TCD Election Candidates Announced!

by bored Fri Feb 06, 2004 21:37

strangers to me...

by Marc Fri Feb 06, 2004 22:58

Gambino's a nutcase fundamentalist youth defencer. He ran last year. Pissed off people lots. Wants to disband the union. Kieran is chair of council I think. Dont know the other races.

by ucd-er Sat Feb 07, 2004 12:04

hey tcd people. what are the politiical affiliations of the candidates, is there anything like the cfe with you, is there a left slate at all? who will socialists be voting for?

in ucd its very simple. scully, weafer, cogavin. dont vote welfare, couldnt care less about ents.

by Politico Sat Feb 07, 2004 13:33

Gambino is in Youth Defence. He is a right-winger that wants to disband the SU. I'd classify him as very very close to fascist. There's an argument for AFA to get stuck into that bloke.

Mac Sithigh is in the Labour Party. I'm sure he'll think that Education Officer in Trinners will look good on his Labour CV.

Don't know the rest.

Could a Trinity student please outline the political affiliations of each candidate.

by women Sat Feb 07, 2004 13:41

There is only 1 female candidate in the TCD elections- for Deputy Presdient. This year UCD only has 1 female candidate. This is a terrible situation. SUs should start thinking about how they work. The majority of students in UCD (and TCD also I presume) are women, yet only 1 candidate stands. Same last year in Universtiy College. Last Year in Trinity College 3 women were elected to President, Deputy President and Education Officer.

by Grey Blocker Sat Feb 07, 2004 18:38

Why is there a lack of female candidates? Is it because they feel there is little scope for real change and the thing is just a playground for male egos? and they have more important things to do, such as actually learning? (which presumably is why they went to university in the first place).

by TCD Student Sat Feb 07, 2004 18:57

Will walk the Presidential election. He is chair of council and chair of TCD Fianna Fail. He's immensley popular with students and has buckets of society connections. Gambino will get 10%, the other real challenger is Nulty, but frankly he won't beat Kieran. The other two are jokers probably there because you only need 10 sigs to get on the ballot

by Trinitas Sat Feb 07, 2004 20:14

Just for fun, aAdd your own.

Prez

Kieren to pick up about 30-40% of first votes. Is the best known like others have said. Gambino and Reilly at about 5% each, Reilly's a nobody and Gambino ran before. Nulty and Munnelly will both score well with their constituencies (lefties and gaa-heads) , in the range of 20-25% each. Either way when one of them goes out the transfers should split and Kieren will get elected.

Dep Prez

RON usually gets about 20 or 30 % but NiEidhin should not have any problems getting elected.

Welfare

According to the TCDSU website there is another candidate, Emma Dunphy (LGB officer). It will between her and Ryder, the third one is totally unknown. Dunphy likely to win it. Male welfare officers are rare.

Education

Too close to call. MacSithigh and DeBulbh are high profile candidates. MacSithigh is a better speaker but DeBulbh's union connections are good and he is a part-time officer. Don't rule out RON either as a protest vote by people who can't stand either of them.

Ents

Very not political. Browne is my gut feeling but I know very little about all of them.

by hackfest 2004 Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:51

Emma Dunphy has withdrawn from the Welfare election, so I don't think that she's going to win! It's down to the two lads now...

Francis Keiran has resigned completely from FF, cutting all ties with the party.

by ware Sun Feb 08, 2004 12:26

ed reilly will do well in the prez campaign - decent bloke, not a union hack or a political egomaniac, he's well known in the arts block.

being in the union means f all - less than ten per cent of students in trinity know who the deputy president is, no one knows who the education officer is (i don't at least), ditto the rest.

the only officers anyone knows about are the president because she spams students once a week and maybe one in five the welfare officer (mike miley) because anne thingmajiggy made it seem half interesting.

francis is ff to the bone, and the whole resignation thing is rubbish. he's invloved in the csc and the hist, but even society hacks don't pay any attention to the csc except for the grant apps and even thenn most csc officers do not show up.

patrick nulty thinks he's dillon so thats him effed in trinity, the last thing tcd needs or will get is another che guevara loving lunatic in a position of power.

gambino is intersting from a far but in public he is uselss, can not speak doesn't pressent a coherent rationale for disbandment (although he is right, if he wasn't then maybe more than the usual 1500 would vote)

haven't a clue who the other chap is - he'll probably win the

by student Sun Feb 08, 2004 14:29

Is there any more blatant an electoral stunt than leaving your party? If Kieron was FF chair a couple of weeks ago he obviously believes in FF. No one will buy a non political approach from someone who's been so involved. His biggest barriers will be the anti FF feeling over cutbacks and Averil Power.

It'll be interesting to see how credible his leaving can seem, particularly as I've heard his campaign manager is a high profile member of Trinity FF as well.

by trinners insider - tcd Sun Feb 08, 2004 19:03

Erm, the problem with Indymedia is that only UCD hacks seem to use it, as evidenced by these preceding comments.

Anyone who knows student politics in TCD would know that party politics is irrelevant. Any time we've had an SU officer who was a member of a political party they were kept under very close scrutiny in case their actions reflected some party policy when it should reflect the needs of the students.

Kieran is wise to resign his FF membership, as he knows he won't stand a chance running for election unless he can say "I'm not a member of any political party".

Patrick Nulty and Daithi Mac Sithigh are in the Labour party and would be unlikely to resign from it, which is why Kieran will probably win it, though Mac Sithigh is a much stronger candidate than De Bhulbh, so Daithi Mac Sithigh will win Education despite his party affiliations.

The others are, to the best of my knowledge, not members of any political parties, this is Trinners, not UCD.

Gambino is a scary character though - youth defence, anti-gay, anti-women's liberation, anti-SU. He's changed his campaign slogan from last year's "Disband the SU" - this time he want's a 6th sabbatical officer just for the health sciences faculty, though methinks that has more to do with him trying to get votes from that faculty who never usually vote, though they are the largest in college.

Regarding the female candidates- there were actually 3 female candidates but 2 of them withdrew. Last year out of TCDSU's 5 elected sabbats, 4 were women, though one resigned and we got Mike Miley instead.

Interestingly, Gambino also ran for welfare against Mike Miley after Hyland resigned, so this will technically be his 3rd election. He seems pretty desperate to get into the SU, though if he was really that interested he's run for class rep or Exec of a committee or something...

by Andrew Sun Feb 08, 2004 20:18

I'd like to think candidates would be judged on their policies as individual candidates rather than on their parties. It's a bit insulting to suggest that people couldn't formulate their own opinions or do what's best for the SU just because they're a member of a political party.

by google Sun Feb 08, 2004 21:13

Who are those people who are running for Welfare?? It's a pity as Mike Miley has done such a good job this year (imho). Shame that Emma pulled out...

by Observer Sun Feb 08, 2004 22:01

Here is the definative guide to how the elections will go:

PREZ: Kieran is going to win. He is a likeable chap and is in loads of societies. He is the hack candidate and seems to have been gearing himself up for this since coming to college. The whole resigning from FF thing is just a stunt. Nulty will probably be second. He has been very active on campus this year and seems to have sparked a bit of life into labour. He is well liked and is a good debater. Mullaney will get a decent vote. He is very handsome and will bring out the sport club vote. His transfers will bring Kieran over the line. Reilly and Gambino are not contenders.

EDUCATION: This going to be a very tough contest. Daithi and Fiachra both have a big profile in college. Daithi was heavily involved in the whole Avril Power/abortion debacle a couple of years ago. Fiachra has the support of the present educ. officer Heledd. My money is on Mac Sithigh in a photo finish.

WELFARE: Luke Ryder by a mile.........

ENTS: Sean Browne has been very vocal at recent council meetings so i think he will win. To be honest I don't know the others.

by tcd hackwatcher Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:53

No sorry, this is the definitive guide:

President...

Four out of the five canidates are political.

Kieran is FF and will be perceived as so no matter how much he denies it. He is popular with hacks, but many students will remember Evil Power's legacy. He may have made a mistake in resigning from FF. This may have ostracized him from his core vote while those anti-FFers won't believe he has completely severed all ties to the mothership. His ties with the SU as chair of council may count in his favour, but could backfire after last week's council debacle. 30%

Nulty is a strong candidate. His Labour ties won't stand against him. They're in opposition and this puts him in a strong position when arguing against fees/cutbacks etc. Also, he may be running on a ticket with Mac Sithigh (Education) and if they pool their resources the two might walk it. 35%

Mark Munnelly is SF. His campaign manager is Martin McMullen (who ran against Will Priestley and came second). Both Munnelly and McMullen are well liked. Munnelly will sweep the GAA vote. He will appear as a non-hack people's candidate. And he works in the Buttery so he can drum up support there. And he's the best looking candidate in the presidential race. 15%.

Gambino is Youth Defence. He is said to be taking this year's campaign a lot more seriously than last year's. And remember back to 2003... He was running against just one other candidate, and one that was better known and more popular than any of this year's candidates are now. He'll have a better chance in this year's race. I'd give him 15%.

Ed Reilly is a third year History class rep. He's an English public school boy... He doesn't seem to have any policies, never mind politics. 5%.

But transfers will be important this year. Look out for Gambino % Reilly's second preferences...


As for Dep Pres, Ruth Ni Eidhin will have no problem. The only girl in the whole race, she'll be able to walk it...
She's been moulded for the position by her friend, current Dep Pres Katie Dickson. (Notice the similarities... Both studied English Lit and History, both enter SU Exec as TSM convenor, both leave Trinity News to run for editorship of the Record.) Ruth will promise to continue along the same vein as Katie. No harm...

Education should be interesting. Fiachra De Bulbh seems to think he'll win it hands down. He's too young to remember daithi's diary back in the day. Daithi has more experience but his politics might stand in his way. He's also more mature than the teenage De Bulbh. But De Bulbh will have the block engineer vote.

Welfare could go either way. Dunphy shouldn't have pulled out. She'd have walked it.

Ents should be good. With that many candidates the election campaign should be fun at any rate. My money's on Browne or Morris... Browne should get brownie points for his Lincoln Inn research and Niall Morris is an Ents old-timer and seems popular with the girls...

by haqckfest2004 Mon Feb 09, 2004 12:55

Running a "ticket" is strictly against the TCDSU election rules.

by questions Mon Feb 09, 2004 14:19

Why are there no left candidates in TCD?

What is Lincoln Inn and why will it make a difference?

How big is Sinn Fein?

What is Daithis diary?

What was the council debacle and what was Kierans role in it?

Why did Dunphy withdraw, and has she endorsed one of the others?

What is turnout usually like?

What courses do the candidates do? Reilly, De Bhulbh, Ni Eidhin are mentioned but no others. Will it make a difference?

by frink Mon Feb 09, 2004 15:32 frink at maths dot tcd dot ie

Viva Gambino!

Enough of these robbing bastard Fianna-Fail wannabes bickering among each other under the delusion of power.

Disband the lot of 'em and give the money to charity!

by Colman Marcus-Quinn - TCD Mon Feb 09, 2004 15:54 colman at maths dot tcd dot ie 0863273082

Just a correction to my name in the ents list of candidates. Its Colman Marcus-Quinn, not Colman Quinn. I'm a js maths running for the ents position. Hope to send more info round later.

by Answers Mon Feb 09, 2004 16:45

I don't know about most of your questions, but Lincoln Inn is a pub near the dental hospital. There's talk of turning it into a student venue. Someone else will have to answer the rest.

by Stargal Mon Feb 09, 2004 17:35

As briefly as possible:

- Just because Trinity isn't divided as decisively as UCD along left/right lines doesn't mean that we don't have a left at all. SU election here are rarely run on political stances - instead it's about the candidate themselves and the work that they've done already in college as well as policies that they're going to implement.

- There's always been complaints (juxtaposed with apparent inaction) about the lack of a student centre in Trinity. At a recent Council, Sean Browne proposed that the SU look into taking over Lincoln Inn (which is now owned by the college) and using it as as student bar/ possible venue. V popular idea with students, but some concerns over practicality (eg if we do get it, the powers-that-be at college will be reluctant to build a proper student centre and what began as an interim solution becomes a long-term facility)

- I may be wrong here, but I'm pretty certain Mark Munnelly isn't actually an SF member? Someone correct me... Anyway, SF have had quite a low-key year compared to previous years - they've had a Right to Housing campaign ongoing since October and some small debates/talks but that's really it.

- Daithi wrote the Leaving Cert exam diary in the Irish Times in 2000 and is still remembered for that. Legandary stuff.

- See http://www.tcdsu.org message boards for a better discussion of last week's Council debacle (in Students' Union forum). Basically an important motion amending the SU Constitution couldn't be passed because the meeting was below quorum - in order to reach quorum the Education Officer struck off a number of class reps not present (under SU rules, if a rep misses more than 2 Councils without apologies they're struck off). The move was widely criticised by reps present. Francis, as Chair, ruled that that wasn't the proper way to pass a motion and an emergency Council was called for tonight solely to discuss the Constitutional amendments. Francis came out well from the whole mess - Heledd, the Education Officer is the one who's come in for the criticism.

