Congratulations to the New Committee
On Thursday 5th March, UCC YFG held there AGM in the Council Room, UCC. The meeting was chaired by Simon Coveney TD. Guests on the night included Colm Burke MEP, Sean Kelly, Deirdre Clune TD and Susie O'Connor, Fine Gael National Youth Officer. Many local election candidates were also present on the evening.
Elected on the night were: Michelle Leamy – Chairman
Julie O’Leary – Vice-Chairman
Sean Farragher- Secretary
Rebecca Sullivan- Treasurer
Robert O’Sullivan- PRO
Special word of thanks goes to the outgoing committee, and former Chairman Jamie Cullinan for the work they put in over the year.
Best of luck to all those elected
Behan Becomes Vice-President
At the 22nd National Conference of Young Fine Gael, one of UCC YFG’s longest serving members was elected to the position of Vice-President. Speaking to a cheering crowd at the conference, Stephen Behan (Kerry) said that he “can only hope that this would bring the membership into the decision making process more, and offer them a genuine voice.”
He went on to paraphrase a line of John Bruton’s “our ideology steers clear of reducing society to a functionalistic role, instead emphasising the personalistic and human need of people. Our Christian democratic heritage in this party has a deep resonance for me, and my own faith in Fine Gael. I promise that I will continue to work for the person rather than the process or the pedantic elements that can sidetrack, and that our resolve will be resultantly strengthened.”
UCC YFG would like to thank Stephen for all his hard unsung work over the last number of years in YFG and wish him well in his new position.
Also, we would like to congratulate our First Year Rep, Keith Winters on being elected as Ireland South Organiser.
UCC YFG’s ‘Opt-Out’ Model for Organ Donation Heralded
At the Young Fine Gael (YFG) National Conference last weekend in the Athlone Sheraton Hotel 400 members from 60 branches throughout Ireland debated a motion proposed by the UCC branch. The motion proposed that organ donation should be a ‘opt out’ rather than an ‘opt in system’, unless otherwise stated by the individual.
The motion states: That Young Fine Gael supports the idea of an opt out system for Organ Donation, therefore assuming a person to be an organ donor unless otherwise stated by the individual.
Chair of University College Cork YFG, Jamie Cullinan, who proposed the motion said:
‘Many people are in favour of donating their organs but simply don’t get around to acquiring, signing or carrying the card with them. Under our proposal by deciding to opt out of donating they are making their intentions clear rather than leaving the decision to their families, which is often the case.
“Just 15 per cent of Irish donors give consent for their lungs to be transplanted compared to 50% in other countries. Organ donation in Ireland is less than half compared to those figures in Spain. Ireland needs to place an emphasis on organ donation, by making people more aware of the difference that donating an organ can make to the life to a person in need. In addition to this there is currently no legislative framework in Ireland governing the use of or withholding consent in regard to the donation of body organs and this issue should be addressed.”
The motion was carried by a unanimous vote and we look forward to seeing this become part of the YFG Manifesto.
A very strong performance was put on over the weekend in the Athlone Sheraton Hotel, not least by the UCC Alfred O Rahilly Branch. Between lively and informative discussion on various important motions, much fun was had. Well done to our debating team; Stephen Behan and Claire Ryan, who did very well at the debating competition on Friday night, Chaired by John Paul Phelan.
UCC YFG Hustings for National Executive Elections
UCC Young Fine Gael will host our hustings for the National Executive elections, on Tuesday, February 17th. All those seeking election to positions on the YFG National Executive are encouraged to attend.
The venue is The University Council Room, in the North Wing of the Quadrangle (The castle-like building), and kick off will be at 7.30pm.
Members from all over are invited to question their future officers, listen to their proposals, so as an informed decision can be made the following Saturday at National Conference.
Stephen Behan Keith Winters
Vice-Presidential Ireland South
Candidate Organiser Elect
UCC YFG & Kerry Waterford YFG &
North Member UCC Branch Member
Presidential Candidates
Alan Gallagher Barry Walsh
What direction do you think Young Fine Gael should be taking in the future?
Come along and put YOUR views forward to the next National Executive for policy change.
For further details, contact UCC YFG by emailing yfg@uccsocieties.ie
Colm Burke: Your Health and Europe Conference
Colm Burke MEP requests the pleasure of your company at
"Your Health and Europe"A European Union Conference on Cross Border Healthcare
Sharing Best Practice in Healthcare Across Borders
on Saturday 31st January 2009
Charleville,
Co. Cork
10.00am – 5.30pm
Speakers include:
Pat Cox, Former President of the European Parliament
John F Ryan, Head of Unit 3 on Health Threats, DG SANCO, European Commission
Dr. Martin O'Donnell, St. Josephs Foundation, Charleville
Dougie Paterson, Head of Choose Life - Scotland
Please RSVP to yfg@uccsocieties.ie or 0871236808
Download Invitation Here
Admission Free
All UCC YFG Members are Welcome.
Transport will be provided from UCC to Charleville and back.
Dáil Trip
On Tuesday the 27th of January, UCC YFG will be visiting Dáil Eireann where we will be greeted by Fine Gael Deputies and Senators. On the 26th of January the delegation will also attend a filming of Questions and Answers. If you would like to join us on this trip please contact our Chairperson Jamie Cullinan at yfg@uccsocieties.ie for further information.
All Welcome
Brussels Trip
Colm is organising a trip for a group of Young Fine Gael members from Ireland South (5 of which will be members of UCC YFG) to the European Parliament in Brussels (February 8-11th).
There will be a free draw for participants the closing date for entries is Tueday 20th January @9pm. Email yfg@uccsocieties.ie with your name, address, phone number and Passport number.
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