The Government has recently signalled that it intends to hold a Referendum on abolishing Seanad Éireann in September. This will be a hugely important decision for the future of democracy. It is important that people now begin to acquaint themselves with the facts of what the closure of the Seanad would actually mean because, if this shocking eventuality comes to pass, it is highly unlikely that the people will ever again be given the opportunity to reverse that decision. Continue reading
Category Archives: Op-ed
Op Ed: Phillippa White on Continuous Assessment
With debate still roaring over UCD’s decision to abolish passing by compensation, Philippa White believes that it is only the first step in establishing a better kind of student Continue reading
Op-Ed: Amy Bracken on the value of unpaid internships
With criticisms of unpaid internships mounting and the government’s JobBridge scheme being met with scepticism, freelance television researcher and journalist Amy Bracken explains why working for free can be crucial for your career prospects Continue reading
Op-Ed: Feminism is for everybody – Bridget Fitzsimons
Feminism is the real F-word these days. Despite an rise in journalism about gender equality, feminism and television, film and other culture pertaining to these issues, to personally identify as a feminist still seems problematic and difficult for many women as well as men. There are many myths surrounding the idea of feminism and what it really means, but when we open our eyes to the true meaning of feminism and what it means to both men and women, we can begin to work toward a more equal and productive society that benefits everyone. Continue reading
Op-Ed: Chairperson of the Student Legal Society Pat Fitzgerald on UCD Residences’ onerous Licence to Reside
With 3000 students signing Licences to Reside to move into on-campus accommodation next week, Chairperson of the Student Legal Service, Patrick Fitzgerald warns of the onerous nature of this important contact.
Op-Ed: Sarah Doran on an education in student media
MA Journalism student, two-time Student Media Award winner, and Studenty.me sub-editor Sarah Doran explains the important role that student media plays in third-level education Continue reading
Op-ed: Kasandra O’Connell, Head of the IFI Film Archive, on our Cinematic Heritage
To mark the launch of the IFI’s campaign to protect our national film archive, Kasandra O’Connell, Head of the IFI Film Archive, writes exclusively for the University Observer about the importance of the Irish cinema, and why our cinematic history needs to be perserved Continue reading
Op-ed: Natalie Voorhies on visual arts
Natalie Voorheis, UCD alumna and education intern at The National Gallery of Ireland writes on the importance of the visual arts within UCD Continue reading
Op-Ed: What next for Fianna Fáil?
With Fianna Fáil in turmoil following the general election, Stephen Kelly questions whether the party will look to begin participating in Northern Irish politics Continue reading
Op-Ed: Time for a change
The question of whether Fine Gael are well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in government is still a contentious one, writes Elizabeth O’Malley