TUI backs past president Gerard Craughwell in Seanad by election

By piofficer, Tuesday, 23rd September 2014 | 0 comments

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has endorsed the candidature of past president Gerard Craughwell for the by election to fill the vacancy in the Seanad Éireann Cultural and Educational Panel. The vacancy is caused by the election to the European Parliament of Ms Deidre Clune.

In total, eighteen members of the Oireachtas have backed Gerard, resulting in two valid nominations for his candidacy.

Speaking today, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said:

“Gerard Craughwell was President of the TUI for two years until the end of June 2014. As President, he represented the interests of our members - educators from second level, further education and third level - with great distinction.

In particular, he championed the cause of the disadvantaged and was an effective advocate for the provision to all our citizens, irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or background, of a public education service of the highest quality.

Gerard is a person of deep conviction and was at all times articulate in setting out the union’s commitment to equity and inclusion. During his time as President he won the respect of those with whom he dealt, regardless of their brief. He is possessed of a broad and generous national vision.

As a member of the Seanad, Gerard Craughwell would be an independent voice who would bring to the role his varied, rich and extensive experience. Given, in particular, his singular contribution to public discourse and policy in regard to education, the TUI believes that he would be a valuable member of the Cultural and Educational Panel.

The TUI is pleased and proud to endorse Gerard’s candidature and to ask members of the Oireachtas to support him.”

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