On 25 February the candidates running for election in the UCD Students’ Union (SU) met in the Science Hub for hustings. Candidates were given the opportunity to highlight their goals if elected and also answered questions from students and student media.
The Race for President
Enzo Crothers is a third-year History and Politics student. He is running uncontested for the role of UCDSU President.
In his opening remarks, Crothers focused on the importance of representation. He outlined that he will always strive to represent the 40,000 students of UCD.
He highlighted his relevant experience in political activism, including his involvement in the 2024 Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) encampment at UCD. He also emphasised his experience working in student societies throughout his time in UCD.
Crothers explained that his manifesto is not entirely comprehensive, but affordability is a key focus of his campaign. He hopes to improve affordability for students by building strong relationships with student unions across Ireland and also with AMLÉ (formerly the Union of Students in Ireland). He believes the movement lacks the national collaboration it needs to flourish.
He also aims to improve the relationship between the SU and student societies, further explaining that he “genuinely believe[s] that the marrying of the SU with societies is essential”. He further stated that there is no tangible reason why the biggest groups on campus should not work together.
Crothers was then asked how we would work to improve on-campus affordability for students and was also reminded that students have heard promises like this many times before. He responded by outlining how, ultimately, it is not the President who has the final say in these decisions. He explained that he can commit to challenging affordability on campus, but he will not make promises he cannot keep.
Crothers was then asked about his personal political affiliations. When questioned regarding whether he would be keeping his party affiliation, he replied that “as of right now, I will be”. He stated that he will maintain an open dialogue regarding this and is open to rescinding his party affiliation if necessary. Crothers is a member of Sinn Féin.
The College Tribune highlighted the tradition in SU elections of highly ambitious campaigns and promises that are not kept once appointed, and asked Crothers what makes his campaign different. He emphasised that he was very careful with the language in his manifesto. He never claimed he would abolish fees, but said he would work to improve them. He further commented that four of the College Officer races were uncontested and that he would like to see improvement in this.
When asked for his opinion regarding how Social Sciences (the largest constituency) is not represented in this upcoming election, Crothers stated that he hopes to use his extensive society experience to replicate how societies recruit new students each year to become members and run for committee positions in the SU.
He was then questioned about his position on the pro-Palestine movement within UCD and their work to end the partnership between UCD and Horizon. He was also asked if he plans to revive active student engagement with pro-Palestine movements. Crothers stated that he would “like to reopen talks with UCD” and that it is “an awful shame” that engagement has been lower this year than last. He further went on to say how he was “an active participant in the summer 2024 encampment.”
The final question posed to Crothers surrounded the merging of UCDSU and the UCD Societies. Crothers clarified that this was a “marrying, not a merging,” and that it would happen on a case-by-case basis. He explained that societies are a massive talent pool and that by channelling the creativity that they bring each year, the SU can increase engagement.
The Race for Campaigns and Engagement Officer
Two candidates are running for the Campaigns and Engagement Officer position: Tom Conway and Chesi Anne Basil. Conway is a final year English and History student, while Basil is a Master’s in Science (MSc) Marketing student.
Conway started his remarks as Gaeilge and spoke about his “grá” for the language. The main concern that he highlighted was the lack of engagement, stating that it is “the worry that seems to follow the SU everywhere.” He further commented that “students are disengaged because they are exhausted” and spoke about factors affecting students daily, such as commuting and paying fees and rent, that have caused this lack of engagement between students and the SU.
Conway also highlighted how students show up when they’re interested, using the example of the AMLÉ vote as “proof that when a student believes something matters, they turn up.” He nodded to a point in his manifesto to work with AMLÉ to launch a national “f*ck the fees” campaign, claiming how “engagement is built when students see their union fighting for the issues that impact their lives.”
In Basil’s opening remarks, she stated that “the SU should feel like your on campus emergency contact, and not your last resort” and said how she wants to build an SU that is “reliable, clear and always there for you.” Finishing up her opening remarks, she said she wants to make the SU a place for students to go with their issues and that the SU should be “your first instinct and not your last resort.”
