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:''Not to be confused with Young Unionists, the youth wing of the defunct ].'' {{Short description|Youth wing of the Ulster Unionist Party}}
⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox political youth organization {{Infobox political youth organization
| name = Young Unionists | name = Young Unionists
| logo = ] | logo = Young Unionists logo.png
| chairman = Mr. Joshua Lowry | chairman = Matthew Bell
| colorcode = {{Ulster Unionist Party/meta/color}} |secretary2= Lewis McVitty| colorcode = {{party color|Ulster Unionist Party}}
| founded = 1946-UYUC<br>2004-YU |treasurer= Ben Sharkey| founded = 1946-UYUC<br>2004-YU
| preceded_by = Ulster Young Unionist Council | preceded by = Ulster Young Unionist Council
| ideology = ]<br>] | ideology = ]<br>]
| headquarters = ], ] | headquarters = ], ]
| regional1_type = European | regional1_type = European
Line 14: Line 15:
| website = | website =
}} }}
The '''Young Unionists''', formally known as the '''Ulster Young Unionist Council''' (UYUC), is the youth wing of the ] (UUP). It has in its present incarnation been in existence since 2004. The '''Young Unionists''', formally known as the '''Ulster Young Unionist Council''' (UYUC), is the youth wing of the ] (UUP). It has in its present incarnation been in existence since 2004.

The Young Unionists host a number of events on an annual basis including a summer debate series, conference and social events as well as canvassing for elected reps. New members are always welcome!

*
⚫ *


==History== ==History==
] ]
Attempts had been made in the 1920s to create a youth movement linked to that of the ] (the ]) without much success. A second attempt was made before the outbreak of the Second World War, which also failed. The UYUC was formed by the Standing Committee of the Ulster Unionist Council in 1946 and quickly became a successful movement in South & West Belfast, ] and ].<ref name=autogenerated3>Faulkner, Brian, Memoirs of a Statesman, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1978</ref> The body's first Chairman was future ], ]<ref name=autogenerated3 /><ref>In the Land of King Canute: the Influence of Border Unionism on Ulster Unionist Politics, 1945–63 Attempts had been made in the 1920s to create a youth movement linked to that of the ] (the ]) without much success. A second attempt was made before the outbreak of the ], which also failed. The UYUC was formed by the Standing Committee of the Ulster Unionist Council in 1946 and quickly became a successful movement in South & West Belfast, ] and ].<ref name=autogenerated3>Faulkner, Brian, Memoirs of a Statesman, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1978</ref> The body's first Chairman was future ], ]<ref name=autogenerated3 /><ref>In the Land of King Canute: the Influence of Border Unionism on Ulster Unionist Politics, 1945–63
H Patterson - Contemporary British History, 2006</ref> H Patterson - Contemporary British History, 2006</ref>


In 1959 ] and ] spoke to the Young Unionists advocating an increase in Roman Catholic membership of the UUP. This was regarded as controversial at the time. In 1959, ], ], and ], ], spoke to the Young Unionists advocating an increase in Roman Catholic membership of the UUP. This was regarded as controversial at the time.


The body created many prominent figures in Northern Ireland politics throughout the 1960s and 1970s such as ] and ], however disagreements over Government policy and other factors left the body is disarray by the early 1970s, and it disbanded following the collapse of the ]. The body re-emerged under the Chairmanship of ] and continued to thrive throughout the 1980s, producing figures such as ], ], ] and ] with the latter 3 defecting to the ]. The body created many prominent figures in Northern Ireland politics throughout the 1960s and 1970s such as ] and ]; however, disagreements over Government policy and other factors left the body in disarray by the early 1970s, and it disbanded following the collapse of the ]. The body re-emerged under the Chairmanship of ] and continued to thrive throughout the 1980s, producing figures such as ], ], ] and ] with the latter 3 defecting to the ].


==1990s to present== ==1990s to present==
The body's membership was strongly opposed to the ] in 1998, and many campaigned against it. At the 2004 AGM the officers voted to disband the group.<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref> The body's membership was strongly opposed to the ] in 1998, and many campaigned against it. At the 2004 AGM the officers voted to disband the group.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/25077/ulster-unionist-youth-wing-to-be-reconstituted-by-march|title=Ulster Unionist youth wing to be reconstituted by March|website=www.4ni.co.uk|access-date=16 October 2022|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324233504/https://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/25077/ulster-unionist-youth-wing-to-be-reconstituted-by-march|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/heartsandminds/ifyouaskme/2004_IYAM/20040226.shtml|title=BBC - BBC Northern Ireland - News & Current Affairs - Hearts and Minds - If You Ask Me|access-date=16 October 2022|archive-date=26 September 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040926221234/http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/heartsandminds/ifyouaskme/2004_IYAM/20040226.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>