- Emma Dunphy put her name into the Welfare hat solely because she'd heard the widespread fears that there were going to be no candidates and wanted to make sure that didnt happen. When it turned out that there were others, as promised, she pulled out.

- Turnout last year was roughly 1,779. There's 15,000 students in TCD, including post-graduates, part-time students and full-time undergrads.

- Presidents: Gambino does 4th year Theology, Nulty does 3rd year Sociology and Social Policy, Kieran is 3rd year Law, Reilly 3rd year history and Munnelly is 4th year BESS.
Education: MacSithigh is 4th year Law, deBhulbh is 2nd year Engineering
Not too definite about all the rest.

by Richard Sinnott - UCD Mon Feb 09, 2004 20:07

At just over 1,000 the turnout in Trinity College has to be very disappointing. It is especially dissappointing for a College that is concentrated in a single campus. In UCD the turnout is 4-5,000 every time. It's likely to be over 5,000 this time. Was c. 4,500 last year.

In UCD this turnout is very good for a SU. Remember that 22,000 are eligible to vote. Outlying faculties don't vote as high, for instance Medicine is second largest faculty (over 3,000 students) yet they usually register less than 500 votes. Medicine is dispersed all over Dublin principly in Earlsfort Terrace. There are also a large number of postgraduates, evening students, etc that simply may not even be on-campus on voting day. I'd put 4-5,000 into this catagory.

Given these problems the turnout in UCDSU votes is very good. I would give the reason as the political nature of the votes. The candidates are usually in political parties, and they have organised groups behind them. Even the 'non-political' candidates would have Society 'machines' being them. So, with politically motivated and organised campaigns behind them the candidates get a higher vote out. This is the chief reason for higher turnouts in UCD elections.

Richard.

by The Architect Mon Feb 09, 2004 20:57

Id like to say that 1779 votes is not just over 1000. In fact all of the elections were based around the 1800 mark. Thats around 12% turnout for trinity and 18% turnout for UCD. Yes a notable difference, but this year it is a lot more contested so it will be interesting to see what the turnout is (also throw in a coke referendum at the same time)

by trinners are winners Mon Feb 09, 2004 21:46

go into any lecture hall in college, and ask the first person you meet who the current su president, vice president and education officer.

fifty quid says that less than 30% will know the pres, 10% the vp and no-one the education officer.

there are two types of politicans, those in for power and those for the ego. unfortunately since there is no power with the Su position in TCD, all we have is self delusional people seeking a position that they think is important.

simple fact of the matter is that averil power is more influential in the taoiseach's office photocopying stuff now, than she could have ever been in the su.

by Yuri Gagarin Mon Feb 09, 2004 23:01

You forgot the 3rd kind of person in SU politics, ms or ms cynic, the type of person who gets into the union with the aim of helping as many people as possible. Sometimes its hard to see the truth through the shit, but there are people who actually give a shit about people out there believe it or not.

by voter Mon Feb 09, 2004 23:04

So if you were to say one candidate for each race was in that category who would be in that category, who would that be?

by Hackette Mon Feb 09, 2004 23:51

Nulty, Mac Sithigh and Ryder (Pres, Education and Welfare respectively).

by The Doctor Mon Feb 09, 2004 23:59

Nulty for President! He has been very active in the anti-war movement, boycott coke and against the re-introduction of fees. If he can get "Joe Trinners" to bother coming out to vote he has a real chance. Kieran also oppossed fees in all fairness to him but he is just another establishment hack. Ed Reilly is also a right winger. He is in the Entrepeneurial society!!

by tomas Tue Feb 10, 2004 00:20

Could you explain how Patrick Nulty has been active on campus? The coke boycoth is a joke- still available all over campus and long may it last!
NO-ONE will get up on their moral high ground and tell me what i should drink- freedom of choice- bottom line!

by mary t. Tue Feb 10, 2004 08:49

trinity news has profiles of all the candidates, i picked it up on my way in this morning. havent spotted anything major yet - or am i just too sleepy? also very negative front page article on the current education officer. bad news for fiachra de bulbh.

by google Tue Feb 10, 2004 09:11

Interesting the way Fiachra's campaign manager spoke against Heledd's motion at council last night...seems like a strategy to distance himself from Heledd...not surprising really!

by tintin Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:23

So Andrew believes that the candidates should be judged on their policies and not on their party membership. He sees Labour and SF as some kind of left. This is typical of the illusuions the middle class Anarchists sow wherever they go. Its not surprising that they should support their Labour Party buddy Daithi from Indymedia but how do they defend their support for SF?

by Heledd - Education Officer TCDSU Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:34

As education officer, I am responsible for organising the elections along with the electoral commission. I am therefore completly neutral in the up and coming elections. Both Fiachra and Daithi are good friends of mine, and I wish them BOTH the best of luck. They both have their strengths, and I am delighted that two such strong candidates are going for the position so they can carry on with fight against cutbacks.

May the best man win...

by Chekov Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:47

Guess what tintin, there is more than one 'Andrew' in the world. I seriously doubt that anarcho-Andrew is commenting on this thread about the TCD SU elections. The comment is hardly consistent with his views in any case. Not that I'd expect you to spot that though - you leap to the attack and launch into your standard deluded rant about anarchists seeing SF and labour as some sort of left. Where did you get that from??? It's nowhere on this thread, so we'd have to surmise that it comes from somewhere inside your confused mind.

By the way, there's a demand for your sort among the tabloid media. It's open season on anarchists and they're looking for people who can string together a few cliched smears. You could really fit the bill.

by tintin Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:10

On their lists Chekov 'jokingly' refers to himself as the King of Grassroots. Nobody challenged him on this hubris. The comment above was in the style of the WSMs Andrew, why doesnt he come on and deny it if its not him. Instead the great Spin Doctor Chekov is sent out to distort the truth.

If you dont support Sinn Fein and Labour then I challenge you to condemn their candidates and call on TCD students to boycott them.

by Andrew Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:20

Thanks for pointing out the obvious Chekov that the Andrew posting above is not who 'tintin' thinks he is. I'd have thought that was obvious from

1. The fact that there is more than one person called Andrew in the country.
2. I'm* not in TCD and have both 0 interest and knowledge of the election there.
3. The opinons expressed are rather odd ones for an anarchist.

But if we are playing stupid can I condemn tintin and the SP (who he is obviously trolling for, please guys put a collar on the puppies) for his imperialist and racist actions in the Congo and elsewhere in the world that I have read about in his otherwise amusing cartoon book. I much preferred his later actions at Wapping and in Breaking Free**.

* I'm guessing tintin thinks its me although he's a little confused about my class. Unfortuantely I don't drive my Rover in from my residence in Foxrock every morning to open my shop or pull a few teeth.

** If you only follow one link today make it http://www.geocities.com/skipnewborn/tintin , you will thank me for it. See the version of Tintin that "utterly revolted" then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and that the police called "sick and beneath contempt"

by tintin Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:38

If you did not write the original comment then why wont you condemn Labour and Sinn Fein. Where do the WSM stand on the TCD sabbatical elections will they call on TCD students to boycott all capitalist candidates including Sinn Fein and Labour? Why do you refuse to answer this?

by Chekov Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:50

Because you make the sparts sound sane.

Q. Where do the WSM stand on the TCD sabbatical elections

A. Nowhere, or at least somewhere else. We have no stand on the TCD sabbatical elections and I doubt whether any of us have any interest or knowledge of them. I certainly don't.

will they call on TCD students to boycott all capitalist candidates including Sinn Fein and Labour?

No. But I for one will call for psychiatric help for you.

by Andrew Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:53

Well it is either because

1. We are in some sort of secret alliance with SF and Labour to undermine the true party of the working class and its glorious leader etc, etc. In which case your cunning detective work has exposed this secret agenda. Well done.

2. We are not in the habit of making comments on elections we have little or no interest in as a response to the demands of someone called 'tintin'. We probably imagine that the general hostility of anarchists to political parties makes such declarations unnecessary.

Can one of the older SP members please take tintin by the scruff of the neck and give him a good shaking.

by tintin Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:54

You have no members in Tipperary either does that mean you wont call on voters there to boycott elections? The WSM does not boyctt Student Union elections so it is incredible that you would claim to have no position on TCD. Your failure to condemn SF and Labour is interesting. Readers will draw their own conclusions from this.

by Fred Tue Feb 10, 2004 13:00

...and it is that you are a bollix tintin, a bollix and a muppet.

by google Tue Feb 10, 2004 13:05

Andrew and tintin, what type of crazy argument are you having?! If you know each other, then just give each other a ring and sort out your problems! You conversation seems to have nothing to do with the SU elections...

by Puppy watch Tue Feb 10, 2004 13:10

Either you are tintin or you are a puppy engaging in the fine art of misdirection.
Go back slowly and read the thread from tintin's intervention and you will see that your call to Andrew is ridiculous.

by Magma Tue Feb 10, 2004 13:49

>>will they call on TCD students to boycott all capitalist candidates including Sinn Fein and Labour?

>No. But I for one will call for psychiatric help for you.

Above Chekov in effect calls for a vote for the Labour Party and SF. Why do "Anarchists" have a problem in criticising Capitalist parties. The WSM in fact do have members both working and studying in Trinity. This makes their stance all the more astounding. Insulting your critics will not hide the truth.

by Rapper Tandy Tue Feb 10, 2004 14:54

And its not even the full moon. Lunarites apart, if the WSM have Student members in Trinners then I would be surprised if they didnt have something to say about the sabs. So in the name of Bakunin and by Nestors horse I'd like to know whats up. If Chekov or Andrew could bring their Tcd Student members attention to this then I will spit on Trotskys death mask.

by Ray Tue Feb 10, 2004 14:54

Above Magma in effect calls for submission to our Alien Ant OverLords. Why do these idiots not see that humans must be free? Is it because they are ant/human hybrids?!?!?!
DOWN WITH THE QUEEN!

by pat c Tue Feb 10, 2004 14:58

They are Pod People! I saw a truck in Thomas Street full of what looked like giant marrows. Two known SP fulltimers unloaded the truck, later puppies were seen leaving the SP HQ carrying the pods...

by USI member Tue Feb 10, 2004 15:03

I think that tintin is a gobshite and isn't doing himself any benefit by going mad at the WSMers. However I do think that the question remains. Where do the WSM stand in the TCD elections. I acknowledge that you may not have had a discussion about it among your members... but as an individual where do/would YOU stand? Andrew? Checkov?

Personally, I would vote for "Re-Open Nominations" for all the votes in TCD.

by Ray Tue Feb 10, 2004 15:17

Do you expect them to have a position on the SU elections in Cambridge? On a shop steward election in some factory in Mallow?
The WSM have produced articles and papers on the question of how unions should be run, what officials should do (if anything), and so on, but why should they choose between a bunch of candidates they don't know* for positions that don't effect them? (OK, at least one WSM will know who these people are, but why would they bother discussing it and agreeing a position?)
Vote for the person who will do a good job, increase participation and democracy in the union, and make things better for students. Decide for yourself who that is.

(*I've met and corresponded with Daithi a couple of times in indymedia-related matters. He seems like a nice guy. If you want to take this as an endorsement, that's your call. If you want to interpret that as "Anarchist calls for Labour vote" you are only showing how out of touch with reality you are.)

by Please Tue Feb 10, 2004 15:18

Could an editor please delete or move all the non sensical crap thats been posted over the last while? They're turning it into a message board, and it has little or NOTHING to do with the tcdsu elections.

And delete this too when you're finished.

Thanks.

by Andrew Tue Feb 10, 2004 15:19

As I said I'm not in TCD so I know nothing about the elections. I glanced at the top of the thread when it was first posted but it didn't really tell me anything about them either as its mostly a list of names.

As people may have noticed we don't get very excited about students politics. So we haven't discussed these or any other student elections at all. Frankly this thread and the similar UCD one consist of exactly the sort of self-indulgent wank that saps what little interest I might have.

Now as it happens a TCD student joined the WSM last night (no kidding). Maybe if he reads this thread he'll enlighten us all on what he thinks of the various candidates and which if any are worth voting for. But don't expect me to get excited.

by pat c Tue Feb 10, 2004 15:43

i would also vote for daithi if i was in tcd.

by cat p Tue Feb 10, 2004 19:14

yes pat, it's your feline friend back again! Pat, I have to take you up on your support for Daithi MacSithigh. Daithi is a careerist Labour hack. He's not someone that should even be given left credibility. He's not done anything in the fight against cuts and fees.

