BLOG: Friday 3 March

The elections are all over. The Gown team would to thank and congratulate all candidates and the Students’ Union for what has been a brilliant fortnight of election coverage. Thank you to everyone who followed us here on the blog.

In other news, Alexander Redpath, newly “elected” Union Overlord, has made his first public proclamation. Overlord Redpath was quick to play down the impact of yesterday’s “glorious revolution” in which loyal redpathites militias seized control of the Union after a flawed poll. Speaking from the balcony of the new Presidential palace (formerly Mandela Hall) the new Overlord said,

“I roundly condemn the large-scale ballot tampering and intimidation used by my opponents. These tactics were amateurish and poorly carried out (I should know) the returning officer, who tragically cut his own head off while shaving this morning, claims I only received 425 votes against Kidd’s 2419. This is a manifest lie as I voted at least that many times myself. That combined with the efforts of my 1,000 trained monkeys (nearly renamed QUB information services) should have guaranteed victory.

Unfortunately this means that as I round up the last of the instigators the Union is now under martial law. I have been forced to appoint a provisional government headed by elder statesman and my former drinking buddy Jason O’Neill. I am confident Jason will provide an acceptable figurehead, eh I mean principled and enlightened leadership as we struggle through this difficult time.

Finally loyal comrades I advise you to be on the lookout for the noted counter-revolutionary Niall Bole. Mr Bole in stark defiance of the new regimes regulations on facial hair continues to support a magnificent volumous beard. Until this individual is caught and shaved along with his accomplices none of us will be safe!

On a lighter note the following rights have been suspended for the duration of the national emergency.

-Speech
-Expression
-Facial hair
-Free and fair elections

For any more information please contact Mr Alexander Redpath.

BLOG: Wednesday 2 March

20:46:  Lorcan Mullen’s just given me a statement, he says, “I’m gutted, but I’ll congratulate all who took part, winners and losers, canvassers, the harassed and over-leafleted voters, everyone.  We have the fees consultation, the April 6 national demo, voter registration drive and an election on our hands and that’s just this semester.  For the sake of students, regardless of who’s in post, we’d better get down to work.”

20:33:  There’s lot’s of tears about, people are properly devastated.

20:31: Chloe Minish, a canvasser for the Down’s Ticket, has just said, “Regardless of the results I can still say that I am proud of every person I’ve had written on my chest for the last three days.”

20:28: There he is, he says, “I’m genuinely over the moon.  I’m really passionate about everything in my manifesto and can’t wait to push them through.  We ran on change for the SU and we’ll do that.  Thanks to everyone who voted.”

20:24: I can’t find Aidan Hughes for a comment, I’m off on a hunt.

20:23:  Niall McShane:  ”I’m delighted, over the moon.  I was really nervous before it.  I’d like to think Niall Bole for a really good race, it was probably the closest of them all.”

20:21: Nuala McAdams: “I’m very happy with most of it and I’m really, really upset Ethan didn’t get it.”

20.20: Adam McGibbon: “The Students’ Union has just lost the best president it never had.  I’m looking forward to working with the new team and congratulations to Jason O’Neill.”

20.17:  Treasa Harkin:  ”I just want to say thank-you to the other candidates for running a good race.  I’m very passionate about the job and I’m very pleased.”

20.15:  Fiona Kidd says, “I was just happy the turnout was quite good.  I’ll continue the fight against fees over the next year.”

20:11: So the winners are Jason O’Neill, Fiona Kidd, Adam McGibbon, Nuala McAdams, Treasa Harkin, Aidan Hughes & Niall McShane.

20:08: VP Clubs & Societies Niall McShane emerges victorious over incumbent Niall Bole.

20:03: VP Community candidate Derek Crosby eliminated on first count.  Then Ethan Loughrey, Aidan Hughes wins.

19:58: RON eliminated on first count. Carson eliminated second, Griffin third. Treasa Harkin beats Damien Edgar to become VP Equality & Diversity.

19:57: VP Equality & Diversity now.

19:54: VP Education. Joe Corina eliminated one first count. Nuala McAdams beats Louis O’Neill.

19:53: Jason O’Neill: “I’m in total shock. I really didn’t think I would get it. I’d like to thank Sam Tan and Jay Downs. Both fought a fair fight. I’ very grateful to everyone who voted for me.”

19:52: Adam McGibbon returned as VP Welfare.

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19.50:  Fiona Kidd takes Campaigns and Communications (obviously) with 2419, RON got 475

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19.49:  O’Neill thanks everyone and “hopes to put the Union in a better place.”

19.47:  Jason O’Neill is president!  Sam Tan got 1730 votes.

19.45:  All kicking off here now.  RON and Jay Downs have just been elimated.  Jay says “We did as well as we could” and thanks everyone.

 

14.29: – Comment – Thoughts on the Elections – Robert McGarrell
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It’s been a busy week for election aficionados; the election in the south has seen a massive voter turnout of over 70%. Meanwhile, on the QUB campus, candidates have resorted to bribing the electorate with sweets, and a recent Gown poll indicated that over 50% were unsure who to vote for. Although they’re on nothing like the same scale and in some ways are barely comparable, the contrast demonstrates how our attitudes to democracy can change depending on our levels of frustration and anger.

Last year, when QUB students went to vote there was a sense of importance attached to the elections, with many angry at the performance of the sabbatical  officers – the need for a change was felt. this year’s election seems to be a return in part to the normal apathy shown by students towards their representative body, hence the decrease in comparative voter numbers, and the distinctly lower number of sweet dispensing, leaflet – waving canvassers.

What do these elections say about democracy? In many ways it’s disappointing when all seems to be going reasonably well and those in positions of power seem to be doing their job, voters don’t feel the need to express their right to vote. We could face the prospect of candidates being elected because their ticket as backed by big societies who motivated their members to get  out and vote, not because the student body believes in their policies. How long till voter apathy leads to bad decisions, abuse of power and the failure of sabbaticals or politicians to do their job properly? Is it only after times like those that we realise the power of democracy? Let’s hope not as we reach the end of another student election.

We should bear in mind that our rights, secured for us by and through our democratic bodies, also go hand in hand with our duties, to hold those in power to account at the ballot box.
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BLOG: Tuesday 1st March

Facebook pictures up of today’s campaigning:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=279549&id=193105345291
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15.36:


Ethan Loughrey, candidate for COMMUNITY, approached a Gown reporter earlier, visibly frustrated about the removal of his ticket’s banner from the back of the SU, brandishing the reclaimed banner after catching the culprit’s red-handed in with Catholic chaplaincy on Elmwood Avenue with their ‘souvenir’.  Dominic Doherty, the returning officer, told The Gown that “The matter is closed,” and that there was “Nothing to connect” the culprits with any ticket opposing Ethan’s and that the candidate’s main concern was the return of the banner, which Mr Doherty enforced.  Mr Doherty went on to confirm that he had sent an email this morning to all candidates reminding them of their duties and responsibilities towards those they were canvassing for votes, though he said no specific formal complaint had been lodged, and that it was merely a “Pre-emptive strike.”

