UCCSU2023 UCCSU2023

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Es Ankum and Emily Terrie-Shannon. Jill has stated that she wants to re-build UCC’s entertainment scene as we emerge from the pandemic with an inclusive and socially conscious approach “There will be something provided for everyone”, Mortell promised in the election lead up, emphasising vintage clothes markets, broadening Cork’s student nightlife and providing screenings of large-scale sports events

Education:

BA History and Geography student Ali O’Mahony was elected Education Officer, winning over Bláithín Sheehy Basing her candidacy on three key pillars; academic inclusivity, student supports, and funding and accessibility, Ali will soon take over from current Education Officer, Stephen O’Riordan after May

Communications and Engagement:

A campaign fielded by candidates Phillip Brennan and Hayley O’Connell, it was Hayley who was victorious on election night, surpassing the quota on the first count Their manifesto was defined by increasing SU visibility on satellite campuses and a new town hall initiative which students are encouraged to attend to voice concerns about the work the SU is doing in representing students

Commercial and Fundraising:

Kayley Nolan ran uncontested in the Comms and Fundraising candidacy and was elected to the role on a mandate of maintaining financial autonomy for the SU “The role has a lot of potential to engage students in a different way through the people that I’ll be able to bring on campus ” , said Kayley speaking to the Express last week

CACSSS Rep:

Meanwhile, four representatives were elected to advocate on behalf of their respective discipline schools, known as colleges Running for the role of representative for the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, unopposed, Ella Barrett surpassed the quota in the first count, and was deemed elected She ran her campaign with a considerable emphasis on being a voice for students and liaising between class representatives and the Student Union Executive

Med and Health Rep:

Kacper Bogalecki ran unopposed for the part-time role of the Medical and Health representative He exceeded the quota on the first count, and was therefore deemed elected In his manifesto, he outlined his desire to advocate for student rights and welfare, improve student experience, and diversity of culture and inclusivity

Business and Law Rep:

Having run for the position of Business and Law representative, once again, a parttime role, Gearoid O’Donovan was elected in the first count, having run for the post unopposed He placed a focus on advocating for postgraduate students in his manifesto and addressing the concerns of students in his respective department

SEFS Rep:

Running for the part-time position for Science, Engineering and Food Science representative, Quinton Kelly secured the position in the first count, after being elected unopposed He promised to deliver for students in his manifesto, with communication, transparency and commitment

Irish Language and Cultural Rep:

Lastly, three students were chosen by voters to serve in part-time, campaign issue based roles Katie Halpin Hill secured election in the first count after running uncontested for the part-time role of Irish Language and Cultural representative (Ionadaí Gaeilge agus Cultúir) Having been co-opted into the position in October of last year, Katie is likely to continue to build upon the work she has done so far to promise the inclusion of the Irish language across the university

Environmental and Sustainability Rep:

Running for the hotly contested position of Environmental and Sustainability representative, Dearbhla Richardson was elected in the first count with 2,869 first preference votes, compared to her counterpart, Martha Cashell, who secured 611 FPV Placing a light on her passion for intersectional climate justice, she believed there was power in people coming together on the issue of climate change, and would continue to work to maintain UCC’s renowned reputation for being a green campus in her time as Environmental and Sustainability representative

Equality and Diversity Rep:

Competing for the position of Equality and Diversity Rep, Baromie Fullah came out the victor on the first count with 2,656 votes, compared to 1,137 for her opponent, Kevin O’Connor Baromie’s campaign was largely centred around improving digital and physical accessibility in UCC, along with establishing new focus group initiatives to generate anonymous feedback on equality issues

On the whole, the UCC SU Elections ‘23 witnessed strong candidate passion and widespread interest from the student body. With a host of political innovations proposed from the elected officers, time will tell if these are implemented successfully and perceived as popular