The organisation reconstituted shortly after it disbanded and has since enjoyed a period of sustained growth.<ref name=autogenerated2></ref> The UYUC has branches at ],<ref></ref> the ]<ref></ref> and branches at constituency level in the , Mid-Ulster/West Tyrone,<ref></ref> Lagan Valley<ref name=autogenerated2 /> and also Newry and Armagh/South Down, as well as Fermanagh & South Tyrone. A new organisation was reconstituted later that year and has since enjoyed a period of sustained growth.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{Cite web|url=http://uuptoday.org/newsroom/2007/06/22/lagan-valley-young-unionists-launch-branch/|title=uuptoday.org » Lagan Valley Young Unionists Launch Branch|access-date=23 December 2007|archive-date=28 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028075655/http://uuptoday.org/newsroom/2007/06/22/lagan-valley-young-unionists-launch-branch/|url-status=live}}</ref> The UYUC has branches at ],<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 August 2007|title=QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST STUDENTS' UNION|url=http://www.qubsu.org/cmsfiles/suc_mins_14_nov_05.doc|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812061503/http://www.qubsu.org/cmsfiles/suc_mins_14_nov_05.doc|archive-date=12 August 2007}}</ref> the ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uuptoday.org/newsroom/2008/03/14/young-unionist-society-forms-at-coleraine-university/|title=uuptoday.org » Young Unionist society forms at Coleraine University|access-date=15 March 2008|archive-date=23 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323063708/http://uuptoday.org/newsroom/2008/03/14/young-unionist-society-forms-at-coleraine-university/|url-status=live}}</ref> and branches at constituency level in the , Mid-Ulster/West Tyrone,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/UH/free/342740266794167.php|title=© The Ulster Herald - Letters to Editor}}</ref> Lagan Valley<ref name=autogenerated2 /> and also Newry and Armagh/South Down, as well as Fermanagh & South Tyrone.


The youth wing has produced many current and former senior faces in the party including ], ], ] MP MLA <ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/764997.stm | work=BBC News | title=Profile: Jeffrey Donaldson | date=2000-10-27}}</ref> and ] MLA, all of whom are former Chairmen, as well as Sir ] MLA, who served as Vice Chairman. The youth wing has produced many current and former senior faces in the party including ], ], ] MP MLA<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/764997.stm | work=BBC News | title=Profile: Jeffrey Donaldson | date=2000-10-27 | access-date=6 February 2007 | archive-date=29 May 2006 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060529025923/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/764997.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> and ], all of whom are former Chairmen, as well as ], who served as Vice Chairman.


==Current Activities== ==Current activities==


In recent years the Young Unionists have continued to function as an active political youth wing. In the 2014 local government elections 11 members of the Young Unionists were returned as councillors.<ref></ref> This represents over 10% of the UUP's total councillors. In recent years the Young Unionists have continued to function as an active political youth wing. In the 2014 local government elections 11 members of the Young Unionists were returned as councillors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/|title=ITV Hub|website=ITV Hub|access-date=24 March 2020|archive-date=18 April 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130418191407/http://www.u.tv/News/Hutchinson-elected-PUP-leader/96d96627-96c0-436d-b21b-e7e74bc4d888|url-status=live}}</ref> This represents over 10% of the UUP's total councillors.


The Young Unionists host a number of events on an annual basis including a summer debate series and conference. The Young Unionists host a number of events on an annual basis including a summer debate series, conference and social events as well as canvassing for elected reps.


==2019 Officers== ==2024 Officers==


*Chairman: Mr. Joshua Lowry *Chairman: Mr. Matthew Bell
*Hon. Secretary: Mr. Lewis McVitty
⚫ *Senior Vice-Chairman: Cllr. Stuart Hughes
*Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Ben Sharkey
⚫ *Vice-Chairman (International): Mr. Philip Agnew
*Senior Vice-Chairman: Mr Jay Buntin
⚫ *Hon. Secretary: Miss. Bethany Ferris
⚫ *Vice-Chairman (International): Vacant
*Hon. Treasurer: Cllr. Chris Smyth
*Public Relations Officer: Miss Rachel McCord
*PRO: Mr. Nathan Redmond
*Organiser: Mrs. Sarah Trimble *Events Organiser: Mr. Jay Basra
*Membership Secretary: Cllr. Ross McLernon *Membership Secretary: Mr. Matt Walker
*Universities Officer: Mrs. Katie Armstrong *Universities Officer: Mr. Nathan McLorn


