The 67th annual Piranha Hustings commenced at 17:00 on February 24, 2024, in a bustling venue at Chaplins Upstairs. The event featured a lively atmosphere where candidates for various student positions showcased their personalities through a series of unconventional challenges. The hosts, Matilda Brewe and Rachel Rose Smith, both Editors-in-Chief of the Piranha Magazine, set the tone for an evening of humor and engagement.
Brewe opened the hustings with a statement highlighting concerns about democracy on campus, claiming that “Democracy on our campus no longer exists […] UT have already started rigging the election.” This charged introduction paved the way for the evening’s activities, which included both serious questions and light-hearted tasks that tested the candidates’ creativity and quick thinking.
Candidates faced a variety of questions designed to reveal their capabilities and personalities. Ava Tuohy, representing the postgraduate community, was the first to take the stage. She humorously engaged in roll call of the Piranha writers, reading satirical names like “Mike Hawk” and “Edith Puthy.” Tuohy emphasized her role as a representative of her generation, stating she was “here to represent the elder Gen Z and beyond.”
Next, Harper Alderson, a candidate for Editor-in-Chief of the University Times, was asked about her appearance compared to other candidates. She confidently affirmed, “absolutely,” when asked if she believed she was the best-looking candidate. Alderson also participated in a quiz to distinguish between real and fictitious headlines, showcasing her knowledge of the publication’s history.
The hustings continued with Mary Kate Ní Artaíin and Hugh Ó Riordáin, who were introduced with a nod to their Irish heritage. Ní Artaíin, a music student, charmed the audience with a rendition of a song, while Ó Riordáin tackled a question about inclusivity in Irish identity, asserting that “Ireland is for the Irish as well as everyone else.” Their light-hearted exchanges set a tone of camaraderie among candidates.
The Communications Officer candidates were next, with each asked to share their most recent social media viewing habits. Responses ranged from humorous anecdotes about TikTok trends to serious reflections on mental health and social media use. Matthew Kurt and Promise Okafor provided amusing insights into their online habits, while Alice Moran revealed her decision to delete Instagram for mental health reasons.
As the event progressed, more unconventional tasks emerged. Candidates for the Welfare Officer position, Rossa Bolger and Lorenzo Cheasty, faced questions about dealing with adversaries in their roles. Their responses, filled with humor, suggested a willingness to engage with difficult situations creatively. The pair even participated in a challenge involving bananas and condoms, which drew laughter from the audience.
The Education Officer candidates, Sam Brooks and Eve Martin, brought their own flair to the hustings. Wrapped in a Roscommon flag, Brooks spoke candidly about his background and its impact on his political views, while Martin provided a light-hearted take on biology, showcasing her personality amidst serious topics.
Finally, the presidential candidates took center stage. Cathal Horgan, Grace McNally, Tadhg Ó Neíl, Jonathan Hoffman, and Rebecca Kennedy faced a mix of pointed questions and humorous tasks. Horgan struggled with a practical demonstration involving a menstrual pad, while McNally was handcuffed to Smith to create a protest sign, merging the serious with the absurd.
The evening concluded at 18:30 with Brewe and Smith thanking the candidates and urging attendees to participate in the upcoming elections, which open the following day at 10:00. The Piranha Hustings successfully blended humor and engagement, providing candidates with a platform to connect with their peers in a uniquely entertaining manner.