Pat, stop supporting careerist types!! He is a future government minister, TD, or Union bureaucrat. Kill 'em when they're young- Vote RON for Education in TCDSU!

by pat c Tue Feb 10, 2004 19:19

you are showing what an utter cretin you are. keep it up. the sp needs puppies (or kittens) like you. you are like a cross between rabid dogs and witchfinders. the real funny thing is that once you morons have done your short stints as toytown trots you will probably end up working for ibec. where do all the puppies go?

by Trinity News Tue Feb 10, 2004 19:49

According to today's Trinity news neither Kieran or MacSithigh are running as party candidates.

by But Tue Feb 10, 2004 19:57

Retain membership. Dotty says he'll drop membership if elected ? Difference with them is they wont be told what to do by their party HQs. In the SP and SWP their every move is ordained by the Little Lenins of their parties.

by Andrew (from Trinity) Tue Feb 10, 2004 21:06

Sorry I don't hang out on Indymedia and didn't know there was another Andrew, I'm not an anarchist if that somehow matters.

by cleverdick Tue Feb 10, 2004 21:19

kieran has resigned from FF. at least himself, nulty and daithi were honest about political ties. unlike mullally (who as well as being SF, was formerly in FF)

by cleverdick Tue Feb 10, 2004 21:26

i thinks its munnelly, not mullally

by Tony Dalton Wed Feb 11, 2004 02:40 tonyd at iol dot ie

Gambino's not the first Youth Defender in TCDSU. Back in the 90s a guy called Rob Cannon was a part-time officer while actively publicising himself as a Youth Defence member. He didn't run for sabbatical though.

by Trinity snooze Wed Feb 11, 2004 15:45

Can someone post a link to the Trinity News candidate profiles? I can't find it on the web anywhere.

Any scandal in them?

by Slagging match Wed Feb 11, 2004 15:54

I am glad to see that the shit is already flying in the TCD elections. Party affiliations are always a good one especially for the favourite. as much as i love it i do prefer stuff thats real. the clever yet sneaky attempts to make munnelly out to be a sinn feiner is just a non starter. everyone knows he has no affiliations. but there is plenty of other crap starting with his bess connections and the same for that simon bloke running his campaign. well on that let me just say to the candidates keep it coming but make it beleiveable....how come gambino the texan and franscis the fianna fail histy are not getting more attention

by monitor Wed Feb 11, 2004 16:03

what does franscis kieran think he is doing. his attempt to disassociate himself from his political carreer in FF is a joke, especially when his campaign manager is a big FF party activist and they use the FF commons room as his SU election headquarters. if you run for election at least have the decency to treat us voters with respect. take a look at the other four in particular Nulty the only other affiliated candidate at least he has the decency stand up like a real man and not try and pull off silly and childish little schemes.RESPECT for the electorate.

by jasper Wed Feb 11, 2004 16:42

Agree about the whole Francis Kieran thing. He should have the balls to stand by his political beliefs. Give us students the respect we deserve - we all know that as a politician, you will act and put on a facade to win votes. You may lose votes for being in FF, but if you had cop on you'd have realised that you'll lose more by pretending you're not.

Bring back the student to the students' union and leave the politicking to the dail.

Sin sin.

by tintin Wed Feb 11, 2004 16:49

The FF, SF and Labour candidates if elected will betray the students. They are only interested in these positions to advance their careers. Dont vote for Capitalist parties. The struggle also needs to go on outside of the Dail. It is through militant protests that the right to education will be defended. Not through lobbying TDs.

by DG Wed Feb 11, 2004 17:11

“You yourself have experienced in your own person the opposition between the movement of a sect and the movement of a class. The sect sees the justification for its existence and its 'point of honour' — not in what it has in common with the class movement but in the particular shibboleth which distinguishes it from it.”

Might be a bit complicated that for a puppy.

by TCD Student - WSM Wed Feb 11, 2004 17:58

Well tintin I'm a TCD Student and a member of the WSM and will be voting for Nulty and Daithi. I know Daithi personally and can tell you that he's a sound bloke with a lot of integrity and would represent TCD Students in the SU as well as anyone could. I know Pat Nulty through campus politics and again he's well worth supporting.

However the WSM, obviously, is not supporting anyone in the election. Nor is the TCD Anarchist Society. But if we did it would not contradict our politics.

TCD Students Union is obviously not non-hierarchical orgaised and anarchists would advocate that more power be given to class reps and Union officials. However anarchists often are active in Students unions and why not? We oppose parliamentary tactics not because we oppose elections but because we oppose the State and the authoritarian way it functions.

As for supporting Capitalist Parties. Please! We don't support Labour or Sinn Fein anymore than we support the SP or the SWP. The only difference is that most people in Labour and Sinn Fein that I have encountered are will to work with anarchists in a respectful manner. That level of respect seems to be absent when working with leninists. Anyway Leninism=State Capitalism. And I'd take liberal democracy/market capitalism above State Capitalism anyday.

by Stargal Wed Feb 11, 2004 18:42

To the person looking for the Trinity News profiles - they don't have a website so give up the search. There's copies of it available all over campus - nothing scandalous in the profiles, all v brief. The Record will have an election supplement out in a week and a half with more detailed ones

by Christopher Gambino - none Wed Feb 11, 2004 20:23 gambinoc at tcd dot ie 01.888.1717

After reading the comments, it has become clear to me that there are many upset people in this college that are very quick to judge. This is a funny cross point period in many of our lives, where we imagine ourselves to be self important adults in body but still retain the trappings of children at heart. I would like to ask that we collectivelt examine yourselves and look at actual policy issues as opposed to the lies, rumours, spelling mistakes, and assholes that tend to pop up at this time of year.
Best Regards,
Christopher Gambino

by Hack Wed Feb 11, 2004 21:06

It's spelt 'collectively'

by Puzzled Wed Feb 11, 2004 21:09

Are you sure you're not getting confused with belly-buttons Chris?

Is yours and innie or an outie?

by Christopher Gambino - none Wed Feb 11, 2004 21:28 gambinoc at tcd dot ie 888.1717

I quit Youth Defence a few months ago on idealogical grounds. Their a great bunch once you get past a hard nosed exterior but I suppose our views on the world would not seem compatable. I wish them the best and hope they continue to speak out on important issues.

by tcd student Wed Feb 11, 2004 22:15

Was that really him writing?! Looks like some loon-ball decided to discredit him, cos while it's an attempt to protect himself from libel he just looks uneducated (he can't spell or use spellcheck) and patronising ("self important adults"?!?!) Lost my vote long ago, sorry Chris!

by Concerned Wed Feb 11, 2004 22:25

Bit of the preverbial storm in a tea cup brewing at the moment, with plenty of slanderous comments thrown in.

Some one will get elected, they will arse abouut for a year; then leave with nothing to show for it- or our precius beer money.

Its an election campaign based on popularity, run by a clique. the only people that run, are those who vote, who are those involved with csc, su or some 10 member 'radical student political movement'.

Please.

Ill just say this;
Ryder will walk welfare.
Kiernan will walk pres; he knows everyone that votes in this dumb elections personally; Munnelly should do well because he is a good guy. But the Buttery vote? Since well did people actually look at the person who emptys the fag ash tray in the eye?
Morris will walk ents. He is the only sane/qualified/interesting candidate. Lincoln Inn? Honestly, what is that other guy thinking?

by poor gambino Wed Feb 11, 2004 22:33

not a chance Gambino will get 15% or anything close. his policies sound better on paper, because he can't debate his points, defend himself or even make sense at hustings (where candidates are grilled by opponents/concerned students/students enjoying the squirming!)

by . Thu Feb 12, 2004 00:13

.

by TCD class rep - TCDSU Thu Feb 12, 2004 01:56

Reading all this makes me sick, the majority of trinity students are not like the ucd prats, we actually care about a working SU, thats why we're not divided on a party basis.
The fact that some of the candidates come from political parties won't really matter, but the fact that some have resigned their positions in those parties will impress showing a commitment to the job, as for me personally it shows a degree of respect for the SU, and an ability to get on with the job regardless of affiliation
Will someone who has left their party walk back in? Not without some loss of respect,

There are a lot of deluded people out there. The coke referendum will not succede and this will probably affect Nulty as he has backed it, it will result in the closure of the Hamilton(Science end) SU shop.
Mark will be a popular candidate, whether he's a member of SF won't matter, his policies will.
Kieran probably has the best chance as he has a network throughout college and no doubt will have good policies and a good campaign team. I only know him through SU council and he's done a good job there, Whether he's a member of societies or not, he appears to me to be the most competent, as ive seen his handling of council and he saved the SU from the debacle that resulted from the Education officers' firing of 28class reps at the last council to make quorum by proposing an emergency council

by mary t. Thu Feb 12, 2004 11:59

tcd students reply only!!!!!

me-

kieran, ni eidhin, mac sithigh, ryder, morris

by TS Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:11

im SF and havent heard of either of these guys. Whats this about Fiachra being supported by the outgoing Education officer?
Who's going to win this election and why?

by tcd student Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:55

there's odds up on the TCDSU notice board saying kieran and ryder are favourites, equal odds for browne and morris, and i can't figure out odds well enough to understand who's favoured between macsithigh (7/3) and de bhulbh (5/2).

tho i dunno where these odds are from, it just says "BESS bookmakers"

by Bullshit Thu Feb 12, 2004 12:56

There are no odds, there is no bookmaker!

by thankfully not a TCD class rep Thu Feb 12, 2004 13:01

"Reading all this makes me sick, the majority of trinity students are not like the ucd prats, we actually care about a working SU, thats why we're not divided on a party basis."

Th majority of trinity students do not care one jot about the Student Union. If they did, they'd vote wouldn't they??

However 85% of all students realise what the student union is , a very sad and pathethic waste of money and time. therfore they don't vote

out of curiousity how many of your class mates, if any voted for you?

by The Artist Formerly Known as ThePimp Thu Feb 12, 2004 14:45

Ok i had to post.

I've been manning the stands down in the hamilton over the last few days with a few of my friends (who kick ass at doing it btw) - if you saw the amount of people who were extremely happy to take time out to sign letters, in a campaign organised by the SU, you might change your mind about it yourself. The people coming up to us knew it was the SU who was organising this campaign. Everyone knows about the campaign in December when we marched on the department of Finance. Maybe they don't give a shit about this, but the simple fact is that the SU is there for the students.

Joe Trinner Students care about what affects them. The SU is there to listen and help with what affects them. The SU is recognised by college as the medium in between the students and the lecturers.

Class reps are there to represent your views and help with problems that you as a student may need. Perhaps you should not be so cynical and go for class rep yourself next year, see if you can change things for them. Believe me its a great feeling, be it recognised by your classmates or not.

Re: the comment about Fiachra being supported by Heledd, if you refer to the comment up above made by the present Education Officer, you'd notice how she noted both candidates as very strong willed people, who would do a good job. She is friends with both of them.

We can all guess who's going to win (and perhaps try to influence people on this site which ive no doubt some are trying to do) - however i ask any users that read this to go to the hustlings, which should be well advertised soon, to read the manifestos, to listen to the campaign team speakers, to read the flyers, the posters, the t-shirts...to make up your mind in a fair and unbiased way.

Re: the comment about the TN - i tried scanning it last night, but it didnt come out completely right but ill try again and post it up here when i do.

The fact about education is that it is going to be a very very close race, "photo finish" i think someone described it as. The odds of 7/3 and 5/2 are very near to one another!

The next two weeks will be full of interesting gossip, propaganda, and a whole lot of bullshit : try and keep an open mind.

Donal McCormack
SF Engineering Class Rep

by tcd student Thu Feb 12, 2004 21:09

Drogheda Independent Friday March 30, 2001


SAINT Mary’s Diocesan School Leaving Cert. student, Francis Kieran (18), was the official spokesman for the large band of Drogheda students who brought West St. to a standstill last Friday.

The 1,000 or so students were protesting against the ongoing ASTI strike which has brought this year’s leaving and junior cert examinations under threat.

Speaking to the Drogheda Independent this week the Bettystown youth, who hopes to pursue a career in law or politics, explained the motivation behind the students day of action.

‘What happened last week was very much a spontaneous expression of indignation and upset at the ongoing teachers’ strike.

‘We as exam students are extremely upset that the ASTI union are holding our futures to ransom in their pursuit of a pay claim.

‘At the end of the day a pay claim that has nothing to do with us is threatening our futures and to my mind that is unacceptable.

‘The place for ASTI is in negotiations with government not outside schools – the money is there for them and they should follow other public sector unions and engage in the bench marking process.

Support for teachers

‘It is important to note, however, that we support the teachers in their pay claim but do not support the way they are going about achieving it.

‘At this stage it is our opinion that the ASTI dispute is no longer about achieving a pay rise for teachers, it is more about union officials being seen to win.

‘At the same time the Government is determined not to be seen to back down and unfortunately we are the meat in the middle of the sandwich.

‘This week has demonstrated, however, that we are no longer willing to sit back and be treated like pawns in a game in which our lives are at stake.

‘While we support the teachers it is the majority of examination students opinion that ASTI members have lost a lot of standing in our eyes.

‘We believe the leadership of this union should consider their strategy and stop using students’ futures as a bargaining tool.

‘To maintain that strategy will not do teachers standing in the eyes of students any good at all.’