==Honorary Membership==
⚫ <ref></ref>
Up to 15 Honorary positions are available;


*Honorary President: Mr. Joshua Lowry
==Chairmen==
*Honorary Patron: Mr. ]
*Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Alexander Redpath
*Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Kellie Cowan
*Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Nathan Redmond
*Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Philip Agnew
*Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Joshua Lowry
*Honorary Vice- President: Mr. George Carson
⚫ *Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Bethany Ferris
*Honorary Vice- President: Mrs. Sarah Trimble
*Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Nicholas Trimble
*Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Olivia Swan
==Chairpersons==


Second UYUC Second UYUC
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*2002 & 2003: Cllr. Peter Brown *2002 & 2003: Cllr. Peter Brown


Current UYUC Current Young Unionists
*2004: Mr. Kenny Donaldson *2004: Mr. Kenny Donaldson
*2005: Cllr. Peter Bowles *2005: Cllr. Peter Bowles
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*2016 & 2017: Cllr. Alexander Redpath *2016 & 2017: Cllr. Alexander Redpath
*2018 & 2019: Mr. Joshua Lowry *2018 & 2019: Mr. Joshua Lowry
⚫ *2020 & 2021: Cllr. Stuart Hughes
*2022 & 2023: Mr. Ben Sharkey
*2024: Mr. Matthew Bell


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{reflist}}


==Sources== ==Sources==
*'The Ulster Unionist Party, 1882-1973 : its development and organisation' (1973), J F Harbinson *'The Ulster Unionist Party, 1882–1973 : its development and organisation' (1973), J F Harbinson
*'A history of the Ulster Unionist Party : protest, pragmatism and pessimism' (2004) Graham Walker *'A history of the Ulster Unionist Party : protest, pragmatism and pessimism' (2004) Graham Walker
*'The Ulster Unionist Party 1972-92 (A Political Movement in an Era of Conflict and Change)' (1996), Dr David Hume *'The Ulster Unionist Party 1972–92 (A Political Movement in an Era of Conflict and Change)' (1996), Dr David Hume


==External links== ==External links==
*
*

{{Political youth organizations of Northern Ireland}} {{Political youth organizations of Northern Ireland}}
{{UUP}} {{UUP}}
{{European Young Conservatives}} {{European Young Conservatives}}
{{Youth wings of Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists member parties}} {{Youth wings of Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists member parties}}
⚫ {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2011}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 21:42, 25 October 2024

Youth wing of the Ulster Unionist Party

Young Unionists
ChairmanMatthew Bell
TreasurerBen Sharkey
Founded1946-UYUC
2004-YU
Preceded byUlster Young Unionist Council
HeadquartersBelfast, Northern Ireland
IdeologyBritish unionism
Conservatism
Mother partyUlster Unionist Party
European affiliationEY Conservatives

The Young Unionists, formally known as the Ulster Young Unionist Council (UYUC), is the youth wing of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). It has in its present incarnation been in existence since 2004.

The Young Unionists host a number of events on an annual basis including a summer debate series, conference and social events as well as canvassing for elected reps. New members are always welcome!

History

UYUC Crest

Attempts had been made in the 1920s to create a youth movement linked to that of the Conservative Party (the Junior Imperial and Constitutional League) without much success. A second attempt was made before the outbreak of the Second World War, which also failed. The UYUC was formed by the Standing Committee of the Ulster Unionist Council in 1946 and quickly became a successful movement in South & West Belfast, Fermanagh and Down. The body's first Chairman was future Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Brian Faulkner

In 1959, Brian Maginess, Q.C., and Sir Clarence Graham, Bt., spoke to the Young Unionists advocating an increase in Roman Catholic membership of the UUP. This was regarded as controversial at the time.

The body created many prominent figures in Northern Ireland politics throughout the 1960s and 1970s such as Bill Craig and John D. Taylor; however, disagreements over Government policy and other factors left the body in disarray by the early 1970s, and it disbanded following the collapse of the Stormont Parliament. The body re-emerged under the Chairmanship of David McNarry and continued to thrive throughout the 1980s, producing figures such as Edgar Graham, Jeffrey Donaldson, Peter Weir and Arlene Foster with the latter 3 defecting to the DUP.

1990s to present

The body's membership was strongly opposed to the Belfast Agreement in 1998, and many campaigned against it. At the 2004 AGM the officers voted to disband the group.