Photos of electioneering in the beautiful sunshine are on-line on our facebook page, tag yourself and your friends.

and GET OUT AND VOTE! It’s easy, and only takes about two minutes to do on QOL.

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14: 00:Number of voters at 2.00 p.m. is 1470. This compares with 1579 at the same time last year.

13:00:Number of voters at 1.00 p.m. is 1175. This compares with 1304 at the same time last year.

12:00:Number of voters at 12.00 p.m. is 837. This compares with 930 at the same time last year

11:00:Number of voters at 11.00 a.m. is 481. This compares with 579 at the same time last year.

10:00:Number of voters at 10.00 a.m. is 264. This compares with 289 at the same time last year.

09:00:Number of voters at 9.00 a.m. is 111. This compares with 101 at the same time last year.

08:00: Voting began this morning at 7.00am and will close tomorrow at 5.00pm.

BLOG: Monday 28 February

15.22: End of Hustings. It was interesting, to say the least.

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15.20: Bole- needs no training. Just wants chance to help people. “I’ll continue if re-elected to make the university a better place and society”. Has helped all clubs and societies this year, that needed hep. ill continue to do so. work ongoing that he can continue now, to give an even better performance next year.

Mcshane- If elected will make sure its not just about sporting clubs, will give equal attention to all. “Clubs and societies are the key to a great experience at University.” Wants to bring finance experience to his role. Clubs and societies experience.   ‘USE YOUR BRAIN VOTE MCSHANE’

11:30: Gown Issue 3 of second semester is to be sent to the printers shortly. This fortnight’s Gown will include a 4-page election pull-out. A notice will be published once the pdf file has been uploaded onto The Gown website.

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BLOG: Saturday 26 February

15:00: NEWS:  “We have been on the receiving end of a smear campaign,” says Jason O’Neill

In a statement to The Gown today, Jason O’Neill, candidate for SU President, said “We have acted appropriately and within the rules at all times during the election.  However, unfortunately we have been on the receiving end of a smear campaign.  We will not be drawn into a dirty fight; instead we will focus on the positives of our ‘Change for SU’ campaign which will create a more supportive and responsive Union, bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the table.”

“We will not be drawn into a dirty fight; instead we will focus on the positives of our ‘Change for SU’ campaign”

This week the Law ticket has come under fire from a number of areas and O’Neill has placed the blame for this on “Certain other candidates and their supporters.” Although Jason performed particularly well yesterday at the presidential debate when questioned about alleged issues with the Law Society’s accounts, his ticket did receive an official caution from returning officer Dominic Doherty on Thursday for an unrelated matter.

The use of two Facebook sites called ‘Change for QUBSU’ run by Niall McKernan, who is acting as O’Neill’s campaign manager, which previously had been used to promote certain – now defunct – Belfast venues, was called into question by Doherty. The returning officer told The Gown that he adjudged there to have been a “Quite clear connection between a commercial outlet” and the four candidates. However he went on to say that that the “Four candidates accepted the decision,” had deactivated the sites in question and that he didn’t anticipate any further problems.

“Quite clear connection between a commercial outlet”

Niall McKernan went on to clarify both to Mr Doherty and The Gown that there was “absolutely no commercial tie-in” between himself and the candidates, and that he was operating on “A purely voluntary basis.” He also confirmed that the Facebook pages were “For the promotion of various groups to which I have been associated, however, the pages were not at any time owned by anyone else.” McKernan went on to state that the Facebook groups were used in an entirely responsible manner, and that “Any invitation requests that have been issued were strictly directed to QUB students in the friends list.”

“Absolutely no commercial tie-in”

As we move into the final days of the election, Gown polling data puts O’Neill in a dead heat with Jay Downs at 15.8% behind Samantha Tan on 19.4%, while Niall McShane is polling 10.9% behind Niall Bole on 35.2% in the Clubs and Societies race, Aidan Hughes is third in the Community polling on 11.5% and Treasa Harkin is in a dead heat with Gemma Carson for second in Equality and Diversity on 8.4%. According to The Gown poll, Louis O’Neill, the candidate for Education who has recently been added to the Law ticket in recent days is only 3.6% behind leader Joe Corina.

Nonetheless, the Law society ticket’s chances of success are greatly increased by the fact that they are now on a ticket of five candidates, while both of the other tickets have a candidate each who has already won – which is predicted to depress their turnout figures.

Whether or not the campaign is going to descend into the acrimony of this time last year is unclear, though The Gown would like to urge all candidates on the ballot, and their supporters, to show restraint and courtesy despite their obvious desire to win.

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http://www.youtube.com/user/TheGownQUB

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BLOG: Friday 25 February

NEWS: Gown and QUB Debating & Mooting Society hold SU presidential debate

In today’s SU presidential debate, Samantha Tan, Jay Downs and Jason O’Neill went head to head on key issues relevant to students. The debate began steadily with each candidate acting professionally and calm. However, the first question from an audience member, Steven Connolly who coincidentally ran for VP Campaigns last year, attacked Downs. Connolly accused Downs of making false promises last year. Downs promised a free SU bus and an event organised every weekend by the Students’ Union. Both promises were not carried through. Downs claims he investigated into the leasing of a student union bus, but it proved too costly. Downs argued that the night bus running on Monday and Thursday nights were costly enough. In addition, this year Downs is still campaigned for events but he has changed them to a more realistic target of an event every four or five weeks of term. Downs claims everything this year in his manifesto will be fulfilled. Tan stated that she fulfilled all her promises this year as VP Equality & Diversity and would continue to do so if President. O’Neill has no prior experience as a sabbatical officer however he was President of the Law Society and therefore believes he has enough experience to reach achievable goals.