‘What we are talking about here is the possible failure of some students because they have not received the preparation and support they are constitutionally entitled too.

‘That is not only immoral it is illegal and teachers should consider what price they are willing to pay in order to be seen to win this dispute.

‘Teaching is a career that is surrounded by respect throughout the community, teachers would do well to ask what price that reputation.

‘At the end of the day we support the teachers’ right to protest at inequality but we do not support their right to hold us to ransom in their fight to correct that inequality.

‘We cannot rule out further protest but we sincerely hope this is the end of the student protests.

‘We call on everyone concerned to show leadership and compromise because a lot more is now at stake than a 30% pay claim,’ he concluded.

by Carol newman Fri Feb 13, 2004 01:10

Morris will get ents - the ents vote has always been split between the jcr and ents crew but he has the support of both (and also the gmb) , & he's better looking...never underestimate the power of a good picture on a poster!

by still thankful that i'm not a class rep Fri Feb 13, 2004 12:10

Donal, do you honestly believe what you posted:

"I've been manning the stands down in the hamilton over the last few days with a few of my friends (who kick ass at doing it btw) - if you saw the amount of people who were extremely happy to take time out to sign letters, in a campaign organised by the SU, you might change your mind about it yourself. The people coming up to us knew it was the SU who was organising this campaign. Everyone knows about the campaign in December when we marched on the department of Finance. Maybe they don't give a shit about this, but the simple fact is that the SU is there for the students.

Joe Trinner Students care about what affects them. The SU is there to listen and help with what affects them. The SU is recognised by college as the medium in between the students and the lecturers."

The simple truth of the matter is most students don't give a flying $$$$ about the SU. Last year 85% of students walked by the polling booths rather than sp[end the 2 minutes it takes to vote. Similarily with your "protests" and letter writing campaigns, the vast, vast majority of students ignored ye.

similarily with the class reps, when most classes had only one uncontested candidate or no-one at all. surely if the SU was seen as a body of some importance, even if only a a CV filler, at least some students might want to be class reps?

Why don't ye admit failure and try to reform the organisation to make it more relevant to students, instead of deluding yourselves that a) your relevant b) ye ot have any form of positive standing with students.

Joe trinners care abut what affects himself alright, its a pity that the SU still has a bloody clue what does affect the students

by Alex Gilliland - SF Eng Class Rep Fri Feb 13, 2004 12:29

What u say is true, alot of students dont care about the SU, but I think thats a sign that the SU is doing a good job.

Most people dont really want to think about the running of the SU, and as long as everything is running smoothly they still will not give a shit.

Its the same with most things.....aslong as it works we dont care how!!!!!

by chris clarke - pav head Fri Feb 13, 2004 16:57 clarkatron2000 at hotmail dot com

So whats the story with ENTS? Who are these nobodys?
The trinity news told me f**k all, and I thought there was a rule against being sponsored by anyone, especially a bloody beer company (not that I wouldn't mind a year of bavaria fuelled mayhem!) ?

by Interesting... Fri Feb 13, 2004 17:04

Strange that both Mac Síthigh and de Bhulbh attended courses at the Centre for Talented Youth in DCU during their teens. CTYI, as its called, is fast becoming a political hotbed - several SU officers across the country in the past, but don't know of any at the moment.

by CTYI-er Sat Feb 14, 2004 12:06

Yeah, we're breeding the next leaders of the country here:)

by *yawn* Sun Feb 15, 2004 13:37

It is sad that Indymedia has descended into a ranting-den for a small group of UCD left-wing ideologists.

I would urge the moderator of Indymedia to remove most of these comments, many of which are libellous, and most of which are downright idiotic.

If there are any Trinity students reading this who want to talk about the elections on the message boards go to http://www.tcdsu.org where slander and libel are not allowed and you might get a more balanced debate, away from the UCD loonies.

by Deputy G-String Sun Feb 15, 2004 17:28

The Pheonix Magazine has described UCD as the "Bastion of the Far Left". In the past year UCD students were at the forefront of anti-fees protest. The most militant anti-fees protests were in UCD or organised by UCD students.

In the past year UCD students have banned Coca Cola from their shops TWICE in 2 referenda. They elected a bin tax prisoner as a student rep on the Academic Council by a landslide. They have been the only group of students to have serious protests around the cuts in the Libraries and they won on the issue.

I think someone should do a study into why UCD students are so far on the left when compared to other Colleges.

by David Sun Feb 15, 2004 17:34

just a guess

by harry Sun Feb 15, 2004 22:19

it has the largest number of self-hating upper-class students in the country

by Poster Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:46

Hi, the TCD posters and manifestos are out today, what do they look like?

by Pinky Mon Feb 16, 2004 11:51

Mac Sithigh's are purple, Kieran's blue, de Bhulbh's blue, Nulty's blue and the rest are of a reddish colour. I think. Bar gilliland's, his were hand made.

The blues look the best, and on a more practical note you can read them from afar, where as the red's are too difficult to read. Puyple indifferent.

Let the manifesto talking begin...

by curious Mon Feb 16, 2004 15:42

i think gilliland's look cool, all colourful they really stand out. Other than that i think Browne's are the best, as they have some policies and most people aren't arsed reading a manifesto....
But where are the posters for the 4th ents dude and both of the welfare bess boys?
Just curious

by student Mon Feb 16, 2004 16:04

kieran's have no mention of FF...

by TS Mon Feb 16, 2004 16:04

I havent seen a thing about the elections other than the usual posters that no one looks at. Does anyone know where to get manifestos or do any of the candidates have websites?

Has anyone taken any controversial stands on issues?

by Christopher Gambino Mon Feb 16, 2004 16:54 gambinoc at tcd dot ie

Due to the fact that certain individuals or instutions feel 'threatned,' I was banned from making up posters.
My website can be reached at www.geocities.com/chris_gambino2004

by I can't believe it! Mon Feb 16, 2004 17:54

I've just read Chris's site...
I'm so very tempted to vote for him except I remember his 'The SU commit murder in House 6" rant about abortion last May.
Chris if you weren't so OTT with your opinions you'd be a decent candidate!
Nice site all the same!

by weird Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:00

de Bhulbh and Mac Sitigh both have

working for you

in their slogans.

Weird.

And Nulty and Kieran have the same colours.

Weirder.

by Heledd, TCDSU Education Officer Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:09

Just to clarify...there is no vendetta against Christopher Gambino. Very simply, the regulations stated that ALL candidates had to have their artwork in by midday last Wednesday - he was the only one not to have them in. As a result, he is not allowed posters and manifestos. All candidates were made aware of these regulations several times. They have received two copies and an e-mail version of these documents.

In the interest of fairness, myself and the Electoral Commission are following the regulations strictly this year. The candidates know the rules - its their duty to stick to them, or face whatever fine they may incur.

by Bullshit Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:13

Chris, i heard dat u askd 4da chance 2 hand in ur posters late, like 2 days late!!!!! Wot r u talkin bout ppl feelin "treathend"???????!?!??

Da welfare lads, only 1 of em r up in da arts blok.

De last dude 4ents, he wont b campaignin til l8r dis wk. Smart guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by That's Dr. Neutron to you Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:15

Both de Bhulbh and Mac Síthigh have websites -

de Bhulbh's - www.vote4fiachra.com
Mac Síthigh's - www.daithi.info

by Daddy Cool Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:21

Pink or blue, pink or blue...

Daddy or chips...

by Barry G. Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:45

Reading the comments here, it seems that Chris has made alot of enemies and I wouldn't be suprised if somewhere there was a conserted effort to hinder his chances. Just the same, lets just hope they are not succesfull as he seems to be the lesser of four evils!

by moderate Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:54

The SU really quite shoddy treatment of Christopher just proves that if anyone speaks out of the SU line, the hacks will waste no time in attacking him/her. Christopher is a good guy and even if you don't agree with what he has to say, any true democrat should defend his right to say it.

by TCD Democrat Mon Feb 16, 2004 18:56

Having Just spoken with Christopher while he was on campaign on campus i find him to be Quite right wing. However Due to a technical Hitch of NO significance (he was late in submitting a poster Template), he has been Censored from Posters And Flyers for his campaign for SU president. IM Shocked. This by the same Education officer who went on a sacking spree in a fit and the same SU which 'LOST' one of his previous application for an Su position.


While I may not agree with Some of Chris's comments last year , he has the RIght to campaign on a level playing Field , in a democracy. IS the SU or the education Officer Really that BUREAUCRATIC and FASCIST!!

I for one am giving Him MY no. 1 in Protest. He also seems to have some Good Ideas this year and is going to Donate his salary as an aside, a welcome bit of something genuine . I Guess im a convert, VOTE GAMBINO, Its a vote against Fascism and Bureaucracy.

by Heledd, TCDSU Education Officer Mon Feb 16, 2004 19:02

I would not be doing my job properly if I did not treat all candidates equally. Another candidate does not have manifestos nor a full quote of posters as he did not have them in on time, and he is an active class rep. Bending the rules for one person is in itself undemocratic. I am not concerned with any of the candidates policies, only the fact that they play fair and stick to the rules. Neither I, nor the electoral commissioners are fascists - we are simply doing our jobs.

by pat c Mon Feb 16, 2004 19:06

a lot of the comments here about Gambino seem ochrestrated, if not all by the same person. It is ridiclious to suggest that TCDSU are being fascist by applying the rules which Gambino was fully aware of. But Gambino may be using this whole affair to get more publicity and a sympathy vote. Is there any way in which he can be allowed to put posters up? At least it will stop the whinging.

BTW

If people are looking for fascists then they could check our Gambinos ex (?) comrades in Youth Defence. While YD is not in itself a Fascist organisation, many of its members have fascist links.

by Irony Mon Feb 16, 2004 19:21

Isn't it ironic that Gambino is whinging about not being allowed an extension on the posters, yet on his manifesto he states he wants to

"Cut down on the whinging. Moaning about every trivial thing loses the Student Union respect, concentrate our efforst on the important issues."

by Irony Mon Feb 16, 2004 19:22

By manifesto, i mean the flyer/manifesto thing you need a magnifying glass for

by College Green Cynic Mon Feb 16, 2004 22:19

Posters are up all over the place but are smaller than last year. By the end of the day most candidates were visible everywhere. Lots of manifestos floating around from Kieran, Mac Sithigh, De Bhulbh and Ryder. Gillilland has handwritten posters. Gambino has flyers only. Ents candidates in particular Browne have big campaign teams. Kieran has cool t-shirts.

Manifestos

Reilly (Prez), lots of text for inside pages and back page so hard enough to read. Slogan, Action Against Apathy. Some strange ideas but very outsider-ype.

Nulty (Prez), mix of fighting talk and basic internal stuff. Not much experience but seems fairly radical.

De Bhulbh (Ed), "building on experience, working for you" big picture on the front and bullet points on the inside and back. Experience will help but connections to Helled won't. Nice website (www.vote4fiachra.com).

Mac Sithigh (Ed), "working for change, working for you". Neat design but maybe too much text. Big emphasis on change, long bio on back and awful naff photo on a bike. But good content. Also has website (www.daithi.info).

Morris (Ents), looks competent and experienced. Very very slick design. "More Than A Promise". Lots of specifics on planned events etc.

Ni Eidhin (Dep Prez), "the only girl for the job". She's not running against anyone so nothing controversial in here. Movie-poster mockup on the back.

Ryder (Welfare), very weird, with a teddy bear on the front. "The number one choice". Policies on cutbacks, disability, grants, contraception. More teddy bears on the inside.

I'm missing some, fill in the details. Also didnt hear any class addresses.

by Patience Mon Feb 16, 2004 23:07

Fiachra's website is not good - very difficult to read (bright blue background with yellow text, eugh), also he says some of the most ridiculous things on it - see for yourselves. Can't wait for hustings, there'll be loadsa questions for him...

by Funkmyster Bill Tue Feb 17, 2004 01:23

De Bulbh's website is well funky!

And wat ridiculous things? Man if ur ever in the ham library and need a seat, ud like sum xtra study room too

by Cotton Mather Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:15

Why did Gambino leave Youth Defence? Did he only suddenly become awate of the YD links with Juan Pablo Delgado ?

Doomsday Cult Investigation
LAST UPDATE: 2/13/2004 5:00:28 AM
Posted By: Holly Whisenhunt

An accused pedophile from San Antonio now serves as a spiritual advisor for a doomsday cult. News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooter Brian Collister traveled to Costa Rica to investigate and find if cult leader Juan Pablo Delgado is a visionary or a con artist.

His name is Juan Pablo Delgado and he says the Virgin Mary speaks to him. He claims he can see her while no one else can. Juan Pablo explains his visions, "She comes in human form. It's important to remember in heaven she is in body and soul. She's not transparent, she's not a ghost. She can be seen. I've been able to touch her just like I can touch anyone else."

