Walking down the street in Dublin, I'm constantly seeing signs for the upcoming elections in Ireland for the new Taioseach(pronounced tea shock) of Ireland,who from what I can gather is the prime minister/head of government in Ireland. They have a president too, but the Taioseach has more power, and due to the economic problems that Ireland is having, the one who was in power when I got here resigned.
The elections will be in about 2 weeks, and every day the political advertising gets more intense. It's different from our elections, though- no ads blasting the other candidates (I actually haven't seen any commercials at all, but I also don't really watch much TV), and the posters look like they could be ads for Glee: they're very bright and colorful, and usually just giant closeups of the candidates' faces. I happen to live almost right next door to one of the head offices of the Labour party, which may be why I see so much advertising, but it seems to follow me everywhere I go!
It's also a very political time on campus at Trinity- Students Union elections are fast approaching, and campaigning here is nothing like it is at PC for a spot on congress. Candidates have printed brochures called manifestos that look like US senators' campaign materials, t-shirts for their campaigners, and catchy slogans. In the beginning of big lectures, candidates come in to speak about why we should vote for them, and the plans they have for next year. Last week I couldn't walk through the Arts Block (student center) without being bombarded by students in colorful t-shirts handing me manifestos, but this week they have stepped up their game. I have only been on campus for about 20 minutes, and I've already seen a candidate wearing a suit and tie walking around linked arms to about 10 girls wearing his t-shirt handing out flowers for Valentine's Day (it was hilarious, I felt like I was watching The Bachelor), and two guys walking around as a polar bear and the Easter bunny wearing Chris O'Connell t-shirts. No idea why big white fluffy animals have anything to do with his campaign, but I'm not asking questions.
Another part of the upcoming elections in Trinity are for the new provost- the students and faculty get to vote for who they want to hold the job! It would be like the PC community coming together collectively to pick the new president of the college- and he or she would have a set term of office. I really like the idea, especially because the institution as a whole has an active stake in its future and what the people who are a part of Trinity want it to be. I am still unsure if I'm allowed to vote in the TCD elections, but I'm hoping to find out soon!
On a less political note, late Happy Valentine's Day! I celebrated by having a lovely Queen of Tarts brunch on my way to school and having family dinner with my friends in our apartment.
xo Julia
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