The National Union of Students-Union of Students in Ireland

This is a guest piece from Alexander Redpath, a member of Lagan Valley Young Unionists.

The National Union of Students-Union of Students in Ireland, Northern Ireland’s national student’s union elected two Ulster Unionists to their nation executive committee. NUS-USI has in recent years earned a reputation as an “extremist liberal organisation” and recent arguments over the Israel-Palestine dispute and NUS-USI’s controversial abortion policy have reinforced this. Taking this into consideration it was even more impressive that the two Unionists secured their seats at the executive  table.

Alexander Redpath NUS-USI Deputy President-elect said,

“I was surprised when I heard I had been elected. I have never tried to hide my views at NUS-USI and I have upset a lot of people by standing up for broadly conservative values. However I relish the challenge ahead of me and I hope that my election will encourage other Unionists to get involved in their national union. I have been involved with NUS-USI since joining Queen’s I have always believed that the National Union should be for everyone. I have fought hard to change the political ethos of the organisation. Trying to move it away from the extremist views that have marginalised its influence  in the student community. NUS-USI has to make a conscious effort to avoid adopting positions which its members cannot support. The abortion issue is a key example of this.”

Alexander also outlined what he hoped to do over the year,

“I hope to work actively in some key areas in NUS-USI. One priority is to improve the National Union’s public image. For too long the image of the National Union has been tainted. Students are seen by some as unconstructive, obstructionist and unwilling to accept responsibility for their actions. This image was created by ill advised campaigns and protests such as the recent Socialist Society protest against “Police Brutality” in the Holy Lands. This protest involved NUS-USI officers. We need to remake the image of the National Union and the image of students in general by highlighting our hard work, industry and our care for the community around us.

I also look forward to building up the union movement in FE institutions. FE institutions are too often forgotten by the National Union. This is unacceptable. The strength of the union depends on the unity of all students whether FE or HE.”

The new executive committee takes office in July and both Ulster Unionist officers hope to continue the party’s century old tradition of serving their community.