Proposer: Cian Dennehy Seconder: Enda Kerr

My name is Oisn O Callaghan and I am contesting the position of Vice Auditor for the 84th Session of the UCC Law Society. My following manifesto will hopefully illustrate why it is that I see myself as the strongest and most competent candidate. I will outline the unique skill set and exceptional experience I can bring to the committee, as well as my plans and hopes for the society. But before I go any further I would first like to extend sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to the outgoing committee. As a first year student in the BCLI programme, the UCC Law Society was one of my initial experiences of college life. It served to introduce me to my classmates and the thriving academic and social aspects of life in Cork. I put this down to a successful and exceptionally organised committee and a well structured society. If elected this is work I hope I could reflect.

I am an active and energetic young person, exceptionally involved in extra-curricular activities at a leadership and organisational level, something which I feel has given me the knowledge and experience necessary to potentially excel in the position of Vice Auditor. I have competed in Moot, a new

challenge which I found immensely enjoyable and rewarding, reaching the quarter finals of the first year competition. As well as this I have attend as many of the Law Societys events as possible. I am an experienced public speaker having represented my school, province and country within organisations such as the European Youth Parliament. I have a long and extensive background in youth activism, something which has been recognised (by then Uachtarn na hireann) Mary McAleese.

The role of Vice Auditor is one which demands an immense amount of organisational skill and ability. As Vice Auditor, it would be my responsibility to organise the debating functions of the society, as well as to assist the moot convenor in his or her work. This is a role which I feel I could fill exceptionally well. In school I was consistently engaged as an organiser, a leader and a motivator, something which I feel would be essential to me performing as a successful Vice Auditor. At school I was the Head Boy, chairperson of the Young Social Innovator group which won our national competition, runner up in the Young Entrepreneur Programme and Student of the Year, 2011/12. I also represented the school and the locality on Kerry Comhairle n ng. All of these tasks involved leadership, discipline, people skills, debating skills, teamwork and initiative. Each of these are virtues which I feel qualify

me as a potential Vice Auditor. My competency in these fields led to me again being recognised as a dedicated individual, and I was rewarded with a Garda Youth Achievement Award.

My experience in EYP as an official has greatly improved my organisational skills. As a Chairperson, Journalist and Organiser within EYP I have acquired many relevant and applicable skills which I feel are key to the Vice Auditor position. I am accustomed to deadlines, pressure and dealing with people. I have arranged events, transport and food for massive numbers of delegates. I have also instructed on public speaking, speech writing and debating, something anyone running for the position should have experience of.

UCC has a long and excellent record in debating, something which I wish to be a part of and contribute to in every way I can. As Vice Auditor I would work hard to maintain this reputation and high standard by actively seeking out and personally encouraging people to participate in the many high quality workshops I hope to offer if I am chosen as the next Vice Auditor. I am very conscious of the fact that debating is not an option that is open to everyone at secondary school level and I am therefore aware that perhaps the majority of students have zero experience of competitive debating on

their arrival in UCC. Changing this state of affairs would be a priority for me if elected. I would make every attempt to actively engage with the incoming first years, through email, their Facebook group, and by announcements in their lectures. This idea of direct engagement is an absolute must if the Law Society is to fully tap the vast resources of debating talent and potential which we have in the University. It is easy to note that the majority of people who debate within and for the society are students who have already cut their teeth in secondary school level debating. This trend is an excellent one, and people who have debated from that level should be supported in every way available, having access to as many competitions and events as possible. However, I see it as critical to address the fact many young students are intimidated by the sheer experience of their peers, their deep understanding of debating structure and even the jargon that is associated with debating. As Vice Auditor I would recognise the oceans of potential and talent that slips between the cracks, and would make diligent efforts to reach out to first years (even indeed, new speakers in older years) in an attempt to raise the profile, number and standard of debaters within the Law Society. This could be achieved through speaker development being even more novice friendly and supportive to new speakers. A goal which I will strive to achieve if elected.

Relations with, and debates between societies is an ideal which I believe should be developed in the new academic year. Debates within the University would be an excellent way to ease new speakers into the swing of things. The close relations with Philosoph for example are of huge benefit to the society and to the level of debating we now enjoy. It is critical however that we maintain the independence, strength and dignity of the Law Society while fostering the rewarding nature of the links the Society holds with other groups in the University.

As Vice Auditor, I would be very aware of the contributory role I would play in the moot competition. Moot was something which I enjoyed hugely as contestant, and is something that I see as one of the most important aspects of the society. Mooting is a skill valuable to any law student, developing speaking skills, analysis and the ability to construct a legitimate and coherent argument. If elected I will facilitate the growth and improvement of Moot in UCC along with the Moot Convenor.

House Meetings play a vital role within the society. In the next academic year I will be available to the Internal Convenor to offer assistance of any kind and at any level,

contacting speakers, booking rooms, raising awareness and so on.

Elections also fall into the remit of the Vice Auditor, a duty which I will commit myself to entirely. A balanced and fair election is deserved by the society and it is what I intend to provide.

Most importantly, as Vice Auditor I will strive to serve the committee, the society and the University in any which way I can. I am nothing if not a grafter and I can guarantee that I will make every effort be the very best that I can be, as member of the committee and as a representative of the Law Society. I am adaptable, dependable and well able to learn on my feet. I will always be available to the Auditor, to the other committee members and to the students that elect me. I will always be open to advice, instruction and recommendation. In short, if you vote for me, Oisn O Callaghan, for the position of Vice Auditor, you will have made an endorsement for hard work and dedication, always with the Societys best interests at heart.

If anyone has any questions, suggestions or issues they would like to raise with me, please do not hesitate to contact me at 112324946@umail.ucc.ie