Grey Thu Jan 22, 2004 17:24

David Kitching would be terrible on the Executive. This is the bloke that thinks that Hugh Brady is the best thing since Karl Marx. Brady is only presiding over a corporatisation of UCD!

Hell will freeze over when I vote for Dave "Hugh Brady is a big improvement" Kitching.

by gaeilgeoir Thu Jan 22, 2004 18:25

Dermot looney would be a good candidate for the irish language position. he chaired the policy forum on the irish language today. i dont know him well but i think he cares about the union and the language enough. other people in the running include acg réachtóir oisín ó searcóid, observer journalist sorcha nic mhathúna and last years unsuccessful candidate david kitchin.

by sumdumguy Thu Jan 22, 2004 18:45

Most people I have been talking to have stated that they would vote for Waghorne over Scully. And these are lefties.

Putting scully forward will be a harsh lesson for the left, don't but timid unknowns up for election.

And Weafer grow some balls and go for president.

by Michael Tierney Thu Jan 22, 2004 18:48

Is there any truth to the rumour that the SP will be putting forward people in all executive elections? From what I hear Oisín Kelly is going for Finance, a guy called Fergal De Butleir for Irish Language, Olivia O'Neill for Women's Rights, Paul Ennis for IT and Communications and in the new year Paul Murphy will be going for Postgrad Officer.

by lefty left Thu Jan 22, 2004 19:17

looney gets on well with the sp, would they stand against him?

the waghorne point is ridiculous, get real gregg.

by susan Thu Jan 22, 2004 19:50

I'd rather drink battery acid than see an SP exec.Useless bunch of weirdos,go looney.

by sp guy - SP Thu Jan 22, 2004 20:21

Disregarding thd drivel of the last post I would like to point out that the Socialist Party from what I know personally are not putting forward people for exec especially when you consider half of those named if you talk to them will tell you they don't want to run.

Where do people get these ideas from?

by susan Thu Jan 22, 2004 20:23

Trots can't win anything unless they are running against a right wing nazi.Just as well you aren't running anyone.

by Left winger Thu Jan 22, 2004 22:51

I can assure you that there has been no discussion at all about the exec election at the meetings of the left. It would be a waste of time as it is neccesary that people know who is elected in the sabbats and what the balance of power is.

As for all this shite about the SP and Scully it is probably posted by the right wing who are trying to sow discontent and divide the left prior to the election. It should be ignored.

by sumdumguy Thu Jan 22, 2004 23:29

This thread can easily and is obviously being abused by the right. Susan is quite blatently a troll.

by fk Thu Jan 22, 2004 23:36

I've suggested on the editorial list that this thread be ended after the official list of candidates is published. The thread is far too big and is descending into farce. If it is allowed continue it will only attract electioneering.

by Dave L Fri Jan 23, 2004 09:32

Who's Shaun Smyth?

by Leftwinger Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:00

"Most people I have been talking to have stated that they would vote for Waghorne over Scully. And these are lefties."

That is bullshit. Nobody on the left would ever vote for Waghorne ahead of Scully. Scully may not be seen as the perfect candidate by many on the left but he is a decent candidate nonetheless and all of the left will back him for president.

Any truth in the rumour of an unknown 1st social science student running for President on a single issue?

Nominations close soon enough, I support the idea that all subsequent posts after the publication of candidates is made should be hidden.

by mid-left Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:20

Smyth is Arts, don't think he's political but he hangs round wih a lot of the left. he speaks in comedy debates and writes either in the tribune music section or 02.

by Leftwinger Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:45

Never heard of him. Anyhow because you might hang around with lefties does not make you a left winger. I have friends who are loyal FFers! I think this is a mistake too often made by some.

by SU insider Fri Jan 23, 2004 13:14

The deadline for nominations has just passed.
President (5 Candidates):
Fergal Scully (2nd Year Social Science)
Seamus Ó Maonaigh (2nd Year Arts)
Richard Waghorne (2nd Year Arts)
William Cheung(3rd Year Arts/Science)t,
Parks (Agriculture)

Deputy President (1 candidate):
Ciarán Weafer (2nd Year Arts)

Education Officer (2 candidates):
Darren Cogavin (2nd Year Social Science)
James Carroll (2nd Year Law)

Welfare Officer (1 candidate):
Shane Henley(2nd Social Science)

Ents Officer (2 Candidates)
Gearoid Cashman
Ciara Dwyer

by Indymedia Ireland Editorial Group - Indymedia Ireland Fri Jan 23, 2004 13:35

No further comments will be accepted to this article. The UCD message boards ( http://ucdsu.proboards20.com) are where the discussion should be taken. Indymedia's site design isn't suited to long bulletin-board-like discussions like this, and the page is unmanageable, extremely slow to load for dial-up users, and at this stage confusing and inaccessible to anyone except those who have been frequently adding to it.

Thanks to everyone who contributed. The entire set of comments will be transferred onto the UCD board later, and the link will be added clearly, at the top and botton of this page.

by Dermot Looney - Oifigeach Forbairt, Aontas na Mac Léinn, COBÁC Fri Jan 23, 2004 14:33

This thread has been moved lock, stock and 380 smoking barrels to http://ucdsu.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&num=1074862999

Apologies to the indymedia host server for several frenetic weeks of activity!

by greg park - ucd Sun Jan 25, 2004 13:53 vote-park at campus dot ie 0857239570

Has someone been drinking???My name is Greg Park and I am a final year commerce student.It's nice to see this insider managed to remember all the longest names but couldn't remember greg park.Cheers...more to come.