The candidates for the Union of Students in Ireland’s (USI) next executive committee have been released, with current USI President Lorna Fitzpatrick running for a second term uncontested.
Having spent two years as President of IT Carlow Students’ Union, Fitzpatrick completed a tenure as USI’s Vice President for the Southern Region before successfully contesting the role of President last April.
Aodhán Donnelly is the only candidate from Trinity running for the USI executive committee this year, standing for the position of Vice President for Campaigns. Donnelly, a Chemistry student, has been involved in Take Back Trinity, the BDS campaign, the housing movement and Cut the Rent TCD. The role of Vice President for Campaigns is also being contested by Craig McHugh, who has served as Vice President for the Dublin Region this year.
Kevin McStravock is seeking a second term Vice President for Academic Affairs, competing against Fergal Twomey.
The race to be the next Vice President for Welfare is the most competitive, with three candidates vying for the position: Clare Austick, Tara Ní Raghallaigh and Ruairí Weiner.
Marie Lyons is running for Vice-President for Equality and Citizenship uncontested. She has spent the last year serving as Vice President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region.
Two candidates are competing for the role of Vice-President for the Dublin Region, Megan O’Neill and Dean Murphy.
Gary Tobin is running uncontested for Vice-President for the Border, Midlands and Western Region, while Vice-President for the Southern Region is being contested by Ciara Kealy.
Clíodhna Ní Dhufaigh is seeking a second term as Vice President for the Irish Language and the position of Vice-President for Postgraduate Affairs is being contested by Adam Clarke.
The next USI executive committee will be elected at USI Congress, which will begin on April 6 in Trim, Co Meath. A hustings is expected to be held by TCDSU, at which TCDSU Council will vote to endorse candidates.