Of course, the issue of fees was brought up. Interestingly, the candidates were asked if they believed the abolition of fees was realistic. Tan honestly replied that it was unrealistic at this current time for fees to be completely abolished. Tan stated that she wished to push for reduced fees, through marching and peaceful protest. If she is President she will work to have peaceful protest. Tan emphasised that it will be an uphill battle for fees, but student welfare shall never be compromised. Tan claimed we have world class teachers stuck doing research and cannot see how the wider university will accept this. Downs conversely believes we are winning the fight on fees. Downs thinks there will be a shift in the fees campaign, in favour of Queens. O’Neill believes the fees can be reduced reasonably, eventually.  He also stated that he can tolerate civil disobedience, just not aggression. All the candidates believe aggressive behaviour does not help the students. Peaceful protest is promoted by them all.
Littering is a huge issue, especially around fresher’s time. The candidates were asked how they would tackle the flyering that litters campus every year. Tan wants the Council involved. She believed that the Council have to clamp down on clubs and fines. O’Neill stated that things cannot be perfect in the overpopulated Queens area. He also believed that the council needs to play a bigger role. However, he did suggest that being handed flyers on the first day of freshers week is all part of the atmosphere. Downs said there would be no problem with littering next year due to the ‘clean neighbourhoods bill’ being pushed through Stormont at the moment. A fine of £50 for each piece of litter will be issued to the litterer, i.e. the nightclubs they belong to. According to Downs, in Belfast, littering next year will be severely reduced.
Another issue on the agenda was the welfare of students, in particular those students who are graduating this year. Tan was quick to answer that she wished to equip students as best as possible to go into the workforce. Tan wants to create opportunities for students in the form of summer internships and work placements which will make them better equipped for the workforce. O’Neill took a different approach, he declared that Queen’s cannot create jobs, but added that students should learn in practice and not just in theory. Downs thought policy needed to be reviewed on this issue.
The St. Patricks’ day issue is usually controversial between students and authority. Downs simply said he wanted students to be safe on the day. He also appealed for volunteers to help pick up glass bottles and keep the peace! Tan gave out tea and coffee in the Holylands last year and she plans on joining Downs this year in volunteering to keep the streets safe. O’Neill believes it is a small minority who spoil St. Patrick’s Day for everyone and they need to be stomped out.
The candidates were then asked, by Derek Crosby running for VP Community, who was their greatest inspiration in politics. O’Neill said Tony Blair was his greatest inspiration, admittedly he stated that this would be controversial! Downs chose former President Ciarnan Helferty. He said he admired his great knowledge for student politics. Tan generally admires strong people in politics.
The debate ended with talks on student union budget and the value for money. Jason O’Neill believes he stands for change in the Student Union. He believes he has a new approach and new ideas. O’Neill believes his manifesto is achievable and realistic.Samantha Tan reiterated that fact that she delivered last year and will deliver this year. All her promises will be kept. Jay Downs sees the new cuts in education as making coming years very bad. He wishes to try and make things as best for students as possible, with these upcoming hardships.

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Announcement from Returning Officer Dominic Doherty:

STUDENTS’ UNION ELECTIONS

The official “candidates’ question time” event will take place on Monday 28 February 2011 at 1.10 p.m. in the Speakeasy Bar, Students’ Union.

All students are invited to come along and put questions to the candidates who hope to be representing you during the 2011-12 academic year.

Advance questions may be emailed to myself at D.T.Doherty@qub.ac.ukto be received by no later than 12.15 p.m. on Monday 28 February 2011.

If you would like to submit anonymous questions in advance, these may be deposited in the “question box” which shall be located at the Ground Floor Reception of the Students’ Union between 9.00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on Monday 28 February 2011.

There will also be an opportunity to table questions at the event itself.

Please note the following:

-       All submitted questions must be addressed to “The Candidates for the post of Union President”, “The Candidates for the post of Vice President Education” etc.

-       All submitted questions must be addressed to all candidates in a particular election, as opposed to a single candidate in that election.

-       Questions that are deemed to be personally intrusive or abusive will not be put.

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15:50: Interview with VP Clubs & Societies Niall McShane

Niall McShane is a candidate for the position of VP Clubs and Societies. He’s involved in quite a few himself already, the Finance Society, Queen’s Gaelic Football Club, of which he’s the treasurer, the Business Society and the Investment Society. He says, “I’m not here for a fun time, I’m here to do a job. If elected I want to do as much as possible this year.”

His main policy is to implement a new system for clubs and societies to run their finances. He uses the example of online banking for this. McShane thinks this would inform treasurers of their accounts, be easy to read and would make running a club or society much easier and efficient. He would also like to remove the red tape and the bureaucratic burden.

McShane’s also concerned about the current system of grant allocation to clubs and societies. He would like to make this transparent and fair and thinks it comes too late in the year. He would like clubs and societies at Queen’s to know their allocation at the start of the year so that they could draw up a budget so they don’t get into debt.

As the DUB is currently being redeveloped, McShane would like to get the views of those who use it and then decide what’s best in the long term for students. He also thinks that at times the PEC is very busy and is getting run down, he says “There’s a good service at the minute but machines are broken and there’s no treadmills at peak times.”

Niall Bole raised objections to McShane’s planned changes to the finance system during the Queen’s Radio election debate, arguing they were unworkable. In response to this, McShane said, “QFIS [Queen’s Finance Information System] is a large system. I’m not planning an overhaul of the whole system, it just needs tweaked to give clubs and societies the ability check a more detailed breakdown. I don’t understand why Niall Bole hasn’t looked at this, I’ve received numerous complaints.” McShane worked in the finance office of Queen’s Student Guidance Centre last year, and thus has some knowledge about whether this policy is workable or not.

When chatting about the campaign so far McShane says, “Obviously the pressure’s on me, Niall’s the [incumbent] officer but I would like to think people would vote for me because of what I plan to do. This is one of the most competitive years ever.”

Of all the candidates not running on his ticket, the person McShane would most like to work with is Sam Tan: “She’s very friendly and has done a lot for the University and even sent me a Facebook message wishing me all the best.”

McShane has stiff competition for the position in the form of current VP Niall Bole but he says, “This is a chance to change”.

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15:15: Just noticed Louis O’Neill doesn’t have his surname on his posters. Class.

15:43: Jason O’Neill announces that himself and running mates Aidan Hughes, Treasa Harkin and Niall McShane will run alongside candidate for VP Education, Louis O’Neill.

14:19: “Impressed with their professionalism” “Everyone was very well-behaved” - Deaghlan Agnew of Debating and Mooting Society.

14:14 : Jason and Sam shake hands, a nice touch

14:10: Candidates wrap up debate

Jason O’Neill – Change Change Change

Sam Tan – I will be what I was as VP, a candidate who delivered

Jay Downs – Experience and continuity in a tough year for higher education

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Sam – “We Have world class teachers stuck doing research” – wonder how that’l go down in the wider university

Litter at Freshers week –

Tan- wants Council involved. O’Neil- things cannot be perfect, but overpopulated area, needs council to play a bigger role. However, on first day of freshers its part of atmosphere.
Downs- ‘clean neighbourhoods bill’ fine of £50 will create a total shift in Belfast towards littering next year.

