“We Need to Fight”: Tia Cullen’s Vision for a Stronger SU
Tia Cullen isn’t new to the Students’ Union and is not new to student hardship either. A general nursing student, SU Education Officer, and long-time class rep, she says her…
Saskia McCormack-Eiffe Wants to Make the SU Visible — But Is That Enough?
When we sat down (virtually) with Saskia McCormack-Eiffe, she was calm, chatty, and clearly campaign-seasoned. She’s been involved in youth activism for a decade and has held more SU and…
Michael Roche Wants to Take Back the Union — Will He Succeed?
When we sat down with him, Michael Roche was in full campaign mode — fired up, manifesto in hand, and eager to shake up what he sees as a broken…
New UO Election Poll Reveals Editors’ Inability to Use Canva
In a groundbreaking attempt to combine visual chaos with statistical irrelevance, the University Observer has released a “poll” of this year’s UCDSU election results—proving once and for all that Canva…
Left in the Dark: Students Struggle with Delayed Grades and Lack of Feedback
Students are growing increasingly frustrated with delays in receiving their exam results and coursework grades, with many reporting knock-on effects on their academic performance and well-being. A recent survey conducted…
USI Membership: What Does it Mean, and Why Should We Care?
For over three decades, UCDSU has had a turbulent relationship with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). We’ve joined, left, rejoined, and left again. Now, in 2025, we’re once…
Why the EU Must Remain a Force for Democracy and Peace Against the Darkening Sphere of Global Politics
We were the generation reared on promises of progress. Dreams of peace and equality padded our pillows as we slept. We believed in the possibility of a world of harmony…
Wheatless Wanderings: A Gluten-Free Trip to Tralee
As someone who adheres to a mostly gluten-free diet–and not by choice – I don’t typically focus on food when I travel. The options usually aren’t a destination for me,…
Kiss of Defiance: The History and Power of Red Lipstick
Dita Von Teese, a Burlesque superstar and red lipstick savant, once said, ‘Heels and lipstick will put the fear of God into people.’ No truer words have been spoken. From…
Interview: Daniel Wiffen on Olympic Success and Receiving the UCD James Joyce Award
Mark Cullen sat down with Olympic gold medalist Daniel Wiffen to discuss his record-breaking achievements, the honour of receiving the UCD James Joyce Award, and his journey in elite swimming.…
Athens Letter: December in the Ancient City, American Qualms
A reasonable €42 for the Uber from the airport to the Airbnb, conjured minutes after discovering that the railway workers were on strike—good on them. It was already late in…
Lives Written Off: UCDVO’s Uganda Partner Subjected to USAID Freeze
This article was written on February 18th, 2025. Current affairs have likely evolved since the time of publication; please seek relevant information on the matter. “We are rooting out waste.…