Calling All DCU Graduates: It’s Time to Get Your Seanad Act Together!
Ah, graduates of Dublin City University! You’ve donned your caps, thrown your scrolls high, and have started to take on the world – or at least the nearest pub. But before you head off to celebrate your latest achievement, there’s some important business that needs your attention. Yes, it’s time to talk about the Seanad elections. Just what you were hoping to hear over your pint of Guinness, right?
Professor Dáire Keogh, our wise leader from DCU – let’s just say he doesn’t mince his words – is on a mission. He’s calling on all graduates to register for the upcoming Seanad elections, particularly in the new Higher Education constituency. Now, before you roll your eyes and think about tuning him out as you did in that one lecture about quantum physics, let’s break it down, shall we?
What’s the Seanad Anyway?
Ah, the Seanad Éireann! It’s the Irish Senate, a place where you may find debates that can rival a pub argument on whether pineapple belongs on pizza. The Seanad works alongside Dáil Éireann (the other lot), and it plays a crucial role in scrutinizing and revising legislation. In a nutshell, if you think that legislation is like a dodgy pint of beer – it needs to be carefully vetted before anyone takes a swig.
For years, the Seanad has been a mixed bag of political personalities, independent thinkers, and well-placed wigs. Right now, with a new Higher Education constituency due to come into play, DCU graduates have a golden opportunity to make their voices heard.
Why Should I Bother, You Ask?
Well now, here’s the thing. Each graduate can contribute to the democratic process. And let’s face it: if you’re good enough to graduate, you’re good enough to vote! This isn’t just some theoretical exercise; it’s about electing six members who can represent the voices of students and graduates like you in the Seanad. That’s a bit like having a favourite band and getting to choose who gets to perform at the next best gig in town.
As Professor Keogh rightly points out, this is an opportunity for you to take part in something that influences the very fabric of Irish society. Consider it a rite of passage from student life to responsible adulting – though don’t worry, you’ll still be allowed to have a laugh after placing your vote (a pint or two may still be in order)!
The How-To: Registering
So, how do you get in on this action? Simple! If you’ve graduated from DCU or any other registered university, you can roll up your sleeves and get that registration sorted. It’s like signing up for a new Netflix series, but instead of binge-watching, you’ll be binge-voting (fair trade, right?).
First, go online to the register of electors in your area – they’re not hiding under a rock, I promise. Fill in the necessary details, provide some ID, and voilà!
But do it quickly, because as we all know, procrastination is the Irish way of getting things done… eventually.
The Future is Bright… and Graduated!
With six seats up for grabs in this shiny new Higher Education constituency, you might just find your voice making quite the splash. Who knows? One day, you could find yourself sipping coffee with fellow graduates in the Seanad cafeteria, gossiping about which senator believes in ghosts or who should dominate the next fairytale-themed debate.
Seriously though, you never know where this path might lead. Getting involved now could open doors for greater discussions around education, youth policies, and even social issues that matter to you and your peers. And let’s be real, the world could use more voices – and perhaps a little more humor in serious places!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my dear DCU graduates! Take the professor’s advice seriously, put down that pint for just a moment, and get your Seanad registration sorted. It may not seem as exciting as your college days, but it’s certainly a worthy cause to embark on.
Professor Dáire Keogh has opened the door for you – don’t miss this chance to step through it and vote for the future. Now go forth, register, and remember: it’s all about making your voice count, no matter how Irish your wit may be! And now, who’s in for a well-deserved pint to celebrate?