Row erupts over Law society accounts! See video later

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What are your views on PRP?

Jason – “We need to look after our own” and make being a sabbatical officer an attractive proposition. Sabs have just taken a pay cut

Sam – “The attraction is to look after students” PRP “Holds people accountable”

Jay – “none of us are in it for the money” “One of the most effective ways to hold people to account”
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Where do you like to have a pint?

Jason – “It’s important to support your Students’ Union” but “I never turn down a pint”

Sam – “I prefer coffee” but its important to be a welcoming Sab that people want to socialise with

Jay – ” Bar Sub – One of the best in the building”

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Is a fees hike inevitable?

Jay “We’re winning this fight” in Northern Ireland

Jason “We need to be realistic” and “Take a wider view on it” but we need to keep the momentum going to “Abolish fees”

Sam Signs are “Encouraging, but its an uphill battle”

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Fees -

Jason: I have the least experience, I’ll be honest about that, but I intend to carry on Gareth’s good work

Jay : I was responsible for the drafting of the campaign strategy

Sam: We’ve achieved a lot

Question – ‘Can you cope with the tension in the office?

Samatha Tan “students should be the heart of everything we do.”

Jason O’Neill “I’m a good people person…I have a wide variety of friends”

Jay Downs “I still consider Sam one of my best friends”

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13.26

Jay Downs accused of false promises by Steven Connelly ( ran for VP Campaigns & Communications last year) ! He said he’d investigate into the leasing of a student union bus, it was carried through. Claims the night bus on monday and thursday nights was costly enough. He claims everything this year in his manifesto will be fulfilled

Samantha Tan believes she had fulfilled all her promises this year, and as President next year she also states all promises will be met.

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13.18:

Debate just started – keep an eye on facebook and Twitter!

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12.40: Interviews with candidates for SU presidency

Ahead of today’s SU presidential debate, The Gown caught up with the three candidates.

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Interview with Jason O’Neill

President of Queen’s Law Society and candidate for the SU presidency, Jason O’Neill has said that as SU president the Students’ Union would be more receptive to the concerns of the student body through the use of focus groups and increased online polling.

O’Neill says higher education should be free but in the current context this aim is unrealistic. In the meantime, he would continue the campaign against a hike in tuition fees. O’Neill has proposed the creation of an SU discount card for students to use with businesses within the local University area, as well as a deal of the week scheme similar to that used by students of Trinity College Dublin.

If elected SU president he has pledged that the bureaucratic burden surrounding clubs and societies will be no more, and the red tape currently imposed upon them will be cut. He also emphasised the need for new finance and membership procedures. O’Neill has pledged to promote student entrepreneurs within the Union, to lobby for better teaching and to work for one of the best feedback systems in the UK. Teaching and feedback, he said, ought to be a priority at Queen’s. Another of O’Neill’s main aims is the organisation of an annual Queen’s ball: an outside music concert within walking distance of the University which he hopes will attract chart topping artists.

O’Neill has experienced some criticism in recent times due to the Law Society’s tendency to hold events outside the Students’ Union. Although the society did contact the Union relatively recently with the aim of holding an event, O’Neill stated that the Union was simply not available on the dates specified, adding that it is “a testament to what a good job the Union are doing” that its facilities have been so busy.

In setting out his policies O’Neill said students must “look beyond the recession”; Queen’s students should not remain stagnant because of the coalition government’s continuing programme of cutbacks, but look towards new and better ideas.

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Interview with Jay Downs

Jay Downs says he was over ambitious in his campaign for VP Community last year but has gained sufficient experience within the Students’ Union during his time as sabbatical to become president. In a major shift from last year’s manifesto, he says the holding of events over the first four or five weeks of term would be much more realistic than his original pledge to hold an event on campus every weekend.

Downs recently co-drafted the strategy against higher tuition fees and if elected SU president has pledged to focus the student movement’s attention on lobbying Members of the Local Assembly from all constituencies. Downs has pointed to plans for a voter registration drive and a mass protest against the proposed hike to tuition fees at Belfast City centre to take place on Wednesday 6 April. Downs says he does not see the recent disagreement between Queen’s Students’ Union and the FEE QUB group as a conflict and called for a joint approach.

If voted president Downs says the next year will not only be about tuition fees but also on how cutbacks may effect Queen’s and students of the University. Downs says his presidency would be about ensuring front line University services are maintained. Downs said his approach to the presidency would differ from current president Gareth McGreevy in that he would lead his sabbatical officers from behind, adding that he would make it his priority to make sure fellow officers achieve, and make sure “core objectives” are being met.

Downs says one of his biggest successes as VP Community will be making sure that this year’s and future Saint Patrick’s Days are organised as best as possible and that a greater relationship exists with the local community. Downs is confident a new strategy document for Saint Patrick’s Day aiming to improve community relations and the reputation of students can be used for years to come, and hopes he can also come away from the SU presidency with a three-year plan in place for the Students’ Union.

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Interview with Samantha Tan

Samantha Tan has spent a year as sabbatical officer and running for SU president says she has a lot more to give. Sam has proposed a ‘Give it a go’ programme in which events would take place each weekend by a different club or society at Queen’s. The aim of this is to give students the opportunity to develop skills and meet new friends. Tan said that this would be a pilot project for the future, and said it differs from VP Community Jay Downs’s pledge last year to hold an event every weekend , stating that this responsibility would not be the job for one sabbatical officer but would be shared with clubs and societies at the University.

On the campaign against the proposed hike to tuition fees, Tan has said she would like to expand on what has already taken place thus far, and has pledged to work to ensure no “empty promises” are made by local politicians; if politicians want an educated society then they must invest. If elected SU president then Tan says she will continue the current campaign, but if fees are to rise then the SU must ensure that future students have a fair chance at higher education.

Tan has said her experience with working with all kinds of student groups – LGBT, post graduates and so on – have given her a “well rounded perspective” necessary for the role of presidency; it is not the typical student that the president must cater for, and student parents are equally just as important as others.

Ahead of the election Tan has urged students to read the manifestos of candidates, to ask questions and to use their vote next Tuesday and Wednesday.

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BLOG: Thursday 24 February

23.46: The much anticipated Gown election poll is now available.

WARNING – as with all polls, and particularly those surveys conducted by students with no previous experience of electoral polling, this has a massive margin of error.

This second poll was the sample we took today, of over 200 students -just under 1% of the students eligible to vote.

The figures make some interesting cases, have fun analyzing them. We’ll have some comment on them from The Gown team tomorrow.

