UCC Political Parties - the state of play

[Concerned Irishman]

I have recently been made redundant and so, with some severence money and some time on my hands I have been of a mind to go to UCC as a mature student. Before I go however, out of interest - what are the state of the Political Parties in UCC at the moment in terms of relative strength and activity?

[Cellach]

If nothing else join a grouping in UCC for the craic of the 'model dail' run by the International Relations society. The Mayor of Cork played the role of Ceann Comhairle in 2009, and the three topics under debate made for both amusing and interesting listening. The Schtickeens were the winners and the Provo Beags runners up. The Blueshirt Youth tried to cheat by coaching from the sidelines, much to the disgust of all concerned. Fianna Fail were atrocious but sure God help them in fairness, very much the Sisyphus of the whole event. The Glasaraí seedlings were the most representative of the parent party, being both anaemic and pointless.

Outside of the 'model dail', a special commendation for cunning must go to those members of Labour Youth that packed the AGM of the Prolife Society, elected their own nominee, and promptly suspended all other business until the beginning of the next academic year. Like all student politics, the youth wings at UCC are both tremendous fun, and utterly insignificant.

But in fairness, they provide for a great evening of theatre. And more importantly, (and you'll begin to appreciate this more as you embark on postgraduate life), it was free.

[Faoiseamh]

There's a good scene alright- lots of friendly rivalry. YFG are by far the largest and most active, Labour basically own the Atheist/LGBT societies and are very extreme (read communist). Have a lot to do with the SU as well. There's a few Sinners around, and FF, well you'll always have a few...

Also IR Soc, Law Soc and Philosoph are good if you're into the ol politics

[bman1]

In the past year UCC FF did very well considering what happened to the party across the country. They won Best Campaign/Innovation at the 2011 UCC Societies Awards and came Runner Up as Best Political/Debating Society only being beaten by the UCC Philosoph. UCC YFG and UCC FF would be about the same size probably YFG would be that bit bigger but not by that much. UCC Labour are that bit behind but again not by much. UCC SF aren't as popular as FF, YFG & lab. The Greens they're about the place but they're not really doing much.

[ruserious]

The UCC FF stand at societies day was a bank of Ireland stand. Had to be the highlight off the UCC political party year!

[bman1]

It's up there alright! But I think it was the Model Dáil - things got really heated!

[ruserious]

It's up there alright! But I think it was the Model Dáil - things got really heated!

I stayed well clear of them! I ventured to a speech one night supposed to be given by Michael Martin,Simon Coveney and Ciaran Lynch. Ended up being Lynch and some FG wash out Burke. Very disappointing.

[bman1]

oh yeah I remember that alright didn't go but I heard that Martin & Coveney weren't going so I didn't bother in the end - no point. That wasn't the political societies though that was the History Society and PolSoc who organised that.

[ruserious]

oh yeah I remember that alright didn't go but I heard that Martin & Coveney weren't going so I didn't bother in the end - no point. That wasn't the political societies though that was the History Society and PolSoc who organised that.

Ya that's right actualy. Although I do remember the start of term, pol soc organised a meeting and all the campus parties spoke on why there's is best. I was wondering why only a few in the room until I realised it. George Hook was speaking furthur down in the boole. Legged it first chance.

[bman1]

yeah everything PolSoc do turns to crap! The attendance at their events in abysmal! Like they could be a good society but no! like they've no actual niche say like the philosoph or irsoc or the political parties!