In an attempt to expand the readership of my fledgling blog beyond me, my dear Editor and my Ma, I have decided to use this medium to provide the candidates in the SU election with a chance to expand on some of their policies.
Here’s how I envisage this working:
I am going to read the manifestos of each of the candidates in each of the races.
I am going to post a series of questions based on the promises and proposals in the manifestos.
The candidates can then respond through the comments feature below.
I will not be editing or censoring the comments in any way (unless it is defamatory, which my dear Editor is a bit cautious about since, eh, the incident), although if I think a candidate is talking crap I reserve the right to say so.
Why am I doing this?
As a former (failed) SU election candidate, I was dismayed (but not surprised) by how little the policies, qualifications or abilities of candidates seemed to matter. The campaigns are far too much of a popularity / beauty (no wonder I lost) contest. This is my modest attempt at redressing some of the balance.
Also, I am not doing this to catch any candidate out. Far from it. I know how tough it is to put oneself before ones peers and potentially end up making a total tit of oneself. Nearly every candidate I have come across in my experience of SU elections (even many candidates I wouldn’t vote for in a fit) has been in it for the right reasons rather than any sort of personal gain.
In the interests of full disclosure, I am actively supporting two candidates in these elections, Russell Bryce (welfare) and Eleni Megoran (communications). I am also personally friendly with Ryan Bartlett (president), Elaine McDaid (ents), John Cooney (education) and Ronan Costello (communications). Indeed, Ronan presumed I was supporting him and so added me to his private supporters group on Facebook. Ronan, you’re a good guy and you would make a good Communications Officer, but next time ask me for my vote first ;)