When The College Tribune asked about the specific actions they intend to take to increase student engagement, Conway responded that he “hopes to have sabbats have their own social media pages to promote their work and that students can see what they’re paying for.”
Basil commented that she “wants to install boards across campus” so students can anonymously post their concerns and struggles on them. She also mentioned wanting to “introduce pop-up stalls” across campus so students can voice their concerns.
The University Observer posed a question about the use of AI during campaigning, particularly inmanifestos. In response Conway stated, “at no point did I use AI in my campaign”. Meanwhile, Basil admitted that she “used AI for research in what matters to the students” she did not use AI for the “creation of the manifesto paper.”
When questioned on how each candidate would lobby for a fee decrease, Conway stated that he would really focus on this from June to October, when Budget Day takes place. He would “lobby the government” to get fees as low as possible, stating that if necessary, he would escalate it to “large-scale protests” and would work with AMLÉ on this matter.
He used the government’s recent U-turn on the special needs assistants (SNA) decision as an example of how large-scale protests can work. This was when the government paused their controversial review of SNA allocations and declared an extra €19 million will be spent on SNAs following widespread criticism of their review.
Basil declined to comment on student fees.
When asked what steps they would take to ensure students engage more with AMLÉ, Basil stated, “I’m sorry I don’t have an opinion on that”.
Conway highlighted that he was in favour of joining AMLÉ. If elected he hopes to have an open dialogue and keep students updated and informed about UCD’s involvement in AMLÉ.
In closing remarks, Conway focused on tackling the cost-of-living crisis (particularly accommodation and fees) to improve student engagement.
Meanwhile, Basil closed by stating, “I want to build structure first, then work towards changing the system”, further commenting how she wants “the SU to feel more approachable”. She concluded by outlining that she “want[s] to start from the grassroots” and that she wants to make the SU more human and approachable to students.
The Race for Entertainments Officer
There are three candidates running for the Entertainments Officer position: Patrick Henríquez Bruce, Chetan Sanjay Khanna, and Shreyansh Jagtap. Jagtap, the current Graduate Officer, was absent from hustings and sent his apologies.
Bruce is a final year History and Politics student. In his opening statement, he highlighted that his manifesto is not exhaustive, and if elected, he will maintain an active dialogue with the students to ensure that the SU will host events that they want.
He hopes to facilitate a return to past events, such as the petting zoo and Thursday food markets; he also outlined plans to increase ticket sales for campus events and to introduce acoustic shields to create a quiet area around the Clubhouse.
Another key component of his campaign is improving student engagement. He plans to do this by being “accessible to students”, “visible on campus” and “maintain[ing] well advertised office hours”. He hopes to introduce an online form where students can submit event ideas or highlight any criticisms. He implored students to believe that their union can improve.
Khanna is completing an MSc in Marketing in Smurfit. He highlighted that having spoken to students he believes that more frequent events are needed. He outlined that there is not enough diversity in SU events. He hopes to plan events for more extroverted students such as karaoke nights and DJ nights but he also explained that “if you’re someone low on social battery” he plans to run pottery and painting evenings too.
He also wants students to learn through events claiming that, “if I can help you guys learn something while having fun then that is a win for me”. Cooking classes are one example of an educational event he aims to organise. He closed his opening remarks by highlighting, “love, respect, growth and fun. That is my goal”.
Both candidates were asked by The University Observer to name their three favourite UCDSU events. In response Bruce admitted that he has not “really been engaging with the UCD event this year”. He further explained that he does not “think this is an issue with me” but rather with “how the events are advertised”. If he were elected he would advertise events more extensively through flyering and social media.
Khanna attends the Smurfit campus and he highlighted that not a lot of SU events occur there. He did say that the Domino’s Quad event was good but he agreed that events need to be better promoted.
Bruce’s manifesto focuses on wellness and he was asked the reasoning behind this. He believes there are several ways in which the SU Entertainments Officer can help the student body beyond their focus on nights out. He explained that students who are stressed perform worse in exams.
In response to this question Khanna explained that wellness is important to him also. He hopes to host events which will make students more confident about themselves.
