The University Observer

After months of investigation and many challenges and pushbacks, we’re glad to finally be publishing this article. The student mentioned here has been put through an awful situation and simply wants change in UCD. universityobserver.ie/ucd-fails-to-s…

UCD Estate Services are preventing students from bringing tents and tables on to campus. They’ve said they will bring a cease and desist letter if students remain here.

Following today’s ‘Walk Out For Gaza’ rally, a Pro-Palestine encampment has been set up by UCD lake. It marks the first multi-tent encampment since 2024. Protestors say more tents are on the way. Live reporting on Instagram with @UCDObserver

I’m delighted to be taking over as editor-in-chief of The University Observer for the coming year, working alongside Orla Mahon as deputy editor. It’s been a pleasure serving as sports editor and I’m excited to start working full time at this special newspaper! @UCDObserver

And just like that, #Hustings2025 comes to a close. Thanks for coming along for the ride, and check out the University Observer Instagram story for some slightly more serious observations on tonight's proceedings. Articles will be up shortly on UniversityObserver.ie

Michael Roche says there's been confusion about what his campaign is about, and says his goal is to "fundamentally fixing the union so that it is strong enough to run for another fifty years".

A question from the crowd is pointed at McCormack-Eiffe. "How do you justify running for President if you failed to engage in meetings that you were contractually obliged to be in?" Saskia says she has familial commitments and that these meetings do not fall within her hours.

Q: What would you do to protect the union from Government Interference? Roche says his relationship with government members will help. Cullen says she's not there to make friends, she's there to advocate for students. Saskia says she's not there to be friends with politicians.

Unsurprisingly, lots of questions for tonight's candidates from the crowd...

Roche is asked about his plan to end the Wright Group's contract in UCD Village, which currently manages Centra. He says a cheaper alternative is needed for students and that he will get to the table with the Wright Group for the negotiations of their contract renewal.

McCormack-Eiffe answers a question from the UO, and says there hasn't been a lack of direct action when it comes to housing, citing the Student Union Action Group for Housing.

The UO asks Roche how realistic his housing goals are. "It's definitely a fair question". He says its former UCD President Andrew Deeks' fault that housing is so expensive in UCD. He says we need to push for a high rise version of Merville, instead of more Village accommodation.

Responding the the chair's comments, Roche says he has already done more for financial transparency than the Union has ever before. "I will make a revolution of transparency". He also points out he was a child when those former members of UCD's Fianna Fail group caused issues.

The chair mentions Roche's overshooting and undershooting of financial figures throughout his campaign. The chair appears to claim that the UCD Youth Branch of Fianna Fail has historically caused financial troubles for UCDSU.

Roche says the SU has very poor representation in the Irish government. He says he already has a good relationship with the Minister for Education and that he's had a drink with nearly every member of the cabinet.

The chair mentions Roche's experience within LnH society and the UCD Youth Branch of Fianna Fail. He asks Roche what his top priority will be. "My top priority has to be engagement". His campaign is about building back the trust that has been lost in the union.

McCormack-Eiffe is criticised by the chair for failing to follow through on certain things during the past year. She disagrees and says she is the right person to yield the resources of the union. She "deeply, deeply promises" that next year she will take continuous feedback.

McCormack-Eiffe is asked what her top priority would be. "My top priority is making sure that students have an affordable and safe place to live".

Chair Niall Torris asks Cullen about claims that people who run for SU are more interested in their own CV than student activism. "Students should vote for me because I genuinely care". She mentions that she is still a student and still has to complete her final year.

Cullen is asked what her number one priority would be. "My manifesto is very ambitious but the main priority for me is to empower students". She says its not her job to make the union everything she wants it to be, but it is her job to represent the students.