TU Dublin Students’ Union Election Results

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Over 4,700 students of TU Dublin went to the polls to elect their new SU Leadership Team for 2023/24, in an election that saw Brian Jordan re-appointed by the student body to the position of President of TU Dublin Students’ Union for a second term. Ian Kelly retained his role as Vice President for Events and Engagement, while Postgraduate Officer Jessica Perez was also elected for a second year running.

Students also returned four new faces to the Student Leadership team, with Shauna O’Toole, Nekesa Khisa Nancy, Jeremy Lawlor and Sheran Bahadir all successful in their first time bids to be elected to TU Dublin SU. Louise Kavanagh, outgoing Deputy President for Blanchardstown Campus, was elected to the newly created role of Vice President for Communications and Media.

The results follow three days of polling last week in the TU Dublin City, Blanchardstown, Grangegorman, and Tallaght campuses. Following the completion of counting of election ballots, TU Dublin SU confirmed that the following students have been elected to the TU Dublin Students’ Union Leadership Team for 2023/24:

  • President –  Brian Jordan
  • Vice President for Academic Affairs -  Shauna O’Toole
  • Vice President for Welfare and Equality –  Nekesa Khisa Nancy
  • Vice President for Events and Engagement –  Ian Kelly
  • Vice President for Communications and Media – Louise Kavanagh
  • Campus Vice President for Blanchardstown – Jeremy Lawlor
  • Campus Vice President for Tallaght – Sheran Bahadir
  • Postgraduate Officer – Jessica Perez

One TU Dublin SU Full-Time Officer position remains to be filled for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. A byelection for the position of City Campus Vice President will be held in all city campuses on Thursday April 20th.

These are the first elections to take place under the new TU Dublin SU Constitution which was ratified by 96.4% of students who voted in a cross-campus referendum last November. One of the key changes adopted by students in that referendum saw the creation of a number of new part time officer roles which focus on student rights in specific areas, in addition to one new full time officer position with responsibility for Communications and Media. As a result of the student vote, Louise Kavanagh will become the first person to hold this brief when she takes on the role of Vice President for Communications and Media this summer.

The newly elected officers will take up their roles at the beginning of July, along with the 10 new SU Part-time officers who were recently elected by Student Council to focus on student rights in specific areas, including gender equality, disabilities and sustainability.

Speaking at the election count in Bolton Street on Friday March 31st, Glenn Fitzpatrick, the independent chairperson of the TU Dublin Students’ Union Electoral Commission, emphasised the importance of student participation in the democratic process;

“The Student Union elections provide a valuable opportunity for students to exercise their right to vote and have a say in the direction and the priorities of their student body and their place of study. By participating in these elections students help shape the future of their university and make their voices heard on important issues that affect their lives both inside and outside the classroom.”

He added, “Student Union elections offer an opportunity for students to engage in the democratic process and develop important skills and experience in areas such as political thinking, public speaking, and leadership. By running for office candidates gain valuable experience in campaigning, organising events and most importantly working collaboratively with others.”

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