XXX Election Special Editorial

“The SU has an engagement problem”. Jaws tense, eyes roll and fists clench. The sentence is far from being novel and yet not one election has passed in recent years without it being uttered by candidates or self-proclaimed SU hacks.

At first glance, the fact that the union is witnessing one uncontested executive race and such a high number of contested college officer races would suggest that the union might be overcoming its insularity. However, things might not be so clear cut. A closer inspection at the composition of the candidates for full-time and part-time roles in the union, reveals that few of them are union outsiders. While prior experience in the union is detrimental to some roles such as the Presidential role, it should not come as a surprise that candidates that have gathered their experience elsewhere (solely through student experience, prior activism or personal circumstances) have valuable insights to bring to these roles that are adaptable to a changing student experience by definition. 

But with the promise of a truly contested election comes tensions, personal ambition and animosity. While success is not something candidates should be afraid of, success as a means to an end is a bit gauche. Amid whispers of misogyny, ableism, plagiarism and other controversies tied to this year's executive elections, it might be time to refocus and remember that running for public office is a sacrifice done for the wider community and not, for lack of a better term, a popularity contest. 

This year again, students will turn to their union to fight the battles they need fought in hopes that UCD administration, in its ivory tower, might lend an ear. However, with four separate hustings dates, students will also be holding their union accountable. Here’s hoping it puts its best foot forward.