More fiendish revelations at
http://www.woai.com/troubleshooters/story.aspx?content_id=72B58168-5C8A-4774-A782-A32485066077

by Don Corleone Tue Feb 17, 2004 11:52

Gumbo and his pals should be careful when they live in a glasshouse. Youth Defence links with Fascists are dealt with at this site -
http://www.geocities.com/irishafa/news.html

Extract:
'Extreme-right group confirms Barrett link
By Derek Scally, in Berlin, and Deaglán de Bréadún, in Dublin

Mr Justin Barrett, the chief spokesman of the No to Nice campaign and a leading figure in the Youth Defence anti-abortion group, has close contacts with an extreme right-wing party in Germany which the authorities there believe has "Nazi characteristics".

Mr Barrett has attended conferences and spoken at an event organised by Germany's National Democratic Party (NPD). Two years ago he attended an NPD rally in the Bavarian city of Passau as a representative of Youth Defence. His name appears as one of the "honorary guests" at the event in Die Deutsche Stimme (The German Voice), the NPD party newspaper. The NPD described the rally, the largest by the party to date, '

by James Billhartz Tue Feb 17, 2004 14:16

I think it is a double standard for people to be so close minded and bigoted in regards to the traditional and conservative view when the extreme left goes un-noticed. They are just as degenerate and unreasonable as the people they accuse.

by Cotton Mather Tue Feb 17, 2004 14:27

Do you not think it is narrow minded to accuse people of being fascistsjust because they apply the rules? Are you also suggesting that it is odd that TCD students should be worried about Gumbos links with fascists like Barrett? Do you see the NDP and Cult leaders as being traditional Conservatives?

by whatever Tue Feb 17, 2004 15:16

You genuinely believe that Gambino, a well known Catholic traditionalist, has links with a Cult? Yet more anti-religious hysteria spouted by the loony left fringe. I suppose religion is the opiate of the masses, right?

by DP Tue Feb 17, 2004 15:30

I can't help but comment on the typical union shite that has become the forefront of Mac Sithigh's flyer slogan.

"If Daithi can't do it, it can't be done!"

It seems to me that this guy is completely full of himself. How can someone be that arrogant?

And the people are wondering why no-one gives a fuck about the union?????????????????

by Cotton Mather Tue Feb 17, 2004 15:31

Well Gumbos buddies in Youth Defence had links with this Cult Leader. Perhaps Gumbo was unaware of this. Did he eventually find out? Dont forget the fascist YD links. Maybe this is why he left (?) YD.

by tcd bess Tue Feb 17, 2004 15:32

I think the accusation that YD have fascist links in a serious political forum is as contrived as saying the su is actually fascist. surly both are exagerations which now seem 2 be being taken seriously. That said Not stamping posters on a certain date when people missed it last year and were allowed put up posters and enforcing the letter of the law 4 no real world reason to that extreme is silly.

I agree that the heledd should just let Gambino put them up and give him the required stamp,im sure the other candidates wont feel hard done by and she'd be happy 2 hear the last of this because as she said itll just drag on for the whole campaign otherwise.

by whatever Tue Feb 17, 2004 15:39

So somehow YD are both a Fascist organisation but have links a to a costa rican Cult led by a man called Juan Pablo Delgato. Get your stories straight for gods sake (or should that be for Lenin's sake here?)

by Don Corleone Tue Feb 17, 2004 15:40

Information about the fascist links of Youth Defence has been in the public domain for a long time. It is difficult to see how a bright chap like Gumbo wasnt aware of this. I have compiled some more information regarding Youth Defence and their dodgy friends for the edification of Gumbo and his partisans.

One British Fascist group which has paid attention to the 26 counties is the International Third Position (ITP). This group (also active in the North) pursues a violently anti-Jewish Christian fundamentalist and agenda. It tries to appeal to both Catholic and Protestant bigotry with anti-gay and anti-abortion propaganda. Unlike the BNP and the
NF, who are strongly anti Irish, the ITP believes that most Irish people in the South could be won as allies.

In 1993 the ITP magazine 'Final Conflict' printed articles praising Youth Defence (YD). Another ITP publication, 'Catholic Action' contained an article written by Cliona Ní Mhurchu, a YD activist. This article was full of nazi terminology and thinly veiled references to Jewish conspiracies. This article also appeared in 'Candour', a British Mosleyite journal.

In the late 1990s the International Third Position ran a website called "Crusaders for the Unborn Child" which expressed much praise for YD. TheCrusaders were a front for the ITP and held a number of pickets on abortion clinics in Britain as well as a picket on the Irish Embassy in London. The Embassy picket was specifically in support of the YD.

A senior member of Youth Defence (Maurice Colgan) shared a flat in Ballymun for a while with members of the Nazi band "Celtic Dawn".

by Mags Tue Feb 17, 2004 17:26

It is a bit disingenuous, to say the least, for people to come on here and say something is not true because either :
a) they have not heard it, or
b) it is not true, or
c) it is not relevant to TCD.

The information above about YD is true. Furthermore it is relevant to TCD. Fair enough if this candidate Gambino is opposed to abortion, that is his personal choice. What people are worried about is the proven tendency of YD people (and their ilk) to use all kinds of underhand methods to further their agenda. Below are a couple of reports that deal with their dodgy international links and dishonest methods. Namely the setting up of fronts to trap women into anti-choice counselling and the use of blackmail and threats to prevent women exercising their choice.

It is easy to see how minds which can justify such actions could also do severe damage in a situation where students are approaching an SU seeking welfare information, etc. on issues relating to contraception, pregnancy, sexuality, etc. if the leader of that SU was determined to prevent information he or she disagreed with being provided.

I don't know this guy Gambino from Adam, but would be interested to hear what his 'ideological differences' with YD were.

+++++++++++++++
NOTE: Precious Life is the Northern version of YD and also calls itself 'UK Life League'.

The Sunday Post - 22 April 2001

"Court halts pro-lifers' web attacks"

Family planning organisations have taken legal action to stop anti-abortion activists "hijacking" their websites.

Militant pro-lifers Precious Life Scotland, who have now changed their name to the UK Life League, have had to sign a court order agreeing their won't set up the rogue websites again.

Pregnant women were confronted with gruesome images of aborted babies when they logged on to the sites, which had an almost identical web addresses to four organisations offering advice on contraception or termination

Barred
Two of them, the FPA (formerly the Family Planning Association), and Marie Stopes International, were jointly granted a court order at the High Court in London this month forcing the UK Life League to halt their action. They've also barred the group from using the organisations' names among keywords that bring up a list of sites during a search on the web. UK Life League used the method to ensure their sites would appear before the official ones.

The other targets, the Brook Advisory Centre and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, have asked the Internet names regulator to adjudicate on the case and Brook has also hired a Scottish advocate to determine if further action will be necessary.

However, the controversial founder of the UK Life League vowed last night to launch more Internet attacks on them. Jim Dowson said he would set up websites giving personal details of their staff, a move Brook immediately condemned as "extremist". He said, "I think it's an affront to my freedom of speech that I'm not even allowed to mention these organisations in the list of keywords that are attached to our site. "We've taken down the copycat websites but we were delighted with their success.

Refused
"Hundreds of women contacted us after they'd found them while they were looking for advice from these organisations. Some then refused to go through with abortions after they'd read what we had to say."

The FPA said, "We wanted to ensure women who were looking for unbiased advice on unplanned pregnancies weren't sent to a site they mistakenly thought was the FPA."

+++++++++++++++

Ireland On Sunday - 7th July 2002

Irish abortion women filmed in clinic and will be exposed on the internet

An extremist group of pro-life activists has secretly filmed Irish women entering and leaving British abortion clinics - and plans to use the pictures on the internet and on a 'name and shame' video.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties last night described UK Life League's hidden cameras campaign as sinister and intimidating. Spokesman Liam Herrick said: 'This is intended to frighten women from going to clinics

The illicit propaganda campaign by UK Life League is modelled on the militant tactics employed by extremist pro-life zealots in the United States, where surgeons have been murdered and clinics firebombed, Ireland on Sunday can reveal.

Jim Dowson, the Scottish-born activist who has masterminded the operation with a group of young supporters, many of them Irish, insists he will not use violence. But he vowed that he and his followers will not hesitate to break the law and go to jail in their fight to end a 'trade in human misery'.

Their 'name and shame' tactic was immediately condemned last night, with civil liberty groups calling it a gross invasion of privacy. However, it is being actively supported by a number of Irish pro-life campaigners and has also secured funding from this country. An estimated 7,000 Irish women travel to Britain every year for abortions, and it is feared that dozens of Irish women - who were unaware of what was going on - will feature on the website and on the deliberately shocking video, which is due to be released in August.

Secret filming has long been a popular weapon with US anti-abortionists, including the notorious James Charles Kopp, who fled to Ireland and worked at a hospital after assassinating a doctor. He was arrested when he subsequently fled to France. But Kopp is not the only American pro-life campaigner to kill in pursuit of his beliefs. Seven U.S. doctors have been murdered and several clinics firebombed in the last five years. London-based UK Life League has close links with the Irish Catholic organisation Youth Defence. Ironically, though, its leader, Dowson, is a Protestant and a former member of the Orange Order.

They have specifically targeted the Merseyside Clinic in Lark Lane, Liverpool, which is a popular location for Irish women seeking an abortion because of its proximity to the ferry port in Holyhead. Dowson, an unemployed paper napkin salesman who has two criminal convictions arising from minor street brawls in his native Glasgow, began his anti-abortion crusade with the extremist Precious Life organisation that picketed doctors and family planning clinics in Scotland and Northern Ireland in recent years. Precious Life, which claims to have modelled itself on Youth Defence, forced one Northern Ireland doctor to retire and also succeeded in closing down the Ulster Pregnancy Advisory Association, one of only two groups offering abortions to women in the North.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties last night described UK Life League's hidden cameras campaign as sinister and intimidating. Spokesman Liam Herrick said: 'This is intended to frighten women from going to clinics. It is a violation of their right to privacy and is especially sinister since it is being used in a medical situation.'In the US, pictures like these have been used to commit violence against women by people who are opposed to abortion.' Dowson admitted the filming was designed to cause disruption at the clinics and to embarrass women into not going there in the first place. 'We are militants, that is why we are doing this,' he said. 'It is a deliberately aggressive act.' He told Ireland on Sunday that a 45-minute video is being edited from hours of material taken by covert cameras inside and outside the clinics.

The footage was taken by volunteers, many of whom posed as women in the early stages of a pregnancy, he said. They carried miniature pin-hole cameras, hidden on their bodies, and filmed in a number of rooms in the clinics. Dowson said: 'We have footage showing the reception and rest areas, and the so-called disposal room where the dead foetuses are dumped. It's pretty disgusting stuff.'We've been filming for months at more than eight clinics in Britain.' We record the faces of all the staff and what advice they give. We also film the top-of-the-range cars in the staff car park, so the world can see how much money is being made from the misery of abortion. 'The UK Life League website also lists the names of people involved in offering abortion services in Britain. This practice is considered highly dangerous and has led to the deaths of numerous people involved in US abortion clinics.

Dowson said: 'All we are doing is letting the public know the identity of those behind the mass slaughter of unborn children.'UK Life League receives donations from Ireland through advertisements in Catholic newspapers. 'We have excellent support from Irish Catholics,' Dowson said. 'Many of them are behind the name and shame campaign which uses hidden cameras inside clinics.'He claimed about 40 Irish volunteers, including a number of nuns, were involved in the name and shame campaign, which includes picketing the clinics on Saturday.'Two to three dozen women arrive for abortions every week,' he said. 'About 80pc of them are from Ireland, that's why we have so many Irish pro-life people assisting us here.

Dublin abortion agency for an all-in service which includes an overnight stay in a nearby hotel. They tell their friends and family they're going on a weekend break - then go to England.'Dowson said the clinics are specifically targeting Irish women because of a fall-off in the number of British women seeking abortions. One Irish volunteer, Claire Lynch, 24, from Limerick, said: 'As long as Irish women are going to England for abortions, there will be Irish people who will go over there to support the anti-abortion campaign.' Dowson said UK Life League may copy US anti-abortionists who transmit live pictures on the internet of women visiting clinics.However, Dublin Well Woman Centre chief executive Alison Begus insisted many clinics in England carried out procedures which had nothing to do with abortion, such as vasectomies and fertility tests. She said the name and shame campaign makes a painful situation worse for the women concerned. 'The lack of sensitivity makes one weep,' said Ms Begus.

by Karol Zak Tue Feb 17, 2004 21:42

As much as he is a prick, which I think he is... and i've seen him drunk, I still think he is the only real alternative to the pack of panderers. I think he honestly believes what he says and that accountability is what this college so badly needs. Also, the present SU is completely useless so I figure a vote for gambino is a vote against them. For these reasons, I have no choice but to support him by default.

by jasper Wed Feb 18, 2004 11:51

I find it incredible that karol zak could possibly believe that Gumbo means everything he promises. Do you really think he'll donate all his wages to the printing charges? Yeah right.

And in comparison to this year's hacks, I think you're truly delusional if you think that Gumbo (allegedly sexist, homophobic and pro-life) could possibly be better than this year's team.

