On March 30th, The College Historical Society (Hist) hosted its Hustings for the election of its committee for next year in the Historical Conversation Room. The Hist is one of two debating societies on campus which have Sabbatical positions on their committee, the other being The University Philosophical Society, whose election campaign is also upcoming. The highest ranking position within the Hist is Auditor, who is responsible for all aspects of the Hist, including convening regular meetings and setting the general aims of the session.
The candidates for the Auditor position are Jane Freyer, the current Record Secretary of the Hist, and Anya Wilson, the current Treasurer. Both candidates boast a long list of prior experiences with the Hist as well as in professional debating.
Freyer served as librarian for the Hist for 2024-25 and has convened several competitions for the society including their Maidens competition this year and Leinster Schools last year. Freyer’s plans for the Hist as Auditor are based on a three-pronged approach of growth, inclusion, and quality. She wants the Hist to have their “biggest year ever” and for the society to offer something for everyone. Freyer also outlines her vision for accountability, guest speakers, and Maidens in her manifesto.
Wilson’s main tenants as Auditor would be, equity, intentionality within Hist communications, and networking with the alumni and guests. She wants everyone to have a sense of “pride and ownership” over the Hist and plans to open opportunities and operate in a transparent manner to achieve this goal. One idea she champions in her manifesto is a multi-day Hist event which would be a festival featuring multiple speakers, debates and collaborations with other societies.
At the Hustings, both candidates were given 4 minutes to speak to members of the Hist and make their case for the position of Auditor. Afterwards, candidates were asked questions by the Electoral Subcommittee (ESC) and Audience.
Anya Wilson opened the Auditor hustings, arguing on behalf of her experience and passion. Wilson stated her reasons for running, emphasizing how grateful she was “to the Hist for all it’s given [her]”. As the Treasurer is Vice Auditor, Wilson said she has “had experience in every aspect of the Hist” and views the role of Auditor as a “facilitator” for each of these separate moving parts. Wilson was a high-energy speaker, engaging the audience while speaking to the “un-glamourous background work” she has done over the years for the Hist.
Towards the end of her speech, Wilson moved on to what she called her “big baby”, which is the multi-day Hist Fest she plans to create if elected. She highlighted this event as an opportunity to “create excitement around first semester” and to advertise The Hist to sponsors and other societies.
Freyer spoke to the audience next, highlighting what the Hist has done for her and what she would like to give back. Freyer spoke to the connections she made through her participation in the society and said she had met all her “greatest friends through The Hist.” She emphasized her experience in hosting her own comedy club and working in Leinster House as evidence of her commitment and expertise in running student events.
Freyer also mentioned the unique initiatives she would introduce to increase engagement with the society. She promised to make it so that “anyone [in The Hist] can invite a guest to speak” and that she would use her connections through her comedy club and her relationship with Honorary Members to invite high quality guests. Freyer ended her speech on an emotional note, saying that The Hist “taught [her] who [she] wanted to be” and that she would work to lead a society that “lasts the next 257 years”.
After their respective speeches, the candidates fielded questions from the ESC.
The first question asked about resignations and under what conditions the candidates would feel compelled to resign. Freyer answered that she doesn’t see herself resigning and believes that she fully understands the responsibilities of the role. Wilson stated that if she were unable to fulfill one of the aims outlined in her manifesto, she would not look at this as a “failure” but as an opportunity to learn. Both candidates agreed that they wouldn’t resign unless their committee members wanted them to.
One of the audience questions then asked the candidates about the decreasing engagement in The Hist as the year nears its end and what they would do to prevent this. Freyer answered that her main means of driving engagement during Hilary Term would be through social media promotions. On the other hand, Wilson identified the reason for a lack of engagement in the “oversaturation” of events and her solution for this problem would be a shared calendar both within the Hist’s departments as well as in collaboration with the Phil.
The ESC then asked Freyer and Wilson about their qualifications and skills in attracting guests. Freyer highlighted her connections within Leinster house following an internship she did there in addition to her comedy club which has connections to Netflix and MCD productions. Wilson’s prior experience included working with the Auditor as current Treasurer to sending emails to agents and invites to potential guests. Both candidates also highlighted their interest to develop better working relationships with Honorary Members of the Hist.
Another question where the answers of the candidates aligned with one another was on working relations with The Phil. Freyer announced that she “won’t tolerate any anti-Phil rhetoric” or any “anti-Hist rhetoric from the Phil.” Wilson added that would want to have clearer agreements and host collaborative events with the Phil to benefit both parties.
Finally, the candidates both explained their plans for Freshers’ Week which they hoped to translate into long-term engagement. Freyer called Freshers’ Week a “huge priority” and noted that she already had a plan for a schedule. Likewise, Wilson also spoke to working closely with the Ents Officer and the Records Secretary to improve Freshers’ Week events.
The Hustings concluded at around 5.45pm. The elections will be held on March 31st at the Graduates Memorial Building (GMB) from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The results of the elections will be announced at the conclusion of elections tomorrow outside the GMB. In order to vote in the Hist elections, members can check if they’re Franchised to vote, with at least three attendances to debates.
