- As President of the Union I represent the views of the student body both internally in the Union and the University, but also locally to Cork and Munster, and even nationally to Dáil Éireann, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), and the media. At times the President will even represent you, the student, to international bodies like the EU Parliament, the European Students' Union (ESU) etc.
- As Chief Financial Officer of the Union I am responsible for a budget of €600,000 which you, the student, contribute to, and a director of 3 companies including the Student Centre, the Maradyke Complex and Campus Accommodation. I also sit on UCC's Finance Committee and UCC's Governing Body where the major decisions affecting the University and its students are made.
- As a Team Leader I am responsible for, and manager of 4 other full-time Officers, 8 part-time officers on the SU Executive and a range of full-time and part-time administrative staff. The responsibility ultimately lies with me to ensure the Union run effectively and as a team, and to discipline officers of the Union when required.
Keith is a graduate in BSc Physiology, and has a keen interest in psychology and politics. Hailing from Ballincollig, Cork. Keith is the current President of UCC's Students' Union. He's fond of tea and a good natter. Best way to win him over is to feed him, or give him a hug (random ones are best).
Keith's main involvements in UCC were as UCCSU Welfare Officer (2008-2009), gaining the affectionate nickname of 'Condom Guy' to most people from the insane amount of condoms distrubuted during his year. Keith also was Auditor of Net-Soc and involved in the Economics Soc, Labour Soc and Judo Club.
Keith also headed up the 'No to Fees' protest in Cork in 2009 with over 5,000 students, the biggest since the 70's. He is a well-known campaigner, regular contributor and published commentator on student rights & issues, employment rights etc. Keith regularly features for student issues on RedFM, 96FM, Today FM, and in the Evening Echo, Sunday Business Post, Examiner and Irish Independent and more.You're most likely to find him organising a protest or preaching the need for students to be active citizens in shaping the world around them.
Keith O'Brien.