But such is life. Nutters abound.

by anti gambino Wed Feb 18, 2004 13:25

will this fool prevent freedom of choice and try and roll back on all the fine things achieved by UCDSU.
Support the right to choose. dont support a facist.

by ummm..... Wed Feb 18, 2004 16:04

Yeah... We're talking about TCDSU here - not UCD...

by broken rules Wed Feb 18, 2004 16:32

are the sabbats allowed suport ppl in elections?
Coz dey r def suportin Niall Morris, after his posters wer all pulled out of toilets he's put dem back up (@least 4 of dem)
i no sum1 who reported dem, da 2nd time round, N nothins bin done at all.
Surly sumthin shud b done about continus illegal postering IN DA SAME DAMN PLACE?

by Daithi looks like.... Wed Feb 18, 2004 17:25

Daithi Mac Sithigh looks like the lead singer from The Darkness.

Don't believe me? Check it out!

http://www.thedarknessrock.com/images/ianrendall/dark09.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/daithifortytwo/Rubrics.jpg

just imagine Daithi without the glasses and with long hair.

by hero of the day Wed Feb 18, 2004 17:58

Im opposed to the murder of unborn children too, does that make me a 'fascist'. I dont't know, murdering children sounds pretty illiberal to me.

by right-wingers Wed Feb 18, 2004 18:01

TCD's presidential candidate Gambino is anti-womens rights and anti-gay. UCD's education candidate Carroll is pro-deportations and pro-health cuts.

What's going on!

by anti gambino Wed Feb 18, 2004 18:05

yes, yes you are!

by Christopher Gambino - Trinity College Student Wed Feb 18, 2004 19:27 gambinoc at tcd dot ie

In answer to the doubts, I WILL give ALL of my pay to subsidise printing. I dont need their money. If the other cannidates really cared as much as I do, they would do the same. As for the pro-life issue, I am pro-life, pro-individual rights of gays and deffinately pro-women. I dont want to impose my opinions on anyone just as much as I dont want anyone to impose theirs on me like the Coke reffrendum.
Regards,
Christopher

by friends of gambino Wed Feb 18, 2004 19:45

I still havent seen gambino's stuff up yet. Has a resolution been reached? I think the cronieism of house 6 is out of hand. The heled is abusing her position again.

by the watcher Wed Feb 18, 2004 19:48

Don't you think gumbo looks a little evil on his website? That smile is covering a depraved mind. he must have spent too much time in that YD cult

by anti-evil Wed Feb 18, 2004 20:01

claiming you'll donate your years wages to pay for printing charges doesn't mean you care more, it means your daddy is going to pay for you to live in ireland for another year. maybe you could ask him for a few million to sort out the rest of the cutback problems while you're at it christopher?

by the heel Wed Feb 18, 2004 20:37

These sarcastic insults don't go very far in suggesting ways to solve our prolbems. I think the spoon imagery is good because the guy who suggested it is deffinitley biteing the spoon that seeks to feed him.

by The Darkness Wed Feb 18, 2004 22:14

Daithi used to have long hair too. Long-lost brother, perhaps?

by BRÉNOC Wed Feb 18, 2004 23:14

I think it's about time some of the stupid nonsense being talked about Youth Defence was corrected here and now.
YD is a single issue PRO-LIFE campaigning organisation dedicated to ensuring that Irish people have access to the full truth about abortion. Every abortion kills an unborn child, the methods used are cruel and barbaric, the consequences on the women who undergo this procedure include post abortion depression, sterilisation and has ultimately led to suicide in a number of cases. There is nothing decent about those who aid and abet a woman to kill her own off spring.

There is nothing radical about the YD stance, it represents the attitude of the majority of people in Ireland. This has been proven several times in referendums when the Irish people have voted to defend our nation’s pro-life ethos.

Youth Defence is made up of many volunteers, each with their own reasons for being anti abortion. These reasons are as much from a religious perspective as from a human rights one. I personally am anti abortion because science has convinced me that life begins from the moment of fertilization/conception. If you are in doubt then I suggest you look at some of these pictures in the link below and then try telling me what you see is not life !

As regards the constant use of the accusation fascist, it is invariable used by those who want to avoid the substantive issue, abortion is murder !

by Tssssss Wed Feb 18, 2004 23:46

Well if you're going to turn this into abortion discussion, let me just say a few things:

- women's right to decide about their own body

- you mention post-abortion depression. What about post-pregnancy depression which is far more severe and affects millions of women??

by Imelda Thu Feb 19, 2004 00:44

As a person who passes these young activists on a weekly basis, you can't but help admire them for speaking up for such a cause. When we are constantly being accused of drinking too much and not being responsible, isn't it positive to see the likes of Youth Defence out there?

Well I do hear some supporting cries, but invariably I can guess that I will have some knee-*jerk* reaction from someone who thinks that what they can't find support for in their little red handbook needs to be attacked.

Slan for now...

by Kylie Thu Feb 19, 2004 01:25

That's their problem. Sure if it wasn't for the days that are in it where would we be at all? How can Youth Defence say they wouldn't like to be aborted if they've never tried it?

Young people today don't take enough drugs and these young wans I see out with their arses hanging out of their jeans telling us not to have abortions are on crack!

What's the Youth Defend's position on masterbation? Do yiz encourage yer members?

Aborition: It's NEVER too late!

by bess babe Thu Feb 19, 2004 09:40

Enough about Gambino and the fascists. How did the hustings for the teachers go? Any ideas on who is the favourite, who spoke well and who fucked up?

by joe blo Thu Feb 19, 2004 15:36

4 Prez

Francis- A bit contrived and full of the usual dull issues. Came across well and looked strong on action but very weak and establishment on policy. Fired the first salvo of insults at the other cannidates.

Mark- Likeable but also answered with semi-personal attacks. Doe not seem to have alot of concrete policy but we like him just the same.

Nulty- Soft spoken and hard to understand, the visual appearence was a disadvantage while he struggled to come out with the things we would expect.

Ed- Looked a bit upset and complained too much. Spoke about solving their prolbems but forgot about how he was going to do this.

Gambino- Came across as more moderate than i think he really is. Seemed interested, but his policy was too much based on pandering.


All in all, I think the first real test will be in the buttery tomorow.

by Adrian O'Boyle Thu Feb 19, 2004 18:25

I have known Gambino for about a year now and I really admire him for putting his head on the chopping block for his issues. I hope that more people would follow his example and speak up on the important issues.
He is the only cannidate that supports a USI withdrawl which is brillient as well as his giving away his salary and the seperate SU thing.

by Stunt Thu Feb 19, 2004 18:40

Gambino's stunt thing is just that, a stunt.

And if he can afford to give up his salary, why doesn't he give an extra few thousand? Or ten thousands?

Sounds like a my daddy has a yacht rich-boy to me.

by tcd student Thu Feb 19, 2004 19:26

niall morris has a manifesto thing getting students free into some clubs on certain days. sean browne complained that was a "gift" and theres been an investigation. any idea what the result was?

by Fergus Thu Feb 19, 2004 20:02

The "stunt thing" looks kosher to me. His financial position aside, i think it is more than any of the others can actually promise to deliver in results.

by Bennie Thu Feb 19, 2004 20:31

In the regulations, it states that a candidate cannot promise any gifts to potential voters, and for example it says money etc...

Is Gambino breaking this regulation by promising to give his money to help the students? Or at least border line?

by Fergus Thu Feb 19, 2004 20:41

I think it counts as policy. Someone is rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's.

by BRÉNOC Thu Feb 19, 2004 21:29

There is nothing more sincere than cash and if the only way that Chris Gambino can express his love for the student body at Trinity is to subsidise our printing costs then I for one am prepared to accept his gesture ;-)

by RON Thu Feb 19, 2004 21:38

Luke Ryder's posters and manifestos scare me, the other guy likes fuzzy photos of himself and can't be found in Trinity.

Anyone else thinking RON is the only way to go?

Are there any RON campaign teams around?

by Bartlett Fri Feb 20, 2004 01:36

I hope Mark Munnelly wins. He is damn fine. If he does win, I bags sharing a room with him at USI congress...

by Do RON RON Fri Feb 20, 2004 09:35

Personally I'm RONing Dep Prez...
She's not personable and can be quite rude when you speak to her.
Not a good candidate.
Suggests everyone RON her so we can get a better candidate!

by Tally-woman Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:13

Kieran by a whisker from Munnelly. Gambino, Ed Reilly and Nulty to get around the same amount but the other two out in front.
Ni Eidihin with about 30% RON. RON never wins elections so the post above is wishful thinking.
Mac Sitigh to win fairly handily maybe about 60-40. De Bhulbh is OK but doesn't speak well.
Ryder by a mile! Grant is invisible. Go Luke! Go Luke! (Ahem...he's a friend of mine...we luv u Luke!)
Can't decide between Morris and Browne. Gililand (the clown) might get a good few votes too.

by strapped4cash Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:51

Any new odds from the bess bookies since campaigning has started???

by disturbed Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:02

when posters/manifestos 1st came out i was voting RON for welfare but over the last few days (travelling to hustings & campaigning) Luke was starting to grow on me; he's a nice guy. But i just looked @his site................

www.lukeryder.com

........... back to RON

by if it was funny... Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:16

It's not luke's site - the website has been a running joke for the last couple of years of college - it's some fella in san francisco's site.

by disturbed Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:21

that makes sense, was tryin to figure why he'd advertise it as his during campaign....
still quite disturbing though...
RON or Luke???
RON or Luke???
RON or Luke???

by Touching YOUU!! Fri Feb 20, 2004 13:25

Are they brothers or are they actually the same person?? come to think of it nobody has ever seen them in the same room together!!

by jasper Fri Feb 20, 2004 13:53

I hope the electoral commission hasn't taken sean browne pettiness seriously... Niall Morris is perfectly justified in promoting his week of club deals. They're not a "gift" as browne accused, and apparently he put in a lot of work negotiating the deals. This just goes to show that he can deliver what he promises. Fair dues to the guy.
It's such a pity red tape and pettiness can undermine a decent candidate.

Browne is scared that Morris is going to whoop his ass and the only way he thinks he can win is to kill off the main competition (metaphorically speaking of course..although, if this attempt fails who knows how far he'll go!!!).

At this stage, I reckon Niall Morris will win Ents (unless he's booted out), Mark Munnelly will get Prez (on second preferences), Ni Eidhin will swoop to Dep Pres victory, Ryder will defeat the amazing invisible man and Dotty will sweep the floor with the teenager.

by GUITAR!! Fri Feb 20, 2004 13:57

GO DAITHI!!
I'm voting for him because
He's believes in a thing called LOVE!!
Just listen to the rythem of his Heart! and He'll never let the bells end!

by Do RON RON Fri Feb 20, 2004 15:32

Heledd is running for USI education officer.
After the way TCDSU has turned out with her as education officer can you imagine what she could do at National Level?

The Electoral Commission needs to sit down and figure out what is in the students’ best interests not following letter of the law. Fair play Niall for getting off your backside and showing you have some contacts!

Also I read on the website that the coke referendum thing mightn't need 10% to get it to pass since it's not constitutional.
I wonder why no one has picked this up in the SU.
If they do keep the 10% thing it means that firing the Sabbatical officers is much harder since you can only fire them by referenda supposedly.

by undecided Fri Feb 20, 2004 16:24

Don't think this speculation is helping anyone. It makes Niall morris look like a cheat and sean browne look like a bit too smart for his own good. Having said that the EC is completly unbiased. I dont think they have ever reprimanded anyone before for no reason unless they have done something pretty low. a strike off is a serious offence. Don't know if this is true , but i heard that niall morris complained about sean browne asking him a question off the floor at the hustings in CICE, and as aresult got him a strike, so i reckon one is as bad as the other.

Having said all this it is very interesting and i cant wait to see what else the two of them have up their sleves. I still dont know which way to vote. Niall did the whole free thing for the first time this week, so obviously a couple of people know him,no one can doubt his hard work with ents.
However sean browne obviously isfairly well connected, look at all the parties he has done. In between djing at alot of dublin clubs, he has had at least one student event in all of major clubs over the last 3 yrs. And working with the therapy soc getting EDByrne and Jason Byrne to play the ED Burke was pretty cool. IS it true he got Joe Rooney to play the science ball. I head Rooney is playing vicar street soon . tickets are 25 e . the s ball ticket was 40 e , thats good value.


I still don't know how to vote. I would have thought Niall was gona walk it before campaigning, But there is something very fresh about alot of brownes policies. He is making more of a battle of it than anyone expected, i think. Fair play this is the way elections should be ... competitive.

by The student Fri Feb 20, 2004 17:21

Todays hustings went well for Mark and he came across as a leading contender aside from the fact that he wants to win on personality alone. I think Francis was a bit too defensive over his FF links for comfort but he handled them well just the same. Ed was pretty bad and I dont think his public school boy accent went down well. Gambino was articulate and made the only logical offers on the policy side but i still think he has dodggy intentions. Forget about Patrick as he sounded tired and dull.

by TCDer Fri Feb 20, 2004 17:57

Well Browne does have a point, I mean if he had known that such "gifts" or whatever they were, were legal then maybe he might've organised them too.

