PRESIDENT
JOHN LOGUE
Having served as USI Deputy President and Eastern Area Officer last year, John is seeking the Presidency of USI after returning to college to complete his degree. During his short time in USI, John had many notable achievements and was known for his leadership and strong work ethic.
Following a six month campaign, John secured 5,000 places for graduates on JobBridge- the national internship programme. JobBridge provides valuable work experience to unemployed graduates along with an increase in their unemployment benefit. John produced the initial policy calling for the scheme to be created and implemented the lobbying and campaign strategy that saw it included in Budget 2011. John orchestrated USI’s ‘Your Future, Your Vote’ campaign that successfully registered over 15,000 students to vote prior to the general election in 2011. He also co-ordinated the USI/INMO Protest which saw over 10,000 nurses and midwives take to the streets in protest at payment cuts for students while on placement. With the USI President out of the county and the grant situation escalating, it was John as Acting President who engaged with solicitors regarding the decision of the Minister for Education & Skills to cut grant payments. These initial meetings led to the High Court case that is still on going. If successful, his actions may result in students receiving millions of Euro in retrospective payments. Throughout his time in USI, John forged strong links with the Department of Education having met the Minister and his staff on numerous occasions. He also developed strong relationships within the Higher Education Authority, having been a content advisor on student grants with the organisation this year. The USI President needs to be able to work closely with these bodies to deliver for students and John will be ready to do so from 1st July. John believes USI needs to change its entire campaigning strategy if it is to deliver for students. He believes that USI is not a headquarters in Dublin but rather a strong bond of students’ unions across the country. He believes that now, more than ever, the organisation needs a new direction. John has the experience, ideas and drive to take USI in that new direction. Vote for Experience. Vote for a Vision. Vote Logue for President 2012”
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