ULSU use stalinist tactics to stop debate on the War

Friday March 28, 2003 12:26

by Manus Bree - Labour Y outh & UL aganist the War

Certain members of ULSU used stalinist style tactics to stop anti-war motion being debated at SU UGM.

In advance of an anti-war motion being put to the SU UGM certain members of the SU did their utmost to block this motion and stem debate on campus. Firstly the Class Reps Council (legislative organ of the SU), whos role in this incidence is to formalise and pass the agenda for the following UGM, was not quorate and thus the UGM could not take place. It is interesting to note that the date, time and venue of this meeting were changed without all the relevant representatives being informed. Also last nights meeting was publicised to the same degree to previous SU AGM/EGMs, it was left up to members of certain societies and groups incl. Irish Peace Soc., Labour Youth, Green Party, SWP, Enviro Soc., Socialist Party and Mature Students Soc to inform the student body of meeting.

Although no UGM could officially take place, pressure from the individual students who were in attendance forced the Chair to hold an SU public debate instead, which created a visible unease with certain members of the SU executive.

As the debate began it became evident that they did not want the SU to be used as a forum for democratic debate, stating that the SU should be apolitical and it should not take a position on any issues. As the speakers speaking against the war focused on the issue itself, SU members refused to debate the war and instead talked about the bad precedent of politicising the SU, making frequent reference to other students’ bodies such as UCD SU. Some even claimed that this would open a Pandora’s box and feared a flood of issues might be debated within the SU forum such as abortion and college fees. Another bone of contention with the Conservative elements was the claim the if the SU took a position on an issue it would be forcing their opinion on students, ignoring the fact that any referendum passed must have at least 67% support from the student electorate, hardly a minority opinion.

With ideology and anti-democratic tactics like this it is no wonder that UL is one of the most politically inactive colleges in the country. A college where we could only manage to get less than 150 people to attend Fees Demo this week, interestingly the same members of the ULSU mentioned above refused to attend this event. Considering involvement in politics and in the political system among young people in Ireland is the lowest in Europe it is highly important that students have as many opportunities and avenues open to them to debate issues, this is central to the continued health of our democracy.

People in the past have fought against conservative elements like this, the right to vote and the right to be heard, we will continue to do so. A referendum on the matter will be brought before the student body in the coming weeks. They can’t silence us anymore, we have them running scared.

NO PARAZAN