And so ends the madness ...

So, it's all over now. I finished my term of office on the 30th June and promptly fecked off to New Zealand leaving my very capable electoral board to run the PSA election. Huge gratitude is owed by the PSA to Cian Davis, Eimear Spain, Siobhan NiChaitin, Sinead Carey, Deirdre O'Shaughnessy and above all, Marian Roche for organising the election. Congrats to Maja too, who won by just two votes.

And it's all over - I'm back to being a minion.

It's been a blast ... take care ...

And as the PSA flips into crisis mode ...

The schedule for elections is as follows

Nominations open - 22nd June
Nominations close - 27th June
Call into the PSA office for a nomination form - you only need the signature of 20 registered postgrads to apply.
Any other comments, questions etc, please don't hesistate to contact me at maria.mchale@ul.ie.

Reopening of PSA President elections

Katrina Farrell has officially withdrawn as PSA President elect.

A schedule for a new election will be announced shortly.

Please inform any potential candidates.

Regards,

Maria

First of the barbeques ...

Let's all take advantage of the beautiful sunny weather and head to the Stables on Thursday, 22nd June. For the bargain price of €6.50 you, dear postgrad, will receive

1) A sumptuous barbeque meal
2) Two drink vouchers
3) Entertainment provided by Contraband
4) Wonderful company
5) An introduction to the incoming PSA President, Katrina Farrell

and much, much more besides ...

The night will kick off at about 7.30 and tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 20th in the PSA office.

See you there (it's my last social event - you have to come!)

Maria

So I guess I'm just a lame duck now, eh?

As only one person put themselves forward for election for the position of PSA President - we have a winner! Nominations closed yesterday at 5pm and Katrina Farrell was deemed elected. Katrina is currently completing her taught M.A. in International Studies and will be taking over from me (after two weeks training) on 1st July 2006 until 30th June 2007. So best of luck Katrina!

I'm a bit disappointed that there wasn't an election though and I do think that the PSA is worse off for the lack of one. Elections create a sense of ownership for the position and they give people something to fight for. I was elected unopposed, so I speak from experience. I don't think it is healthy to just walk into a very important position like this - nobody benefits. If there is an election, an active part is made by candidates to fully research the burning issues of the constituency and actively pledge to do something about these. Anyway, I'd just better build that bridge and get over it, methinks.

I must also confess to feeling a bit uneasy about someone else 'shadowing' me during training and quizzing me about the job. What if I can't answer a question? Also, I've a fairly well defined personal space now and since that encompasses my whole office, I'm a little unsure about having to allow someone to occupy that space. So I wonder how that bridge coming along now, hmmm?

Anyway, it's my birthday so I'm off to celebrate my quarter century! What an achievement ...

PSA President elections

Well, the time has come for me to hunt for a successor for this glorious position ... it's that time again. First some dates for your calendar

• Nominations open - 2nd May
• Nominations close - 8th May
• Election - 16th May

Yes, the well-paid sabbatical position of PSA President is up for election! The job starts on 1st July 2006 and runs until 30th June 2007.
It is the ideal job for you if
- you want to build up your managerial and adminstrative experience
- you want to assist fellow postgrads with any difficulties that they have
- you are self-driven - you wish to represent postgrads to all aspects of the University
- you want to take a year out from study

Well, that's it in a nutshell, so what do you think? If you have any interest in the postition, please email me or call in and talk to me about it. Think about it, a job with your own spacious office, your own hours, no boss - it really is a position where you can make an impact ... let me know ...

Ah sweet success ...

And the postgrad ball is over. I'm not sure what the final total is for charity yet, but I'll check that out at work tomorrow (couldn't do it on Friday owing to the fact I slept all day). It was great and the best thing about it by far, is that it is now over. And I never have to organise it again. It was nerve-wracking stuff there for a time, but it was a dazzling night. Thanks to everyone who came, it was so nice to have the feeling that everyone in the room liked each other and was out for a good night. I have photos of all the attendees at their tables, so if you want one of your table, just call in, or email me. Except for that guy who refused to get in a picture. Ooh and I think that here I get to thank my sponsors - here goes

Ulster Bank
President Roger Downer
EI Electronics
The Stables Club
Superquinn
Medicare Pharmacy

Also, for all their help - Oonagh, Siobhan and Sinead. Thanks!

Now I can just relax and enjoy the SU elections this week ...