Interview by Sonny McGreevy
What, in your view, is the single biggest issue facing students right now, and how would you tackle it in practical terms?
“The cost of everything. Whether its rent or pints it’s all going up. TD’s, Senators and Councillors currently ignore student issues. I’ll have regular meetings with all of them and hold them accountable. I’ll get them on campus to hear from students themselves, and get them to make effective changes on rent and accommodation, cost of living and the cost of education. The issue is that when money is given to the university by the relevant authorities, they speak to the university, but the university don’t necessarily do what’s best for the student. I’ll ensure when they are granting money to the university, it is for the students’ sake.”
How would you describe your leadership style, and how will you ensure the SU genuinely represents students who feel disengaged or unheard?
“My leadership style is all about listening. I’ve never been involved in the students’ union and I think that is one of my biggest advantages. I’ve been at the university for the past 4 years and never felt represented myself. I am just a regular student facing the same issues students face; assignments, exams, a part-time job, accommodation and also trying to have the craic! I never had the time or means to be engaged with the students’ union because of all this.
“That is why I will lead by listening. Not just to the loudest voices at students’ union meetings or events but to the student that works around their lectures, the student who commutes and isn’t on campus for evening events and the student who wants to be out on the town instead of at these meetings. Every students’ opinion and issues carry the same weight and they all matter to me equally. If elected I will have a visible presence on campus, quick feedback forms and clear weekly updates on what I am doing for students. I’ll be a president for everyone.”
What concrete changes should students expect to see by the end of your term if you are elected?
“I would like to see a students’ union that engages with students and represents them all. Stronger political pressure and accountability with updates from my meetings with TDs, Senators & Councillors. I want to put in place a new part-time commuter officer in the students union, more parking spaces on campus for students and a first-time clamping waiver for anyone who is clamped.
“I want digital library cards and longer Sunday hours for the library, fairer exam timetables and online repeat exams. I want to revamp the SU card so it gives better deals for students on things they want. I want to bring an end to the Technion deal and get a Deposit Re-Turn Machine on campus. Get disposable vape bins on campus. More Irish around campus and Caife Áras na Gaeilge re-opened.
“And, most importantly, a students’ union that is proactive, visible and fighting for students. Students will feel better represented, better supported and get a better university experience if they vote for me.”
How will you hold the university to account on issues like housing, cost of living, and student supports?
“It’s often overlooked that the students’ union isn’t funded by the university itself, its funded by students through the student levy. That means there are fewer ties or dependency between the students’ union and the university. The SU is there to protect students. This independence means that when I am sitting at governing authority meetings or the Údarás I can be a bit more ruthless with them.
“I’ll ensure transparency by having the notes from these meetings published for students. The university does a lot of acknowledging of concerns – that’s not good enough. The university needs to take action when it comes to more accommodation, more student parking, reducing costs for students and supporting them instead of lining their pockets with the money that they’re given. If elected I won’t be the university’s friend. If progress is slow or not happening at all on these issues, I am not afraid to escalate. I’ll turn to politicians, media and students and call out the university until they make effective change.”
If you had to choose one promise in your manifesto to be judged on a year from now, what would it be?
“Parking will be far improved. There’ll be more spots for students, we’ll have a part-time commuting officer in the Students’ Union – a formal advocate for students who need parking, transport and scheduling reform. I’ll get the university to form an action plan to build more parking spots, expand the park & ride, and I’ll get that first-time waiver on clamping in place. A year from now, commuters should feel better represented and supported through my action.”