(N.B. to zoom in, press Ctrl and +, and to zoom out press Ctrl and -)

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22.47: Most recent polling to follow later this evening

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22:46: Pre – Election poll data – WARNING – this was not done by a professional polling company, these results are from a very small sample.

Two sets of polling data will be ready to go live this evening. The first is a small sample we took on Monday before electioneering had begun, the second was the sample we took today, of over 200 students -just under 1% of the students eligible to vote. They make for interesting viewing.

However, what they do seem to suggest is that, prior to electioneering on Monday evening, almost nobody had any idea the elections were on the way. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in polling between those candidates with a year in office and those without, nor was there even any significant recognition of sabbatical officers’ names. These results, although very small, serve only to demonstrate that incumbency may not be as much of a deciding factor as previously thought.

(N.B. to zoom in, press Ctrl and +, and to zoom out press Ctrl and -)

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22:00: Two sets of polling data will be ready to go live this evening. The first is a small sample we took on Monday before electioneering had begun, the second was the sample we took today, of over 200 students -just under 1% of the students eligible to vote. They make for interesting viewing.

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21: 35: Fiona Kidd says she is “Devastated” for Lorcan Mullen

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20:30: Interview with VP Education candidate Joe Corina

The post of VP education is a role that covers all aspects of a student’s education at Queen’s, such as the quality of teaching provision, appeals against examination results and fighting the students’ corner in the various committees related to teaching and learning at Queen’s. According to Nathan Anderson, the current VP Education, seventy per cent of the job is “firefighting”, dealing with issues that arise on the day, like the recent difficulties with Queen’s Online.

Joe Corina is standing for the post on Sam Tan’s ticket. He’s a Liverpudlian who has been involved in the lifeboat service in the past and is currently a member of the student Labour Party at Queen’s. He’s running on three main issues; building employability for students into the structure of a degree, a fairer appeals process against exam results and the need to receive better feedback from teaching staff.

Despite his name sounding like my old Toyota, Corina thinks that some schools have done really well on handling feedback but it isn’t implemented across all the schools and not make teaching staff available to discuss feedback given, even for five minutes and this needs to be changed. He would like to see lectures on feedback implemented across the board, as in the case of Medicine, which is “brilliant” at it. Here they hold a lecture that examines the main points where they think students are failing to achieve marks. He would like to spread such “best practice from schools across the university.”

The appeals procedure currently involves an appeal to the Board of Visitors, who are “the Vice Chancellor’s cronies” according to Corina. He would lobby Danny Kennedy, Minister for Employment and Learning at Stormont, to extend the Office of the Independent Adjudicator to Northern Ireland. This currently reviews student complaints in England and Wales.

Using the example of the Business Information Technology course run at Queen’s, which he says has been set and run in order for students to gain employment or internships, Corina would like an employability module built into all courses at Queen’s.

He would also like to change how support for disabled students is run. This is currently outsourced and costs the university £30 per hour. Corina says that bringing this in house would not only save Queen’s money, but also improve the service, as staff would be trained in what is expected from students studying at third level education and help them tailor their services appropriately. He also plans to increase the representation of post-graduate students because they pay much higher fees, compared to an under-graduate, and it is “vital staff are available for support”.

When asked about his ability to push such policies through when there is already such a heavy workload on, VP Education Corina was confident, saying, “A lot of the policies are being thought through and are already there, it’s quite simple to do and we just need people to do it” as they are already in place in many schools. Much of the job is about building up a good rapport with staff and, having grown up in a family of academics he’s “not scared to tell an academic where they’re going wrong.”

Corina was uncertain about the campaigns that other tickets are running. He said, “There’s a certain ticket that are burning all their bridges, but we may have to work together at some point,” and that “mindless, childish politics are not needed in the Union.” However he is getting on well with Nuala McAdams, his opponent for VP Education. There’s a mutual respect between the two and whoever wins certain policies from both manifestos will be put in place. In Corina’s case, he would like to implement Nuala’s “rate my module” policy.

If Corina gets into office he thinks there will be a smooth handover from Anderson and he likes to think that the office would run much more smoothly as he’s a moderating influence and “has a bit of nous to get people to agree.” He thinks “the Union is stronger [working] together and an engaged Student Union is better and this requires being seen [by students]” and so he would be at places like Elms once a month in order to speak to students.

Joe Corina’s a very friendly, talkative individual and can talk at length about his policies and he wants to make sure students aren’t getting a poorer service saying, “Students will not pay more for less.”

The Gown’s interview with Joe’s opponent, Nuala McAdams will be available shortly.

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18.30: Lorcan Mullen releases statement:

“After receiving some unexpected news with regard to my academic standing, I have withdrawn my candidacy for the upcoming student union elections.

Naturally, I’m devastated. It seems I’ve missed out by one mark in one module, and only then after receiving 0 in a coursework piece over a minor, technical medical note foul-up.

What’s especially galling is the inconsistent application of the academic standing rules. Past candidates and sabbatical officers have come to ad-hoc arrangements with their schools on this matter, but this will apparently not be the case this time.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all those who have expressed support so far, to my running mates, and to the Queen’s student body at large. In such a difficult and contentious year, students deserved the chance to pass their democratic judgment on QUBSU’s campaigning performance. That said, I would also like to wish Fiona the very best in her work next year.

I will still be an enthusiastic campaigner for my fantastic running mates; Jay Downs for the presidency, Adam McGibbon for welfare, Nuala McAdams for education, Niall Bole for clubs and societies and Ethan Loughrey for community.

I look forward to continuing my work fighting for students and their families in my role as NUS-USI Deputy President, and would encourage all candidates to promote our national demo set for Belfast on April 6th.”

BREAKING NEWS: Due to being classed as being in ’Poor academic standing’, Lorcan Mullen has announced that he will no longer run for VP Campaigns & Communications ahead of next week’s elections. STATEMENT TO FOLLOWx

17.15:  The Gown is speaking with Joe Corina, candidate for VP Education about his policies and Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit.

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http://www.qubsu.org/newsDisplay.asp – Access manifestos online

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NEWS: President McGreevy denies backing Samantha Tan at SIFE event

Allegations emerged towards the end of last week that departing SU President McGreevy, appearing as the ‘Presidential Hunk’ in SIFE’s ‘Hunt for a Hunk’ fundraiser, encouraged those present to support the current Equality and Diversity VP Tan in her campaign for President.