A new organisation was reconstituted later that year and has since enjoyed a period of sustained growth. The UYUC has branches at Queen's University, Belfast, the University of Ulster and branches at constituency level in the City of Belfast, Mid-Ulster/West Tyrone, Lagan Valley and also Newry and Armagh/South Down, as well as Fermanagh & South Tyrone.

The youth wing has produced many current and former senior faces in the party including The Lord Laird, The Lord Rogan, Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA and David McNarry, all of whom are former Chairmen, as well as Lord Empey, who served as Vice Chairman.

Current activities

In recent years the Young Unionists have continued to function as an active political youth wing. In the 2014 local government elections 11 members of the Young Unionists were returned as councillors. This represents over 10% of the UUP's total councillors.

The Young Unionists host a number of events on an annual basis including a summer debate series, conference and social events as well as canvassing for elected reps.

2024 Officers

  • Chairman: Mr. Matthew Bell
  • Hon. Secretary: Mr. Lewis McVitty
  • Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Ben Sharkey
  • Senior Vice-Chairman: Mr Jay Buntin
  • Vice-Chairman (International): Vacant
  • Public Relations Officer: Miss Rachel McCord
  • Events Organiser: Mr. Jay Basra
  • Membership Secretary: Mr. Matt Walker
  • Universities Officer: Mr. Nathan McLorn

Honorary Membership

Up to 15 Honorary positions are available;

  • Honorary President: Mr. Joshua Lowry
  • Honorary Patron: Mr. Mike Nesbitt
  • Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Alexander Redpath
  • Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Kellie Cowan
  • Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Nathan Redmond
  • Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Philip Agnew
  • Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Joshua Lowry
  • Honorary Vice- President: Mr. George Carson
  • Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Bethany Ferris
  • Honorary Vice- President: Mrs. Sarah Trimble
  • Honorary Vice- President: Mr. Nicholas Trimble
  • Honorary Vice- President: Miss. Olivia Swan

Chairpersons

Second UYUC

  • 1998 & 1999: Peter King
  • 2002 & 2003: Cllr. Peter Brown

Current Young Unionists

  • 2004: Mr. Kenny Donaldson
  • 2005: Cllr. Peter Bowles
  • 2006 & 2007: Cllr. Mark Dunn
  • 2008: Mr. Peter Munce (January 2008 - October 2008)
  • 2008 & 2009: Mr. Michael Shilliday
  • 2010 & 2011: Mr. Alasdair O'Hara
  • 2012 & 2013: Mr. Frank Geddis
  • 2014: Cllr. Alexander Redpath
  • 2015: Ms. Cathy Corbett
  • 2016 & 2017: Cllr. Alexander Redpath
  • 2018 & 2019: Mr. Joshua Lowry
  • 2020 & 2021: Cllr. Stuart Hughes
  • 2022 & 2023: Mr. Ben Sharkey
  • 2024: Mr. Matthew Bell

References

  1. ^ Faulkner, Brian, Memoirs of a Statesman, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1978
  2. In the Land of King Canute: the Influence of Border Unionism on Ulster Unionist Politics, 1945–63 H Patterson - Contemporary British History, 2006
  3. "Ulster Unionist youth wing to be reconstituted by March". www.4ni.co.uk. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  4. "BBC - BBC Northern Ireland - News & Current Affairs - Hearts and Minds - If You Ask Me". Archived from the original on 26 September 2004. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  5. ^ "uuptoday.org » Lagan Valley Young Unionists Launch Branch". Archived from the original on 28 October 2007. Retrieved 23 December 2007.
  6. "QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST STUDENTS' UNION". 12 August 2007. Archived from the original on 12 August 2007.
  7. "uuptoday.org » Young Unionist society forms at Coleraine University". Archived from the original on 23 March 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
  8. "© The Ulster Herald - Letters to Editor".
  9. "Profile: Jeffrey Donaldson". BBC News. 27 October 2000. Archived from the original on 29 May 2006. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  10. "ITV Hub". ITV Hub. Archived from the original on 18 April 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2020.

Sources

  • 'The Ulster Unionist Party, 1882–1973 : its development and organisation' (1973), J F Harbinson
  • 'A history of the Ulster Unionist Party : protest, pragmatism and pessimism' (2004) Graham Walker
  • 'The Ulster Unionist Party 1972–92 (A Political Movement in an Era of Conflict and Change)' (1996), Dr David Hume

External links

Political youth organisations of Northern Ireland
Ulster Unionist Party
Leaders
Deputy Leaders
Chairman
President
General Secretary
Leadership elections
Organisational structure
History and
related organisations
Lists
Other topics
European Young Conservatives
Youth wings of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party
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