Candidates were then asked to outline some specific events they hope to plan. Khanna mentioned a jazz night and Game of Thrones Night. Bruce proposed a white t-shirt night – an evening where students go out wearing white for their friends to write on.
When further probed on how they will better promote SU events both candidates highlighted social media. Bruce hopes to advertise events through his SU account, as well as by maintaining a presence on campus. Khanna also hopes to use social media as well as posters around campus.
In his closing remarks Bruce urged that he wants to “make what’s good better” by facilitating a return of events which he previously loved.
Khanna emphasised how people are the main part of events, they bring joy. He hopes to create a safe environment for everyone.
He further stated, “my main focus is on people … an event is not successful when it is packed but when you guys walk out smiling and more confident than when you walked in”.
The Race for Education Officer
Jessica Klein is running uncontested for the position of Education Officer. Klein is a third year English and Creative Writing student. In addition to her degree, she is the current Treasurer of the English and Literary Society and the Arts and Humanities (A&H) College Officer, with two years of experience as a Class Representative.
Her opening remarks outlined her experience as A&H College Officer and past involvement with various other roles in the SU. Klein specifically highlighted her knowledge from interacting with UCD’s institutions, stating, “I know how the SU works”, she is passionate about continuing the work that she has been involved in over the last few years.
She also acknowledged that students “are paying outrageous fees” and she wants to ensure that the high fees they pay are at least reflected in the quality of the education, services and support students receive.
Responding to how she would simplify the extenuating circumstances process, she explained that the current model is being replaced by the Additional Considerations for Assessment Policy. Klein is a member of two of the groups working on this in order to make the process more accessible for students.
When asked about representation for specific UCD schools, Klein expressed her concerns that a student picked by a professor is not as effective as a representative for a class as an independently elected one.
When questioned about her manifesto goal of making past exam papers available for all modules, and the feasibility of it, Klein stated that while she knows that many professors are reluctant to share past exams as they reuse questions, she would still lobby for at least example papers to be accessible. She further explained that she would utilise class representatives and College Officers to facilitate this as they are “humongously underutilised”.
When asked how she would work towards securing lecture recordings, she stated that there will be a curriculum review next year and that this review would increase the likelihood of change. Klein further explained that she hopes to incentivise professors by adding a clause that the lecture recordings would only be available to students for a limited time, rather than the semester-round availability currently.
When questioned about the ambitious nature of her manifesto, Klein stated, “Yes, they are ambitious, but they are realistic. I’ve seen what has worked and what hasn’t, and I plan to work on that.”
In her closing statement, Klein said, “The only way we can enact change is by being actively engaged. Students need to be heard and respected, and I will fight for that.”
The Race for Welfare Officer
There are three candidates in the race for Welfare Officer. These are Sneha Choudary, Nidhi Hiranwar and Éabha Hughes.
Choudary is currently undertaking a MSc in Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology. In her opening statement she refers to her work as a social care worker, working with refugees from countries such as Palestine and Ukraine, and also caring for people with disabilities. To Choudary, “Welfare is more than meetings. Welfare is about real people and real conversations.”
Hiranwar is completing a MSc in Marketing in Smurfit. She opened by looking for “a show of hands of those who said they were fine when they were not?” Followed by her stating, “You are not the only one.” Drawing on her experiences as an international student, Hiranwar is aware of how heavy these feelings can actually get. She also stated that she does not pretend to know all the answers but does care deeply. Hiranwar closed her opening statement by highlighting that “asking for help doesn’t have to be scary. Belonging matters.”
Hughes is a final year History and Politics student and was a co-founder of the UCD Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement. Firstly she started off by stating that “representation will be at the core of the work I do.” Hughes stated that she knows what it is like to not have an easy time through college, yet despite these challenges she has been involved as a class representative, a member of BDS and within a constitutional review. Representation and equity are at the core of her work. Hughes also stated that she believes her “manifesto is comprehensive and achievable.”
