Pádraig Mac Brádaigh and Daniel Walsh of the Students’ Union are both running to be Officers of Congress within the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).
USI is a representative body for students of affiliated universities across the country. Trinity College Dublin is a member of the organisation.
Pádraig Mac Brádaigh is contesting the position of Leas-Uachtarán don Gaeilge (Vice-President for the Irish Language) and is one of three candidates running for the position. Mac Brádaigh is currently TCDSU Oifigeach na Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer).
Speaking to The University Times, Mac Brádaigh shared, “I have extensive experience with all aspects of the job and if elected, I will work hard to meet other student unions where they are in terms of Irish language policy and implement not only ambitious, but sustainable action plans to increase the presence of Gaeilge in all they do.”
In reference to his role as Oifigeach na Gaeilge, Mac Brádaigh said, “Within one year, I have made AMLCT/TCDSU the most bilingual union in the country through cooperation with my fellow officers and workable translation structures which provide results. I want to make bilingualism a practical reality and my experience navigating union and college structures makes me equipped to do that on a national level. ”
Daniel Walsh is running for Vice-President of the Dublin region, alongside one other candidate. The Dublin region includes TCD, TUD, DCU, NCI, NCAD and IADT. Walsh is a final year law student and the current Chair of Council in Trinity’s Students’ Union.
Speaking to The University Times, Walsh shared, “In my three years on the Union’s Electoral Commission, I’ve seen how the tireless work of grassroots groups, and other student activists, has led to some of the best and most effective campaigns that TCDSU-AMLCT have ever run. That’s why I want to help USI-AMLÉ to build a national students’ movement on campaigns that come from you.”
Walsh expressed his ambitions for the role; “I believe that USI-AMLÉ could do more to engage part-time officers, and other student activists. USI-AMLÉ is made up of over 370,000 student members, and each and every one of them has a part to play in building a national students’ movement.”
Membership with USI is voluntary. If a third level institution joins USI, its student body also becomes members. Being a Trinity student means automatic membership with TCDSU and USI. University College Dublin (UCD) is the largest university in Dublin but ended its membership with USI in 2013 following a Students’ Union referendum.
Walsh shared, “Regarding the UCDSU referendum, it would be great to see one of the largest Unions in the country rejoin USI-AMLÉ. The entire basis of a union is the belief that we can achieve more collectively than individually. UCDSU has done some great work this past year, but their rejoining USI-AMLÉ would better enable us to present a united front for Dublin.” USI membership costs five euro per annum for full-time students and two euro fifty for part-time students.
TCDSU Education Officer Eoghan Gilroy will also appear on the election ballot, under the position of Vice-President for Academic Affairs. Two Student Unions have nominated him for the role. Gilroy has yet to actively campaign for the role but has not ruled out running.
Campaigning will continue to take place in the weeks to come. Students may learn more about their campaigns via Instagram, @padraigdonghaeilge and @daniel4usi.
USI elections will take place from April 14th-17th. Delegates of TCDSU will vote on behalf of the Trinity student body based on the mandate they receive.
