BY CATHERINE WYLIE and BRENDAN HUGHES

The issues arose during a Students’ Union Executive Management Committee meeting. As part of ‘Political Activism Week’, students were invited to attend the meeting to see how the committee works. Two students turned up, both of which were Gown reporters.

The income drop was revealed by Acting Chief Executive, Andrew Dodge. Measures to increase revenue were suggested, including the idea of pints being slashed to £1.50 between the hours of 9 and 11pm.

VP Community Laura Hawthorne became emotional, as she abhorrently opposed any suggestion of a drinks price slash.

“I wouldn’t have a leg to stand on,” she said, referring to her ongoing work with residents groups in the Holylands and Stranmillis areas.

SU President Shane Brogan and VP Paul Courtney agreed that ‘a pound a pint’ idea could not be introduced, while Deputy General Manager Dominic Doherty pointed out that extreme drinks promotions in English Unions have been unsuccessful.

Doherty also raised the issue of the VPs frequently socialising in the Botanic Inn. He said that sabbs should be seen to be supporting the Union, and acting as an example to students.

VP Gareth McGreevy disagreed with this notion, claiming that the free time of sabbs should be spent in whatever way they choose.

“We’re not students,” McGreevy declared, prompting Doherty to remind him of his student-elected position in the Union. McGreevy proceeded to clarify that he had only been on one night out this year, which had been spent in the Students’ Union. He also remarked that the VPs have so much work to do that they don’t have time to party.

The Executive Management Committee meets every Wednesday at 12noon in the Anne Maguire room. Students are welcome to attend.