Ahead of today’s University of Limerick Student Life elections, candidates gathered in the Luna Theatre of the Student Life Building to make their final pitch to voters.
The Student Life Building was long promised in successive manifestos; it was opened at the start of the 2025/26 academic year and now stands as one of the most visible legacies of past executives. The evening before the elections, the building hosted the election hustings, presented by TG4 reporter and former UL Student Life Welfare Officer Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin
While the structure stands as a reminder of the ambitions of past unions, a new administration is set to take shape after today’s vote. While many fresh faces are expected to enter the executive, current Academic Officer Jared Nadin says he hopes to represent continuity from the outgoing union.
Mr. Nadin, a music student at the University of Limerick, is running for Welfare Officer. He said that during his time as Academic Officer, many of the issues raised by students were related to welfare.
Two of the three candidates in Thursday’s presidential election took part in the hustings, with Ignacio Castro and Eva McCormack answering questions from students in attendance.
Housing emerged as one of the central issues of the debate. Ms. McCormack said she would lobby the university for over 90 student beds that were promised to former UL Students’ Union President Ronan Cahill in 2023 on the top floors of the Travelodge in Castletroy.
She said the university had already received planning permission, adding: “Beds are low, numbers are high, build more.”
Mr. Castro agreed housing would be a key priority if elected and praised his opponent’s opening pitch to those in attendance. “That was an absolute cracker of a speech,” he said.
As the curtains were called after 90 minutes of hustings, Limerick Voice spoke to Ignacio Castro straight after the event. He said that chasing UL up on the 90 beds in the Travelodge would be his first step in office. “There are 90 beds waiting for us, let’s get it done” he said.
Mr. Castro also said he would seek to have UL Students’ Union join the national student body AMALY, arguing that stronger national representation would benefit students.
“More bargaining power is essential when so many students are struggling,” he said. “Collective action is key.”
Candidates were also asked questions on issues ranging from the renaming of Plassey House to whether UL students should undertake co-op placements with Israeli companies operating in the West Bank. Ms. McCormack and Mr. Castro both agreed that, if elected president, they would support a boycott of such placements.
Transparency was another issue repeatedly raised during the debate, with candidates pledging to improve access to council meeting minutes and make the work of Student Life more visible to students.
The ballot includes the following candidates:
Student President – Ignacio Castro, Eva McCormack, Pratyush Jhunjhunwala
Welfare Officer – Jared Nadin
Academic Officer – Hannah Holmes, Abbie Lappin
Diversity and Inclusion Officer – Cuán Hayes
Student Council Chairperson – John Boix
Faculties Officer – Alan Sieprawski
All ballots will also include the option to Re-Open Nominations.
Voting has opened for UL students, and the results will be announced this evening.