Ents candidate Ross Donnelly receives minor strike from EC

The strike was issued this evening for a breach of EC regulations governing allowed campaigning hours

Ross Donnelly, one of three candidates for next year’s Entertainments (Ents) Officer, has received a minor strike from the Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) Electoral Commision (EC).

The strike was issued this evening for a breach of EC regulations governing allotted campaigning hours. Under Schedule Three of the TCDSU constitution, candidates are entitled to campaign between 10:00-16:00 each day of election period, with a break between 13:00 and 14:00 and 19:00 and 21:00 respectively.

Donnelly chose to take his break from campaigning between 12:30 and 13:30 today, instead of between 13:00 and 14:00. Unaware that all online campaigning is prohibited between these times, Donnelly proceeded to post on his Instagram account during the EC 13:00-14:00 break period.

Speaking to Trinity News, Donnelly voiced his disappointment at receiving the strike. He added, however, that this “just means that I’ll give it socks tomorrow”.

In an email to Trinity News, Chair of the TCDSU Electoral Commission Adam Balchin stated that as a result of this strike, Donnelly will be prohibited from campaigning between 18:00 and 19:00 this evening, Monday 28.

This is the third strike to be issued to a candidate in this election period and the second strike to be issued to a candidate running for ents officer. Nadia was issued a major strike last Monday, (February 21) for campaigning outside of allotted hours at Goldsmith Hall after 16:00. She was subsequently banned from campaigning between 12:00-13:00, 14:00-15:00 and 18:00-19:00 last Wednesday, February 23.

Campaigning for sabbatical elections resumed today following a two-day suspension, which was put in place out of respect for a student who passed away in the Library last week. Campaigning will continue until March 3 and voting will run from March 1 to March 3. Students have until March 1  to register to vote.