Grace McNally has been elected Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU/AMLCT) President in the bye-election announced at 6:32pm today in the Pavilion Bar. She was elected on the fourth count, with 1,882 votes, constituting 52.4 per cent of the total valid poll.
She defeated Lorenzo Cheasty, who received 34.9 per cent of the votes on the fourth count, after votes were redistributed, as well as Jacob Barron, Callum O’Kelly, and Re-Open Nominations (RON). A total of 3,588 valid votes were cast.
McNally, a third-year nursing student and Health Sciences Convenor, has previously expressed her commitment to and confidence in the TCDSU, stating that “it doesn’t need reformation, it just needs someone solid to lead it, as the campaign manager and as the chair, and that’s me”. She underlines her values of advocacy, empathy, and persistence, and says that she would prioritise a Union that has a clear direction and continues its promise of divestment over a Union that “worries about looking good”.
She sees “student workers” as her priority, planning to implement cost of living packs for students, expand and promote affordable housing and mental health services, and sees student engagement with the Union as a paramount matter.
After the results were announced, McNally said: “I just want to thank every single person about it, the student body, and the nurses. I wouldn’t be in the Student Union without the nurses. There is so much neglect in this college, so let’s fucking fix that!”
A recent poll conducted by The University Times predicted a win for Cheasty, securing 37.2 per cent of first-preference votes, with McNally following second with 27.2 per cent. Barron was predicted to receive a close third place with 23.6 per cent, with O’Kelly at 7.3 per cent, and RON at 4.7 per cent. Despite the predictions, McNally managed to secure her victory.
The first count had McNally with 1,593 votes, Cheasty second with 987 votes, Barron third with 527 votes, O’Kelly fourth with 360 votes, and RON fifth with 126 votes, eliminating RON.
The second count had McNally with 1,608 votes, Cheasty second with 1,011 votes, Barron third with 549 votes, and O’Kelly fourth with 374 votes, eliminating O’Kelly.
The third count had McNally with 1,763, Cheasty second with 1,107 votes, and Barron third with 587 votes, eliminating Barron.
The fourth count had McNally with 1,882 votes, and Cheasty second with 1,255 votes. McNally was determined to be elected, having met the quota.
With additional reporting by Nicole Saluck, Lotta Scheffel, and Harper Alderson.