Questions were then posed to the candidates, one of which sought a statement regarding the recent case of sexual violence that occurred on UCD campus. Choudary responded to this by stating that “the violence is completely unacceptable.” Furthermore, she stated that UCDSU needs to work on creating more policies that would restrict violent people from campus.
This was followed by Hughes, who looks for the introduction of mandatory in-person consent workshops during orientation. According to Hughes, “people need to know how to intervene, report and create a safe environment.” Hughes would also like to see this training expanded to cover clubs and societies, such as active bystander training for Auditors and Treasurers. To Hughes, “this is beyond serious.”
Hiranwar stated that she was not initially planning on answering this question, as she “did not want to give a controversial answer.” Yet proceeded to state, “As a woman this is unacceptable.”
Another question was posed regarding what specific areas they would focus on as a part of disability advocacy. Hughes stated that she wants to meet with the SU disability co-ordinator and have a direct line with the welfare officer, rather than the team for campaigns and engagements. She hopes that the Welfare officer and disability co-ordinator will have town halls with students with disabilities. Hughes also criticised the decentralised approach regarding how buildings are updated with disability policy and would like to see them linked in disability policy and with those within UCD Access.
Choudary said that she would like to focus “more on accessibility and inclusion.” She would like to create more access and highlighted the lack of bathroom accessibility. Further stating that UCD does not have enough accessible bathrooms.
In response to this question, Hiranwar stated that she would like to see “more accessible accommodations”.
The candidates were asked if they have any particular NGOs they hope to work with. Hiranwar stated that she has not planned this yet but “if I get elected I will work it out”.
Choudary highlighted her work with UCD counselling and outlined that she plans to explore NGOs.
If elected Hughes stated that “off the top of my head” she hopes to work with the Rental Tenancies Board (RTB), Community Action Tenants Union (CATU), Too Into You, Nasc, MASI (Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland) and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
When asked if the union should be partisan in regards to political matters, both Choudary and Hiranwar had no comment on the matter.
Whereas Hughes stated, “the union is inherently political” and that this was its “historical purpose” and should “never change.”
In closing remarks the candidates reiterated main points of their manifestos. Hughes asserted that to her it was important to “make sure that every student is represented fairly.”
For Hiranwar, “(I) don’t pretend to have the answer for every question but I will listen and campaign for students.”
Finally for Choudary, she seeks to provide regular updates to students, expand peer groups and to campaign for improvements to mental health access.
The Race for Graduate Officer
There are two candidates competing for the role of Graduate Officer. The candidates are Anushka Baisoya, a MSc in Food with Nutrition, and Niamh Andrews Fraher who is completing a Master of Arts (MA) in Writing for Stage and Screen.
In her opening statement Baiyosa noted that, “change in the SU doesn’t happen overnight.” There are three issues the candidate plans to tackle within her tenure: better career and internship opportunities, improving career networks and to bridge the divide between Smurfit and Belfield. Due to her previous experience, Baisoya claims to “know how student structures work.”
Fraher highlighted her previous experience in student affairs as a Senior Access Leader and a member of the SU for the last 2 years. She noted the difficulties that both mature and graduate students face. She is hoping to create “inclusion, connection and belonging”. If elected Fraher would like to connect both the Belfield and the Smurfit Campus as she has noted a “serious disconnect between campuses.”
Questions from the crowd highlighted the similarities between both of the candidates. They agreed upon questions regarding the increasing need for income-based scholarships, making Masters fees affordable and their plans to continue the Graduate crew.
When asked about the gap between student societies and graduate student participation, Baisoya responded saying that “there is a need for a greater marketing of society events so that people know something is happening.”
Whereas Fraher suggested “approaching the Societies Council and find out why they think graduate students aren’t joining.”
In their final remarks both candidates reiterated the points previously mentioned. Fraher finished by stating that by choosing her you are choosing “someone who stands for inclusion and will listen to your concerns.”
Baisoya finished by highlighting that she hopes to add more colour to graduate life through more events. She concluded by stating, “You’ll be glad to pick this Grad.”
By Hannah Costello, Ellen Clusker, Emma Murphy and James Carroll