The Gown Student Newspaper at Queen's University Belfast

Congrats 2 Susan for doing such a great job as her time as VP welfare officer!! It's a shame we are losing a sabb officer who was easily approachable, seen around campus doing her job and actually trying to better student life for us all. Good luck in your new job :)

I don't think I'll pay too much attention to Russell Group students who don't know the difference between "weather" and "whether".

Dont you dare compare duffy to james murphy, that gentle candyman is way above the other sabs, and other years, if he ran for election again he'd top the poll. alot of people that read this just dont like democracy!

Perhaps their taking him to task for having to much of a life and not a work ethic?

Just because you get the most votes because of popularity or membership of a specific club doesn't mean you were the best person for the job. James Murphy is a case in point.

"As a girl I found the comments in The Gown highly inappropriate."

What did they say? I didn't see last issue. Was it really bad? Were they really sexually explicit?!

That poor clampet duffy, poor him, he got more votes than any of the others in the sab elections this year, lets attack him for having a life! major lol at that comment, pity the SU wouldnt let those clampets organise their club nites, then maybe the union wouldnt be in such a financial mess!

It's nearly exactly a year since I voted for Susan Kearney and I don't regret it for a second. She did a fantastic job and showed real dedication to student issues during her time in office. Neither her campaign nor her role as VP Welfare has been tarnished with the pettiness displayed in previous posts. She just put her head down and did an excellent job.

As a girl I found the comments in The Gown highly inappropriate. I eagerly await the next issue for some more ground- breaking journalism.....

Finally what is with the grammar and spelling on this page? I'm sure in that massive library there is a dictionary somewhere!

Damn* i think that was!

She did her job and left when something better came along. Its not ideal but she has her reasons and has made them clear.

At least she's given us a reason for her resignation. We had two sabs resign at the end of last year essentially throwing the toys out of the pram.

What we should be asking is weather any of the sabs are committed to their jobs or weather they stand for election because they want another year of sport at Queens or don't know what to do after their degree.

Also why have all the sabs for years been elected by a popularity rather than actual ability, why do certain groups have a stranglehold over sabbatical positions.

There are those who have taken on the sabbatical role with no intention of doing work but rather as seeking to improve their CV.

I hope the gown will do a full write up about this years candidates so that we can sort those who are able from those who don't give a damm.

I don't know why Susan Kearney ran for the VP Welfare role last year, but common sense would dictate that she did so because she felt a desire to help fellow students. Anyone who thinks otherwise must be very cynical. Many people who run in these elections do so for the guaranteed 12-month job, to further their future political careers, and other reasons. However, there are also many people who run for election because they feel like they wish to help, and have the capability to do so. I am confident that Susan is one of these people. She has done amazing work in her role, and I wish her all the best in her new career, and good luck for the future.

Give me a break, recession or no recession you make a commitment for 132 months, not '12 or until I get a better offer' It undermines the role and the Union. Susan you made the wrong choice and went for self interest which is surprising because you seemed to be one of the better ones.

Fair play to her I say.

Another 3 months of those clampets Lilly & Duffy, or a full-time job? No contest really.

Yes. We are in dire economic climes, but does Kearney's resignation not totally suggest that she ran for a VP position last year primarily because she didn't have a clue what to do after her degree as she had no job prospects at the time? And now that one has turned up, it's "Right, well lucky me, what a fantastic job offer, i must take it. To hell with my welfare duties which I passionately campaigned to acquire!"

BUT, yes, I do agree. 9 months of decent work beats 12 months of nothing. As VP Welfare there's only so much you can do, and it has to be said, Kearney did a decent job.

But what of the welfare duties now...?

can any of you critics spell the word "recession"? Let alone understand what it means? No one with two brain cells to rub together would pass up a full time job to see out a temporary contract

As far as I'm aware VP Kearney did an excellent job during her term in office and was one of the most dedicated members of the Student's Union. As one of her voters I'm glad I have voted for someone who has done a productive 9 months work than done nothing for a full term. I would imagine the petty world of Union politics has done nothing to make life easy for Kearney, and would not blame her for escaping the jumped-up, pathetic wannabe hacks and politicians. It's time these people realised Queen's Student Union is not the be all and end all. I congratulate Kearney for stepping into the real world. Good luck in your new post Susan.

I think that you are all being rather critical. I would say that most people when offered a better job would take it. It is selfish, but in the present environment were everyone is struggling to find a job I think Susan did the right thing. Survival of the fittest and all that. Those who are giving her a hard time would probably do the same if put in her position.

I'm sure the next issue of The Gown will reveal more. It always does! :-)

It would be good if this article could give us any more information on what happens next? Will someone take over the post? What is the procedure for this type of thing?

As Thomas said, she asked for 12 months, we gave her 12 months, she took 9 before getting a better offer. While I can understand her position, it shows a certain lack of commitment that the more cynical part of me hopes will bite her in the ass!

I think I agree with Thomas Here. Her resignation suggests a lack of importance re Sabb roles. They are like wee training deals that train you for..ay...nothing. Looking forward to this year's elections and hearing some "heartfelt" manifestos! Why did she leave anyway? Was it all getting too stressful?

Ahem.

If Susan Kearney resigned due to comments in the Gown then maybe she was never suitable for VP Welfare in the first place?! VPs should be a little more thick skinned than that!

Maybe her heart was never in it in the first place if she resigned early?!

What does it matter what the gown said? Its a bloody disgrace and she Should be ashamed. She stood for election and asked people to vote for her for a 12 month term - not 9 months. Susan Kearny - 'I'm standing to help students - up until the point that helping myself becomes and option' Shame on you susan.

What was said about her in The Gown?

*laughs*

I really don't think she would have resigned due to The Gown. The comments about her on page two were so mild. Bet she's not even annoyed!

Aw she will be sorely missed! Hope the gown are proud of themselves! I'm sure that sealed the deal for her! (claps for the gown!)

Hope she's not resigning due to comments in The Gown.