Also, the crux of it was even if they were perfectly legal, his postering advertising them was sneaky. In toilet cubicles and blatantly all over non-SU boards.

As anybody who hangs around the arts block / hamilton knows Morris did really well on Monday & Tuesday but may have spent himself too early. tough to call, ginger will out, on transfers. Browne doesn't have that, "oh I'm a cool guy, too cool to care, ents maaaaaaan, attitude" that surrounds Morris. Colman a good third and the clown chasing the pack on his tricycle.

As for prez, Nulty is a poor imitation of Kieran,
Reilly a poor imitation of Munnelly and Gambino is, well Gambino.

Munnelly's mate didn't beat Priestly in 02 and he won't beat Kieran for the same reasons in 04. He looks to be too much of 'a lad' than the more serious Kieran. BESS girls and GAA heads aren't that big a constituency!

by utterly buttery Fri Feb 20, 2004 18:20

Education and Welfare were first and the mic was totally shit. Daithi spoke first and was heard fairly OK, maybe too shouty in fact. Points on the library and computers and changing the union. Fiachra was really hard to hear and read from a script but had a lot of campaigners out. He didnt get questions. Talked a lot about bad lecturers,also something about society involvement. Fergal talked about not having an agenda, and Luke went a bit on the attack,said that some of Fergal's promises were already in place. Luke was a bit better speaker cause Fergal was nervous. Then they fixed the microphone and the rest of the room could actually here them.

by BRÉNOC Fri Feb 20, 2004 20:49

I thought Francis Kieran shot himself in the foot today when he was asked a question about the number of FF heads wearing his T-shirts that were around the Buttery.
He was trying to deny that he was still receiving help from the FF party network in college when he exclaimed that he had ironed on all the images of himself, with his very own hands.
He then tried to empathise with all the women present by saying he now understood how difficult ironing must be for them :-D
Are there any other - women's jobs - that Francis has recently had cause to discover; like cooking, cleaning ...

by the darkness Fri Feb 20, 2004 21:43

Mac Sithigh was very angry in his speech today. Does he not believe in "a thing called love" any more? It sounded very forced and over the top. Better than mumble mumble mumble stumble de Bhulbh though. Does anyone take this guy seriously? He's a second year and can't talk to crowds at all. Why the hell is he running? I saw Mac Sithigh being very friendly to his campaign manager today. Is something funny going on?

I won't say anything about president cause I'm involved in one of the campaigns but just watch this space, there will be some very damaging stuff coming out at the hustings on monday.

by iosaf Fri Feb 20, 2004 21:51

An bhfuil aon chógas á ghlacadh agat?
An mbeidh tú i d'othar poiblí / príobháideach/leathphríobháideach?
An raibh tú gan aithne in aon chor ó tharla an timpiste?
Beidh mise sa seomra béal dorais agus beidh mé ábalta labhairt leat an t-am go léir.

eh, that's my surreal way of saying G'Luck!

by vicky Fri Feb 20, 2004 21:56

He sounds interesting what is the real story with him??

by pajo Fri Feb 20, 2004 22:14

Francis's comments about women ironing were clearly not serious, I don't think anyone could have taken offence at them. I do agree that himself and mark were the most impressive today. I think Francis answered the questions more honestly though; Mark totally avoided the question about him saying beforethat English people shouldnt be allowed into Croke Park (imagine he said the same thing about blacks/chinese/romanians etc). Francis may have been defensive about the FF thing, but all the questions to him were about it, no one asked him about the issues. It is looking like a face-off between those two candidates

by Cathal Fri Feb 20, 2004 22:16

If you want to know more about Gambino or "il Presidente" check out his website below.

by angelina - tcd Fri Feb 20, 2004 22:53

It definately does need 10% to pass. All referenda do!!!!

by Tralaa Fri Feb 20, 2004 22:55

Only referendums concerning the constitution need 10 %.

by cmpdb Sat Feb 21, 2004 13:15

Neither the Record nor TN are doing a poll in the run-up to the election, so we're left to using the hustings and general campaign activity to guesstimate how things are going for all the candidates.

After the first week of campaigning Francis is left (unexpectedly) playing catch-up to Mark, who's come seemingly out of nowhere to run a very strong campaign. Patrick will finish a strong third but it's going to be transfers that push either Mark or Francis over the top. Whereas Mark is the more impressive speaker, Francis has a stronger manifesto. Mark appeals to all the average Joe Trinners but Francis has a very strong core vote which can't be underestimated.
Prediction: Mark

What looked to be a close battle for Education between Daithi and Fiachra has turned into a damp squib. The moment Fiachra opens his mouth he's more likely to lose votes than gain them, whereas Daithi has been v impressive so far. Fiachra is in it solely for ego reasons and doesn't deserve to win.
Prediction: Daithi

Welfare is such an odd race this year. Ryder will get it but neither of them seem especially welfare-material.

Funny how Ents has turned into such a bitchfight! Two-horse race between Niall and Sean, too close to call but my money is on... Niall

by cmpdb Sat Feb 21, 2004 13:26

Oh, and before I forget -

nice to see the incompetence of our deputy pres highlighted once again: at hustings yesterday niall was asked why he hadn't done a lot of publicity for rag week and he quite rightly pointed out that it was the job of the publicity officer of the union. utterly, utterly incompetent, based on her dismal record (no pun intended) of the past 5 months.

by yoyo_tcd Sat Feb 21, 2004 14:44

Its against the rules for any sabbat to show support. Heledd even warned two sabbats before campaigning began. Clearly went out the window. We all know that a lot of *cough* advise has been given to a certain ENTs canditate.
I mean come on! Deputy ENTs Officer? Hello? Where is that position available or advertised? They all knew that nothing is to be given for free. I'd like to know any club that has free admission on Friday and Saturday nights. Also, has anyone else noticed that his posters (secret ones -shush) have been stamped by the ents logo????? Where is the official E.C. stamp??

by the BESS bookie Sat Feb 21, 2004 16:04

Ed-50/1
Doesnt have a good chance. His poor stride is due to his lack of originality and vision. He has no idea of the issues he talks about aside from apathy. No clear ideas and a no appeal means you can stake the farm and lay this horse. Appeals to the sympathy in me.

Patrick- 8/1
Sounds like a smart bet as he has all of the lefties in college that will not give many preffrences to the others. Saying that visual presentation needs a bit of work is an understatement. Poor speaking and tired old issues plague his position. Needs to be niggled along at the last few fences.

Chris- 6/1
The dark horse in the race, lurking behind comming up a furlong out. His team is not very visiable and I dont think his efforts are very genuine. Has a good chance if there is a high turnout, esp. in the science end. A real no-go in the arts blok though. The split between so many runners will help his efforts. Has a chance but better to back eachway.

Mark-3/1
Good appeal to the masses and good speaking skills gives him a good shot as well as it covers the fact that he has no great ideas let alone ways of implamenting them. Will finish strong and probably do a good job. The smart money is here.

Francis- 2/1
The fact that he is the hacks' choice means that a core group that always votes will line up behind him. Is a safe bet but I think the race is still full twists and he can fall at a last fence. Uninteresting and lacking originality hinder some of his efforts though. The odds are not great but the punter who backs this one is probably not perpared to take any risks just the same.

by Millard Sat Feb 21, 2004 16:16

This vote to ban coke is BS! The fact that Pepsi is shite aside, they have no rigjht to impose their values on us

by cmpdb Sat Feb 21, 2004 16:37

Whatever you think about the issue itself, it would be nice if the Publicity/Publications committee actually did their job and publicised the fact that the referendum is being held on Thursday along with a constitutional one to reduce the number of members of exec. There's been nothing done about it. The majority of students don't even know the ins and outs of the whole Coke issue and the Committee should be doing its job by publicising the referenda and putting out unbiased information. Hey, I wonder which sabbats sit on that committee.... hmmm.....

by jo trinners Sat Feb 21, 2004 16:58

I thinks someone has a lickle chip on their shoulder... Firstly, the pubs committee has done a far better job than any previous year. They've met four or five times already (compared to 3 times max as it was before). And I have seen lots of people handing out the pubs comm's coca cola referendum publication (which is balanced and impressive). Maybe you aren't paying attention to people handing out flyers cos you thought they were for the election???

And onto another point.... The criticism of the current dep pres was totally unfair. The Ents Officer jetted off on holiday the week before rag week. Maybe this had something to do with the lack of rag publicity??? The timetable was only made available yesterday. He's so damn disorganised... And he shouldn't have left niall in charge when he went away.

by Guess Sat Feb 21, 2004 17:35

Guess which sabbat this year was on last years pubs comittee? Hint : in her leisure times, she likes reading, drinking and firing class reps

by Class reps Sat Feb 21, 2004 17:44

My class rep gave a talk and short q&a about the coke ref last week too

by Happy Rep Sat Feb 21, 2004 17:57

All the class reps were sent a email by Katie at the start of the week with detailed information about hustings, voting and the referenda as wel as a copy of the pubs committee's coke FAQs. She also made an ascetate so all the reps could show it to their classes and let them know. If your class rep hasn't been doing his/her job, ask them to forward the email to your class or at least to do the class address.

I did the class address the day I got the email, and also distributed the pubs coke thingy to my class.

In order for the SU to run properly, it takes EVERYONE to pull along. There's only so much the five sabbats can do. Exec and the Class Reps have to play their part in bringing the Union to the people.

Quit moaning people... scapegoats are all very well but have the integrity to give praise where it's due. I've been a rep for three years and this is the first year I've been encouraged by the sabbats to feel I can play an active part in making change.

by BESS Bookie Sat Feb 21, 2004 22:18

The odds quotes above are puire rubbish, take €200 and you couldn't help making a profit,. If you placed €3 on ed, 23 on nulty, 28 on gambino you'd cover the €200 if any of those 3 fulked it.

However, since the real bet is francis or mark, you'd put €80 and €65 on them, with a return of €240 and €260 respectively, which is a 20% or a 30% return with no risk of lose.

the way i'm looking at it is that the real runners are Mark and Francis. while Francis is well known and respected through the hacks, he hasn't had much of a presence outside the hustings (which most people don't attend), mark has plenty of lads wearing his t-shirts which is giving name recognition.

I'm expecting a low turnout favouring francis. Working on that these are my odds:

francis 8/11
mark 11/10
patrick Nullty 5/1
Gambino Sixes
Ed, 100/1

Now for those fans of bets on the side i'm offering a number of other interesting bets

Firstly, what perecentage of thefirst prefernce vote do you expect the winner to take

50% 8/1
45-50% 3/1
40-44% 1/2
35-39% 30/100
30-34% 2/7
25-29% Evens
20-24% 6/1
Below 15/1

Now for Ed's fans

Ed to get less than 50 votes 5/1
50-100 evens
100-200 2/1 on
200-300 30/100
300-400 2/1 on
400-500 evens
500-600 3/1
600+ 5/1

If you are wondering why the main odds are prohibitiev, it is ecause i'm an effing student, without the resources of paddy power.

if you'd like to avail of the odds, you should knowk where to find me

by little miss science Sun Feb 22, 2004 13:14

And where can we find you BESS bookie? Are you setting up a stand in the Arts Block? I'd suggest bringing your wares down to us Hamiltonians. We'd love to place a few bets.

I reckon the money lies in guessing how low a turnout Ed "of Anglo Irish descent"Reilly will get!! Maybe he'll surprise us all and get 1000!!

To change the subject ever so slightly, ye all must have little wrong with yer lives if you can spend so much time bitchin at people. It should all be in good fun. Fair play to everyone putting themselves forward. It must take a lot of guts.I just hope this campaign doesn't turn any nastier.

by betting man Sun Feb 22, 2004 14:46

any odds on the other races?

by John J Sun Feb 22, 2004 17:47

I think that I wont vote this year. All of the choices are shite and only gives them an excuse to abuse their power

by anti-partisan Sun Feb 22, 2004 18:59

The partisans that frequent this site have left a bad taste in my mouth. Some of the comments are down right insulting! Please refrain from such harsh criticism lest ye be judged.

by Real BESS Bookmaker Mon Feb 23, 2004 02:02

just so you all know the previous "BESS Bookies" on this thread are imposters and their odds to not accurately reflect those of the staff at BESS bookmakers.

The latests odd will be posted shortly on tcdsu.org

by bess or otherwise Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:30

any more odds on any of the other races.....

by Ray Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:52

When is this election? Will you all shut up then?

by intimidated Mon Feb 23, 2004 15:31

this guy is majorly aggresive when answering questions....
has anyone else noticed this......
i'm almost afraid of asking him anything, Sean seems much more open to questions/criticism/comments, a much more mature & level headed candidate than Niall (who also seems to have his head stuck up his own ass)

by Confused and Bemused Mon Feb 23, 2004 18:43

Ok... If you don't think that any of the choices are suitable, then there's the "Re Open Nominations" choice....