However, when talking to The Gown yesterday, McGreevy was at pains emphasise that he said, when asked about ‘rumours’ that his crooked Egyptian mafia-backed regime was falling,  “As we all know the Student Union elections are coming up and I’m actually being challenged by an international Malaysian student.” When pressed, the current President clarified that he said “There are three candidates, one of whom is Malaysian.”  However, McGreevy went on to state that, “In my professional capacity as President I have not supported any individual, and as to whether or not I take annual leave to support an individual in a personal capacity I think is entirely up to myself.”

“In my professional capacity as President
I have not supported any individual”

When asked about his decision to travel to America over the traditionally tense period of St. Patrick’s day, McGreevy said it was perfectly appropriate. “In terms of the festival, which is what I’m there to organise … events are in place, Jay Downs is in charge of the organisation on the day,” he commented, while stating he was, “Very confident in the team in place.” Neither EMC nor the Student Council took any issue with this, and McGreevy said he felt that this further validates his decision. He also pointed out this was not merely a leisure trip, but one into which he intends to fit meetings with at least three Northern Irish politicians who will also be there at the same time, in order to keep the fees fight at the front of the agenda.
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HOOD: Fear and loathing on the campaign trail

And we’re off. Cometh the week of trash talk and dirty tricks. Our candidates are falling over themselves to put up banners and posters, and some falling out with each other by the looks of things – all this to earn a seat at the right hand of Colonel Dodge. Yesterday’s debates on Queen’s Radio Nowhere got our candidates together for a bit of banter – but that was QR, with a listenership of about twelve, so it doesn’t really count.

Gaddafi says you’d need to be on drink and drugs to vote for Downs, and unlucky for Jay I’m detoxing till Paddy’s Day. By the looks of things he’s not; referring to himself as VP Welfare this week, he just wishes he was McGibbon… or Jason O’Neill or Sam Tan for that matter. O’Neill’s ticket’s some craic using the UCUNF slogan ‘Vote for change’. That’ll do them the world of good, remember when UCUNF won a shit load of seats in last year’s Westminster elections? Changing the ‘for’ to ‘4’ on posters and flyers is a class idea if you’re canvassing a teeny bopper disco. Good work.

I had suspected an uncivil war was brewing at VP Campaigns for the past while but I’m a little disappointed. Maybe it’s the calm after the storm, or vice versa – we’ll find out at Monday’s hustings. Niall Boleback Mountain at VP Clubs may slay dragons in his spare time but McShane’s something else. He’s stacks of craic and can handle himself alright.

A week is a long time in student politics. Until next Wednesday we can meet here to comment with false names to slag our opponents. We’re all Hoods on the Gown website.

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Here are  photos of Wednesday’s Queen’s Radio debates. X

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BLOG: Wednesday 23 February

18:00: QR ends session of debates with ‘Part of the Union’ by Strawbs. Very appropriate.

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17:52: Candidates for the SU presidency, Jay Downs, Jason O’Neill and Samantha Tan discuss their respective policies ahead of next week’s elections.

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17:43: VP Welfare Adam McGibbon talks to QR about running unopposed and his plans for next year.

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17:42: QR take sa break with ‘We no speak Americano’, bad tune. (Ben Finch, Arts editor, disagrees with this.)

17:35: Candidate for VP Community Derek Crosby tells QR he’ll take a 10 per cent pay cut if elected to “show good faith” to Students’ Union.

17:10: QR move on to interview our each candidate for VP Equality & Diversity: Gemma Carson, Damien Edgar, Treasa Harkin and Lucy Griffin.

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17.07: Kidd pledges to hold a media week. You saw it at the Gown first – see photos of Gown Week below.

17:02: Queen’s Radio interview Fiona Kidd and Lorcan Mullen, candidates for VP Campaigns & Communications.

16:56: Queen’s Radio interview candidates for the Education and Clubs & Societies respective posts. Niall McShane loses the rag (not the fundraising society Ed) with his namesake Bole for allegedly interrupting him. QR taking a break now and playing ‘Songbird’ by Oasis, good tune.

16:50: Our three candidates for SU president are all smiles ahead of next week’s elections.

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14.35: Very little happened yesterday but we’re back on the blog. Today the Gown has spoken to presidential candidates Jay Downs and Jason O’Neill. Notes will follow, as will an interview with candidate Samantha Tan.

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BLOG: Tuesday 22 February

16.36: The Jay Downs ticket has spent some time today putting up election literature in Elms, they seem to have gained an advantage there, while the Tan ticket has been doing some lecture shout-outs.

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16:29: Alex Redpath’s campaigning has been cranked up a notch – see http://redpathforunionoverlord.blogspot.com/

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16.22: VP Education  interview

The Gown caught up with soon-to-depart VP Education Nathan Anderson last night, whose verdict after day one was that it’s “Great craic and all to play for.” Commenting on the election he said he believed that the campaigns were organised much better than last year and that the “Presidency’s up for grabs – for all three candidates.” He also said that whoever wins will have a hard act to follow as “Gareth’s done a good job.”

When questioned on his endorsement of Joe Corina, Anderson gave the simple answer: “Joe asked for support…[he was] the only one who did.”
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“Presidency’s up for grabs -
for all three candidates.”
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Nathan also went on to comment about his experience of the difference between being a candidate on the campaign trail and an actual sabbatical officer.  In his view a very different skill set is required, which merely being on Council or running for a sabbatical post does not prepare you for. Qualities like persistence, not just over the two weeks of campaigning but throughout a year in office, the ability to read a lot very quickly – particularly for the Education role – and working with difficult people in the wider QUB environment, need to be developed early on in your sabbatical term.

Getting to grips with the structure of the Students’ Union, University and external Higher Education groups which are “a lot more complex than you think,” was one of the things Anderson highlighted as being a requirement early on for new VPs, as well  as coping with the sheer scale of administration needed to achieve anything. “All your small victories are hard fought victories,” he remarked.

When asked about his disinclination to run again, the wry answer was “I have sense.”  Anderson drew attention to the fact that the last two Education VPs also left after one term. He described his term as a “Nightmare of a year” in terms of workload. On a more positive note, Nathan said he had “Done most of what I intended to do and have four months left to honour remaining two manifesto commitments.”
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“All your small victories are hard fought victories,”

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A noted member of the DUP at Queen’s, Anderson insists he has no desire to pursue a political career in wider Northern Ireland just yet, and feels he needs to go and live “outside the political bubble” before he can claim to have enough experience to represent people at the next level.
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“Nightmare of a year”

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Finally, speaking on what he described as the QOL “Meltdown” over the last few days, Anderson said “It’s unfortunate,” but that he’d be meeting with the pro vice chancellor and the director of academic and student affairs to ensure  there is “No disadvantage to students” academically over the coming weeks. “Pointing fingers of blame isn’t that productive…getting it sorted is the main thing,” he concluded.

