Mar 12, 2015

Rice Wins JCR Presidential Election

Shane Rice, an Irish and German student, elected alongside Vice-President-elect Hilary Leeson.

Dominic McGrath | Staff Writer

Shane Rice, a first-year Irish and German student, has been elected President of the JCR, the committee that caters for the needs of Trinity Hall residents. Hilary Leeson, a first-year medical student, has been elected Vice-President and Treasurer.

Rice, from Dundalk, promised to restore a sense of community, something which he felt was lacking in Trinity Hall this year. The introduction of Accommodation Advisory Clinics was one of his key policies. Rice also pledged to to improve the relationship between the JCR and Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union, in the hope that better union representation will mean a better provision of services for the JCR. Rice is a class representative in the union.

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Leeson’s proposal to introduce a cycling group for Trinity Hall residents, promoting fitness and a cheaper form of transport, attracted interest during the campaign.

Over 460 students voted in the elections. Louise Weitbrecht was elected Secretary, Adam Browne was elected Sports Officer, Saoirse Ní Scanláin was elected Music Officer, while Giovanna Hughes and Jonah Craig were elected International Officer and Entertainments Officer, respectively. Bogdan Hrechka was appointed Communications Officer on the basis of an interview. Similarly, Keelin Shaughnessy was appointed to the position of Publications Officer, and Daragh Fogarty was appointed to the position of Technical Officer.

Results from the Welfare Race were deemed invalid after a recount when it became apparent that a candidate’s name was cut off from several ballot papers.

The new committee takes over from the end of May.

Correction: 19:39, March 12, 2015
An earlier version of this article neglected to mention the new JCR Secretary, Louise Weitbrecht.

Correction: 15:30, March 12, 2015
An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to the newly elected JCR Music Officer. She is Saoirse Ní Scanláin.

See also: Name Cut Off Ballots Renders JCR Welfare Election Invalid

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