It's a much better way of expressing your displeasure then not voting at all!

by Gay as Christmas Mon Feb 23, 2004 18:47

I was at the debate today, and I must say that Nulty, although good, seems to be faiding by the day, Gambino, well cant say much for him, I just dont see how he can save himself now, O'Reilly seems to have some good initiatives and is a good speaker, should fare ok, Francis is clearly being affected and side tracked by the gossip on the side and people name calling him, and suprisingly, Munnelly came out with some simple but convincing arguments and initiatives. He was already convincing on Friday in the buttery and today wont have affected his cause.
So all in all the campaigns seem to be going well...and the bookies are certainly having a difficult time...

by Cathal Mon Feb 23, 2004 20:50

I like Mark Mullaney, good public speaker, has a bit of oomph and he's not a party hack.
I'll give him my number two but my number one has to go to Gambino.

Anybody who's prepared to take on the whole stinking, rotting, self-serving, butt sucking, cesspool that infests No.6 deserves a chance.
I loved his slogan today, NOT action against apathy BUT action against assholes.
I bet SU HQ were royally pissed over that one.

Go on ye good thing !!! :-D

by JimBob - TCD Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:28 JimBob at dublin dot ie

What gives anybody the right to restrict candidates by banning them from putting up posters? This is the case in Trinity today. I hear there are calls to postpone the entire election until democracy is restored. Is it true that the current SU officers don't like what Gambino has planned for next year and are doing their best to ensure he does not suceed?

by JimBob - TCD Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:34

A follow on from my last message - There should be an extra option on this year's election to reschedule the election so as to give all candidates an equal opportunity to air their views around campus.
I agree with you Cathal - let's get rid of that cancer that lurks in house 6 once and for all. This year's officers really were a disgrace to the name of the TCD establishment.

by Ray Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:42

It wouldn't be half as bad if it weren't for all the obvious sock puppets.
"I think Gambino is really great!"
"Me too! isn't it awful how he wasn't allowed put up posters!"
"I agree! The SU must be really scared of him!"
"Too right! Oh, and he's so sexy!"
"Yes, yes he is! Oh Gamby, you drive me crazy!"
"Mmmm, yes...but no! The bible says that masturbation is wrong!"

by Science student Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:43

On the day of nominations all candidiates were given the election rules and regulations. that was a friday. Gambino knew he had to have his poster and manifesto design on disk to the Deputy pres on wednesday. He's already ran in two elections and he knows the score. The electoral commision gets the material printed up so that there is a degree of fairness and everyone gets the same if prepared to pay for it íe limit of 150 posters and i thimk its 2500 manifestos. This stops someone with deep pockets from getting loads. Also gambino could then have made up his own posters, theres nothing stopping him, as long as they are handmade and stamped by the electoral commision. He knew the deadline, missed it, apparently tried to hand it in on the friday, two days late. Frankly its his own fault.
An election has to have rules and the candidates are informed of them, so he messed up himselfand trying to blame'House6' is just looking for a scapegoat

by AAAUUURRRGGHHHH!!!!!! Tue Feb 24, 2004 13:52

Are you really saying Helledd would have applied the rules so strigently if it had been one of her SU buddies running? I don't think so. They weren't last year. And as for Gambino being the son of a rich family at least he's honest about it, unlike some. (The head of the SWP is the son of a multi millionaire). Socialism is a game for spoilt rich kids riddled with middle class guilt. Gambino might get my no1 if only to annoy the SU.

by Goo Goo Tue Feb 24, 2004 20:11

Can't believe the University Record isn't out yet! So much for the 'special election issue'!!! Maybe the Deputy Pres was concentrating on Rag Week publicity!!!

by Stupid! Tue Feb 24, 2004 20:16

Do you really think the Dep Pres prints them all herself? Its the company she, and may i say the TN also, sends it to! They keep fucking up! So bitch to them!

by Record Wed Feb 25, 2004 00:13

Doesn't daithi really look like he's singing i believe in a thing called love in the record?

by tcd student Wed Feb 25, 2004 13:08

Thank god someone finally stopped the flirting between gambino's supporters on this forum.. He will not win. He may be an articulate speaker, but the questions all expose him as he is - a self-confessed fascist. And a nutter.

His campaign manager, a very scary and venomous bloke, is from DIT and has been run off campus, phew! He's an oddly horny guy for a militant pro-lifer..

by Interested Wed Feb 25, 2004 13:37

It's hard to believe that Munnelly is playing (and getting away with playing) the non-political card since his campaign manager is a member of sinn fein and he himself was a member of fianna fail. Seems a bit hypocritical

by Adrian Wed Feb 25, 2004 15:39

Well at least Mark is not a narrow minded party hack and is open to getting support from all sections of the student body.

What'll make the difference in the end are the transfers and since Francis only appeals to the sheep like loyalty of BERTIES BRIGADE, i can see mark collecting transfers from all the other candidates.

Francis has been given the job by Fianna Fail head office to ensure that any revolt by students against the reintroduction of fees is fully controlled by a reliable FFer.

Even if he has to pretend to disown the party.

by ga ga Wed Feb 25, 2004 16:49

The UR election special came out last night and it looks fantastic... Most professional election special ever. Is TN doing one too? If so when'll it be back?

by arts guy Wed Feb 25, 2004 18:19

I thought gambino came out the best. although he forgot his polocies, he oozed confidence and heart. I am a passionate person and like passionate people, so im giving giving gambino my vote.

by Me Wed Feb 25, 2004 18:19

Nope just the record. It really looks fantastic.

by badman Wed Feb 25, 2004 18:31

Although this thread has done little more than confirm for the umpteenth time how up-itself student politics is, we have a shining star. Gambino and his glove puppets really put the rest to shame. When it comes to being pathetically sad, he really wins in style. ...I was at the speeches today and although Gambino was not the son of god, he really impressed me and I'll be urging all my friends to vote for him....although gambino is great....Blah, blah, blah

by ? Wed Feb 25, 2004 18:38

so - how were hustings today? I didn't get a chance to go along.

by AlienObservor Wed Feb 25, 2004 19:59

At this stage it's a two horse race between Mark and Francis. If people don't want another party political apprentice in no.6 then they have to vote for Mark Mullaney or give him a good preference. Remember if your not in - you can't complain ;-)

by Be fair... Wed Feb 25, 2004 20:51

If you think about Will Priestly the previous year, he came from a similar background as Mark. No direct experience in the inner workings of the union. He was fairly shit as a President and has gone onto yet another job without experience (USI President) and has managed to flush the national union down the drain.
While I'm sure Mark couldn't ever be as bad as that I'm certain that the total lack of experience in the inner workings of the Union will cause alot of problems.

Have any of the presidential candidates other than Francis ever sat in on an Executive meeting? Do they know what issues other than cutbacks and fees that the SU are involved in behind the scenes?
Could they name the current part-time executive officers and convenors? Let alone the positions?

Would it not make sence to vote in someone who knows the ropes and can launch into their jobs straight away without wasting weeks and months getting used to the big chair in House 6.

by AlienObservor Wed Feb 25, 2004 21:05

You have just confirmed everything that is detestable about Francis in your defence of him. He is an old SU hack that wants to continue the corrupt and incompetent policies that have led to the totally discredited state of student union politics, in Trinity and in USI.

It is obvious that with so many people not voting, over 85 percent and so many colleges considering pulling out of USI, su politics is bankrupt by the simple rules of democracy.

The majority do not wish to be represented by the same old party/union hacks that have been around for so long. There is good reason to believe that students would be happier if they completely got rid of the student union and replaced it with something that actually works.

by Go on Wed Feb 25, 2004 21:08

So tell us then what your utopia of Students' Union would be like? What would be YOUR idea of a union.

by TCDSU class rep Wed Feb 25, 2004 22:59

You would swear the union never did a thing, im getting a bit sick of people saying how crap it is, most students don't get a involved because either their class rep does a good job or they prefer socialising, studying or getting involved in clubs and societies

Firstly the SU has done a brill job in fighting cutbacks, has had some of the best campaigns and defeated fee's last year. At the Budget protest this year it was mostly TCD students, us and DIT are the only colleges in any way helping USI in campaigns.
The fight against library cutbacks, etc has been going on a while, the ENts this year have been brill, thousands have been raised for charity, most class reps do a really good job and work for their classes.
The people at the top are always going to be called hacks, yet most of them do it for no reward and listen to moaners bitching about the su being crap
Well here's an idea, run for class rep, go to council, get involved in campaigns, go talk to the sabbats. The union is there, it does good things, get over it. Knock it and you knock the hard work of a lot of people.
Kieran was FF yet he's the only pres candidate who has done things for the students in his 3years in college.

I would like to see one actually identify some specific problems with the union

by James Seamus and Chu Thu Feb 26, 2004 00:28

I really liked it when gambino took his shirt off at the auction today. He has such a better body then the rest of the lads, and i wish he would hold me with those bulging bicepts!
He is my number ! in everything!

by Alex Herman Thu Feb 26, 2004 00:31

We need to just quit complaining and vote No 1 for gambino, he is the only one who can get the job done and i am tired of having my uni run so poorly so we must do our best to get him in!

by angelina - tcd Thu Feb 26, 2004 01:27

Wow it amazes me how many identities Chris Gambino and his crazy nut-case lunatic folloowers caan post under!! Lets get something straight... I personally don't lknow whether the su is acually worth the money invested in it. However I do not believe that electing Christopher Gambino would rectify the situation. Our society, in order to function has to follow rules. That is why law is there and gardai employed to enforce it. Would anyone wish to live in a totally deregulated society where there is no social order and no following of law??? I can assume the answer would be know since that would essentially mean a return to the stone age. If ( in the exceptionally unlikely event) Chris was elected, that is essentially what would happen. Every other candidate in the race for a position has managed to play fairly, respect the rules voted on by the student body as a whole and show a modicum of respect for both the people charged with enforcing these rules ( seven everyday students and not Heledd, despite rumours to the contrary) and the other candidates. Chris has done none of this. His campaign manager both intimidated and threatened the electoral commission and the education officer and refused to leave campus today after security requested him to do so. This is also the man who when asked about the 10,000 or so irish women who go to England each tyeaqr to have abotions replied with " are you animals? can you not abstain? can you not keep your legs closed." Chris condoned these views. Is this the mentality the average student wants at the forefront of the SU? A bullying, crazy, fundamentalist radical for want of a better word lunatic! Chris Gambino will discredit student union politics and negate any achievements that have been made by student unions all around the country. He is a disgrace. If you do not feel theat any of the other candidates could represent you appropriately, then I would urge people to vote RON but please do not elect Gambino. He is a thug and a liar( ie the electoral commission never refused him his right of appeal, he never turned up at his appeal meeeting).That is all there is to say on the matter.

by Cathal Thu Feb 26, 2004 20:06

Listen Angelina, your hysterical rant shows that you belong to the mentally unstable wing of the feminazi movement.

Your argument for a POLICE STATE is based on a fear that Gambino might get into power, which begs the question who is the true fascist ?

Because you could not ban Chris Gambino from the election and still pretend to your *chums* that you're still a true liberal at heart, you attacked his campaign manager.

Using lies and false allegations you manufactured an excuse to get rid of him, or since you don't have the guts yourself, got campus security to remove him from TCD.

Again I have to ask the question, who are the true fascists in Trinity ?

As for Gambino's attitude to the student union, he has never hidden his contempt for it, it has failed again and again to garner the support of students.

Just look at the turnout for the sabbatical elections ! Last year seven out of eight students didn't even bother to vote. This proves clearly that you and the house6 clique represent nothing more than an extremely small tendency of increasingly isolated ranters.

The SU should be put down as an act of mercy to the students of TCD.

by R Isible - Indymedia Ireland Thu Feb 26, 2004 23:52

At least this thread provides data for the comparative study of the idiocy of TCD students vs. UCD students. Nice level of literacy displayed too. A credit to all. Keep on abusing indymedia.

by And the winner is... Fri Feb 27, 2004 04:41

Pres: Francis Kiernan
Dep Pres: Ruth Ni Eidhin
Education: Daithi Mac Sithigh
Welfare: Luke Ryder
Ents: Niall Morris

Turnout was roughly 25% (circa 3700 voters) which is exceptionally high.

by Student Fri Feb 27, 2004 13:11

Turnout this year was 1 in four, gambino got about 130 votes out of 3700 he's obviously touched a chord with the student body

by fasctis watcher Fri Feb 27, 2004 15:29

That is a terrible result for Gambino, I would hav ethought that anyone no matter who they are would get more than 130. If you add up anyones friends and 'friends of friends' it would be more than 130.

by Time's up Fri Feb 27, 2004 15:37

Let it go everyone, the elections are over. Any comments, you should go join in the fun at www.tcdsu.org - let this thread die!