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15.33: Not much happening today it seems.  The Space has been open since 3pm for posters but only Derek Crosby has been about.  The Downs ticket have been about Elms, we haven’t seen the Law Society or the Tan ticket.

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FLASHBACK: Tuesday 22 February

Looking back to the Gown quiz, held on Tuesday 8 February.

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BLOG: Monday 21 February (Part 2)

21.10: Results of The Gown opinion poll carried out today are looking interesting.  We’ll have figures and analysis for you soon.

I think that’s us for tonight, everything seems to have quietened down.  Its been fun!

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19.26: Chatting with Treasa Harkin, candidate for VP Equality & Diversity.

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19.05: Back to the blog. All’s quiet in the Gown office. Law ticket is busy putting up posters. Bless.

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NEWS: Nominations close

Nominations for SU sabbatical positions have closed. Please see the confirmed candidates below:

SU President

Jay Downs, Samantha Tan, Jason O’Neill

VP Campaigns & Communications

Fiona Kidd, Lorcan Mullen

VP Community

Derek Crosby, Aidan Hughes, Ethan Loughrey

VP Clubs & Societies

Niall Bole, Niall McShane

Equality & Diversity

Gemma Carson, Damien Edgar, Treasa Harkin, Lucy Griffin

VP Education

Joe Corina, Nuala McAdams, Louis O’Neill

VP Welfare

Adam McGibbon will run unopposed.

BLOG: Monday 21 February

18.00: Correction: Derek Crosby was not late, he was in the Union.  Just not at the front.

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17.45:  Chatting to Lucy Griffin at the minute.

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17.40: Had a quick chat with Niall Bole, standing for VP Clubs and Societies.  He said “Niall McShane seems to be a competent candidate but the job needs continuity.”  Bole doesn’t want to leave the job he’s been doing unfinished and thinks as he has been doing the job for the past year he is at an advantage because he knows the job and there will be no need to get up to speed.  Apparently the hours are terrible, the pay’s poor and that’s not why he’s running again.

This year his campaign’s better organised than it was last year which he reminisced about but the campaign budget of £60 won’t cover his bill for energy drinks., and he’s certainly passionate about what he wants to do.

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17.16: The scramble to get election posters up is on.  As soon as five o’clock was called blue tarpaulin was torn down to reveal the Downs’ ticket posters while the campaigners for the Tan ticket rushed to get space.  Both sides had taken their own spots at the front of the Union but there was still unclaimed space.  This sent Lorcan Mullen up and down a ladder trying to get space above the front doors.  Pity the fool who tried to climb up and steal his space for Niall McShane.

Niall Bole is now wearing a bright yellow t-shirt screaming “Vote Bole”.  There was a look of pure shock on Derek Crosby’s face as he entered the Union five minutes too late and was met with the sight of McGibbon, Downs, Kidd and Tan, all smiling as happily as they can.  He promptly got told off, along with Gary Spedding, for putting posters where they’re not allowed.

And then look at this, Alex Redpath for VP Campaigns and Communications…

http://redpathforunionoverlord.blogspot.com/

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17.00: No one opposing VP Welfare Adam McGibbon. Except RON.

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16.58:  The Law Society are all in.  With just a few minutes to spare.

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16.41: Fiona Kidd has shared her reasons for restanding, and why it is not with her ticket from last year.  She has said that “it was a personal decision to rerun.  I’d previously said I wasn’t going to but I want to see my job through.  I genuinely wish Lorcan the best.”

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16.22: Damien Edgar has formally announced his candidacy for Equality and Diversity.

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16.21: Ethan Loughrey came in earlier, telling us his plans for better advertising and functioning of the NUS card, improving campus safety, and improving freshers’ week. Both he and Derek spoke highly of Aiden Hughes’ courtesy in the run-up to the election, and although he said “I’m confident that we’ve got the best ticket” he admitted that it would all come down to who comes out and “who helps us vote on the day.”

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16. 14: No sign of the Law Society candidates yet….

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15.52: Derek Crosby was chatting to us earlier. “I’m not going to make promises that are going to be massive, I’m not going to promise you an event every weekend…I’m not going to promise you anything like a bus we can’t deliver,” he said, and went on to outline what he regards as an achievable manifesto, including the unlocking the potential of RAG which he says could raise £50,000, making sure misconduct procedures within the community are fairer and more effective and reaching the people who want to get involved and can’t.

He described Jay Downs as “A damn fine officer”, and spoke highly of his record on the job, although ruled out supporting Jay or Samantha Tan in the race for president. His support for Niall Bole “goes without saying, he’s a machine.”

Interesting times…

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15.51: Louis O’Neill has handed in his forms for his candidacy for VP Education.

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15.37: Rumours suggest Alex Redpath may run for VP, according to one sabbatical candidate!

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15.06: Dominic Doherty has issued a dire warning to potential candidates. No forms after 5pm will be remotely considered. Under any circumstances.

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14.04: Nuala McAdams has filed her nominations. More to follow.

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13.54: Lorcan Mullen told The Gown, “Obviously I wish Fiona well,” but says the main bent of his campaign is to present himself as able to provide a robust, consistent, integrated Campaigns and Communications strategy on fees and cuts. He said, if elected, he would be a vice president that would have a “More open mind to peaceful direct action”, would end the Union’s silence on graduate employment and the “Fundamentally unfair job market”. Communications under a Mullen Vice presidency would publicize the work of union officers. He says he plans to publish a concise informative publication which would equip students to be members of the Union, rather than a ‘features magazine.’

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As for the soon–to–arrive SUTV, Mullen says he “thought it was a waste of money in the first instance, but now that it’s here I’ll enthusiastically support it.”

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When asked about about the non-appearance of a socialist ticket, he said “I’m relieved.”

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13.42: Ethan Loughrey has filed his nomination for VP Community.

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13.45: Just had a word with Joe Corina and Fiona Kidd.  We managed to get a quick glance at Joe’s manifesto too.  It covers employability and getting this built into the structure of a degree, changing professorships so teaching quality is rewarded rather than just research, and extending special collections in the library so coursebooks are available at all times.  He’s looking forward to everything but isn’t a politics man and still has some revision to do.

Fiona hopes people think she’s best for the job and hopes to revolutionise how Campaigns and Communications are run.  She wishes Lorcan Mullen, who’s running against her, all the best and hopes for a clean campaign.

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13.36: VP Campaigns candidate Lorcan Mullen hands in nomination form. Is this one small step for SU Monthly?

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13.28: Sam Tan, Fiona Kidd and Joe Corina hand in nomination forms.

