If you took a walk through the streets of Bratislava, Slovakia this past November, you’d see students using creativity to channel their frustration with the country’s leadership. Messages criticising Prime Minister Robert Fico and the government were written in chalk across the footpaths. Some of the statements read ‘Fico sa bojí … [Read more...] about Slovakia’s ‘chalk revolution’ keeps the student protest spirit alive
Student Voice
A seat at the table, a voice in the fight
The country’s largest student union just re-entered the national movement. That should make power nervous. By 3pm on 4 April, the message was clear: University College Dublin (UCD) was back in the fight. After more than a decade out in the cold, UCD Students’ Union voted to re-join the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). For some, it might appear to be just another referendum, … [Read more...] about A seat at the table, a voice in the fight
Our own Galway
Image by William Murphy/flickr Galway is some town to walk through in the fog on an early spring morning. In the low cloud, every old stone building is framed by fog and given an air of mystery and history. But as I crossed the Eglinton Canal by the Cathedral, I was struck by the one lonely building standing guard on the corner; Ward's. A fine establishment, on the go since … [Read more...] about Our own Galway
Think SU Elections don’t matter? Two votes say otherwise
Every year, SU elections come and go. Maybe you see a few posters, get a message from a friend, or scroll past a campaign post on Instagram. But do you actually vote? Or do you tell yourself it doesn’t really matter? But here’s the reality: it absolutely does. We’ve seen it in national politics—Holly Cairns won a seat on Cork County Council by asingle vote after multiple … [Read more...] about Think SU Elections don’t matter? Two votes say otherwise
Less poetry & policy, more research & residences: priorities for the next University President
As the University of Galway commences its recruitment process for the fourteenth President of the University, it is a good time to reflect on our past and consider our ambitions for the future. With that in mind, I spoke to students and staff in the University and asked them what skills and values they think are important for the next president. Adequate Accommodation One … [Read more...] about Less poetry & policy, more research & residences: priorities for the next University President