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13.25: Mr QR Ethan Loughrey and VP Campaigns candidate Lorcan Mullen look set to hand in nominations forms. Under the watchful eye of VP Welfare Adam McGibbon.

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13.05:  The Socialists aren’t running, they can’t afford it apparently.

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12.50:  Jay Downs has just filed his application. That’s were he was running off to when we walked into the sabbs office then. He had no comment on the lockout rumour either.  VP Community candidate Derek Crosby’s going to talk to us soon.

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12.25: There’s been no confirmation of whether the incumbent sabbs were locked out of their offices over the weekend. Returning Officer Dominic Doherty won’t comment other than to say they each have their own keys.

At this point there are only five official candidates, Derek Crosby for VP Community, Adam McGibbon for Welfare, Niall Bole for Clubs and Societies and two candidates for Equality and Diversity – Lucy Griffin and Gemma Carson.

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BLOG: Nominations are closing and McGibbon’s running unopposed, Monday 21 February

If you didn’t know already then today’s the deadline for all prospective candidates for SU sabbatical positions to submit their applications. This must be done by 5.00pm, and we intend to bring a full list of confirmed runners later this evening.

Currently running unopposed, VP Welfare Adam McGibbon has said he’s running on his record from the past year; “the big stuff being the £300,000 in withheld cash released for the Student Support Funds (That’s for all Higher Education Institutions in NI, with about £165,000 of that going to QUB) as a result of my lobbying DEL, DFP and Stormont, the £15,000 secured from NUS this week for a Students’ Union Lettings Agency, the Cab Now Pay Later scheme, the hundreds of students given housing advice, the hundreds of students represented at disciplinaries and progress committees.”

McGibbon also says he doesn’t want to run unopposed, and he’s right. It’s a democracy, isn’t it? We need a good bit of competition here.

Seems like there could be a bit of a ruckus at the end of the day too. Candidates will be trying to get their posters in the best places so pop down to the Union for some antics.

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HOOD: You ain’t seen nothing yet, Sunday 20 February

Nominations for our SU elections close tomorrow. Nervous much? Are ye runnin’? I’ve lost count of candidates running by this stage; the fact that just about anyone can run is one of the pitfalls of democracy if you ask me. You’ll come round to my way of thinking as the week wears on, just you wait. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

“Poor wee Jay” was looking forward all year to running for president till Sam Tan came on the scene.  Sam Tan is our VP Equality & Diversity in case you didn’t know, and she is here to split the vote. Good on you Sam, you’re my favourite. Jason O’Neill could be laughing come next Tuesday, him and his wee mafia might even buy you a pint or two. Not in the Union, obviously, most likely at Ollie’s.

I’ve said it already but I’m looking forward to the VP Campaigns trail. These two kids used to be buds but everyone knows power comes before friendship. With this rise in tuition fees more or less sorted you’d think the two would just forgive and forget. Sending the occasional postcard to Greggers seems almost too much fun to miss out on. Nice bit of SUTV arriving just before the elections by the way.

Mr Queen’s Radio Ethan Loughrey is going for Community. I bet he’s not relying on the votes of listeners. That would be pretty daunting. Has he left QR to run? Awk sure no one’s listening anyway lad, go on ahead. He’ll face a torrid time trying to tame Derek Crosby. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. If Loughrey’s Mr QR then Crosby’s Mr RAG. All these Union folk are so ambitious, aren’t they? Almost as ambitious as Mr Mooting, Aidan Hughes. Good luck to the winner, he will have a tough act to follow…

It’s Niall on Niall in this year’s Dragonslayers versus GAA re-match. The Dragonslayers came out on top last time, but McShane’s more craic than that Riggs fella from last year. It’s a fatal four way for Equality & Diversity but Hood doesn’t care too much for either to be fair, or democracy for that matter, judging by the way this election’s going. Education and Welfare, well you know the craic yourself.

So there’s a little something-something for you to mull over for now. There’ll be more chit chat to come, and maybe some more candidates. I’d say let the campaigns and bitching commence but it looks like that’s already started in some quarters. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

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NEWS: Gown launches SU elections ’11 blog, Saturday 19 February

To mark what promises to be one of the most intriguing Students’ Union sabbatical elections in recent years, The Gown is launching a special blog page to bring our readers up to date with the latest twists and turns in the race. Photos, interviews, comment pieces, video posts, analysis, and the odd Hood appearance will be here over the next week!

Here is a quick outline of the campaign trail:
Monday 21 February: 5.00pm – nominations close. Campaigning officially begins.

Tuesday 22 February: Watch out for press conferences from candidates on this day, and throughout the week.

Wednesday 23 February: Queen’s Radio debate – tune into Union news, 4.00pm – 5.00pm.

Friday 25 February: Gown presidential debate in The Space, 1.00pm – 2.00pm.

Monday 28 February: The Gown (Issue 3 of semester 2) will be released, complete with an extra 4 page pull-out on the elections, with polling data, analysis, interviews with candidates, and commentary on each of the races and more.

Tuesday 1 March – polling begins.

Wednesday 2 March - polling ends, election results announced.

Which of the formidable incumbent VPs will win their battle to stay on the QUBSU stage as President, Jay Downs or Samantha Tan? Or will the former team-mates from last year split each other’s vote and allow the fresh faced law society candidate Jason O’Neill to score an Alastair McDonnell-style victory?

Fiona Kidd split her ticket from last year to run again; can her year’s experience in the role enable her to hold off the challenge of NUS-USI deputy president and former Gown news editor Lorcan Mullan?

Will anyone even challenge Green Party Westminister candidate Adam McGibbon for the Welfare role?

Will Derek Crosby, QUB’s stylistic answer to Boris Johnston, outwit Ethan Loughrey of QR or Aidan Hughes of the Law Society?

Will Niall Bole muster enough supporters for another winning, cowboy-hatted campaign? Or will Niall McShane, the only GAA-linked candidate on the new-look law ticket, bring his experience in the Student Guidance Centre to bear?

Who will succeed the departing Nathan Anderson? Louis O’Neill, Nuala McAdams, or Council Speaker Joe Corina?

The contest for VP Equality and Diversity sees Gemma Carson, a mature student on the Crosby ticket pitted against councillors Damien Edgar, who has left his job as Gown sports editor to compete, and Lucy Griffin? Law and Politics student Threasa Harkin will be running on the O’Neill ticket.

After last year’s unprecedented levels of turnout, will we see social media and other new technology boost participation even further? All these questions will be answered by the evening of Wednesday 2 March. In the mean time, keep an eye or two on Gown coverage at http://www.thegown.org.uk/su-elections-11/, on twitter, on facebook, and in print on Monday 28 February.