The General Secretary 2026 election ballot deadline has been extended to Friday 3rd July 2026. In what was supposed to be the last week of the ballot for NIPSA General Secretary, many members are still sitting without a ballot paper to exercise their democratic right to cast a vote. I was also informed today that a member only received their ballot paper and no election addresses. Although the NIPSA leadership has issued out a notice to all members through Branch Secretaries citing the disorder last week as a possible justification for member’s not having received their ballot papers, I find that hard to believe. Ballots were issued on the 5th June, today is the 19 June!! How can anyone have confidence in this election? Will every member get a chance to cast a vote within the set timeframe? Where does the responsibility lay, especially when a member doesn’t receive a ballot? The current NIPSA leadership, and the 25-person governing body (the General Council), who agreed the election process are clearly out of touch with reality. The NIPSA Establishment knowing how trade union elections are run in Northern Ireland should have known of the possible constraints due to the issues around delayed postal deliveries across Northern Ireland as there have been multiple news articles/social media comments highlighting the issue very recently and over the past year. Anyone on a galloping horse would know a second-class postal ballot while there is known delivery issues would be a problem. But what sticks in my mind was when I was President asking for the likes of risk registers to be put in place to the bemusement of the current senior NIPSA leadership. This underlines my case for urgent root and branch reform of NIPSA and its processes. The last General Council with a 5% return rate was a clear sign of serious issues with postal ballots, the NIPSA senior leadership missed this. Every member should really consider, if they missed this, what else have they missed? It also has to be said that the low turn-out is as a consequence of the NIPSA leadership being out of touch with the membership at large who feel completely alienated from their approach. Let’s be clear, the Royal Mail postal delivery issues are not down to the fault of postal workers, but the failed operating model of a private enterprise that puts profit for shareholders over the needs of the public. Time and time again we have seen the detrimental effects of privatisation of public services. This also highlights why the introduction of The Good Jobs Bill to the floor of the NI Assembly is extremely important. Part of this bill will transform how trade unions conduct elections, paving the way for online election facilities that will resign the archaic postal ballot system to the past in a modern digital world of today. NIPSA needs a General Secretary with a modern vision rooted in the reality of what is happening on the ground, not a puppet of the past. If you have not received your ballot paper by next Thursday morning (25 June 2026) please contact NIPSA Membership on 02890 661831. Every NIPSA Member’s Voice Should Be Heard, Every NIPSA Vote Counts

Dear Fellow Member I am asking for your vote in this vital election because I believe NIPSA urgently needs real change. We all see the challenges around us: political decisions are hitting our pay, pensions and job security daily. To defend our living standards in this volatile time, we must equip NIPSA with the right tools to deliver tangible results. Sadly, under the current approach, that has not been happening. Our union’s establishment likes to recite their decades of “experience” and the positions they’ve held. But what have they actually achieved in those positions that any other postholder wouldn’t have? The truth is stark: in my decades as a NIPSA activist (from branch rep to President), I’ve watched extremely poor returns for members as a result of bad decisions, lack of strategy, and media soundbites. Our pension schemes have been cut and real pay has declined across the board on their watch. Think about it: the only above-inflation pay rise we saw in the public sector was driven not by NIPSA’s leadership but by nurses forcing a Stormont deal. This cannot continue. If elected General Secretary, I will immediately put in place an ambitious co-design programme of reform at all levels of our union to ensure we negotiate effectively and win. The days of ineffective one-day strikes will be over. We will modernise the NIPSA Fighting Fund so that it is well-resourced, allowing truly targeted industrial action when we need to put pressure on employers – rather than symbolic protests that achieve little. I firmly believe NIPSA stands at a crossroads that will define our next two decades. We need root-and-branch reform. Outdated systems and processes must be modernised, large sections of our constitution reviewed, and democratic accountability instilled top to bottom. Some establishment figures hoped to skip this contest, expecting a coronation for the status quo. That is undemocratic and I refused to step aside on principle. NIPSA members deserve a fair election with a genuine choice between two very different candidates: one continuity candidate who will carry on as things are – managing decline, failing to adapt to a changing world – and me – the members’ candidate, elected directly by and from the membership, who will put members at the heart of everything NIPSA does, at all times and at all levels. It’s time to throw open the doors and make NIPSA a truly democratic union. Not one where we merely hold the occasional committee election, but one where members are kept up-to-date in real time about what’s going on – and actually consulted in real time, with your views given priority. That’s the union I offer to build: confident, modern, and member-led. I appreciate your consideration and would be honoured to earn your support. Together we can transform NIPSA into the effective, transparent and member-first union you deserve. If you would like to learn more visit my website dairefornipsa.com Thank-you. (As printed in the Election Addresses Booklet that will arrive with your Ballot Paper)

During this campaign, I have heard from many members who feel frustrated, disconnected and let down. But every so often, a message comes in that stops me in my tracks. It cuts through the noise of an election and brings me back to what this is really about: people, their experiences, and whether they still feel their union is there for them when they need it most. We know that at the last General Council election, 95% of the membership disengaged. That should trouble every one of us. Behind that figure are real people: members who have stopped believing their voice matters, members who no longer feel listened to, and members who have quietly drifted away because they no longer see themselves reflected in the union that is meant to stand beside them. Some stop voting. Some stop engaging. Some reach the point of wondering whether they should walk away altogether. The e-mail below is one of those messages. With the member's permission, I am sharing it (anonymised) because it speaks with a honesty and rawness that I could never improve by rewriting it. Before taking the time to read my election address and look through my website, this member had reached the point of considering leaving NIPSA altogether. That should give all of us pause. Their words deserve to be heard exactly as they were written, because this is not an abstract debate about structures or slogans. It is about how a member felt, and about the difference it made when they felt, even briefly, that someone was finally listening. Hi Dáire, I received the information on the NIPSA General Secretary election today. To be honest, after a year of feeling unsupported and unheard within our union following serious workplace issues , I wasn’t intending to engage with the election at all. My experience has been one of feeling that concerns were not properly heard or acknowledged, and I have been disappointed by what I can only describe as a lack of meaningful support, contact, or engagement from my union representative throughout that process. In fact, I had reached the point where I was considering leaving the union altogether and moving to another union. However, I decided today that I would at least take the time to read through the election addresses before making any final decisions. I’m really glad that I read yours first. Your message resonated with me and felt genuine, reflecting many of the concerns that members like myself have been experiencing. Had I read your opponent’s address first, if I’m honest, I would probably have switched off completely. It felt very much like the same rhetoric we’ve heard for years, without addressing the real frustrations and disconnect that many members are feeling. After reading your election address, I also took some time to look through your website. What stood out to me was your focus on accountability, transparency, strengthening workplace representation, and ensuring members are properly supported and heard. Those may seem like simple principles, but they are exactly the areas where I feel the union has fallen short for me over the past year. What particularly resonated with me was your recognition that members need more than statements and promises — they need visible action, communication, and representation when it matters most. Reading through your proposed priorities and the changes you want to make gave me a sense that you understand the gap that currently exists between many members and the union, and that there is a genuine desire to rebuild trust and confidence among the membership. Your address and manifesto gave me pause and made me reconsider my intention to disengage from the union altogether. For that reason, I wanted to take the time to contact you directly and let you know that your message stood out and, for the first time in quite a while, made me feel that someone within NIPSA is listening to the concerns of ordinary members. I wish you every success in the election. We need real change. When I read that email, I felt it very deeply. I felt sadness, because no member should ever be left so unsupported that they begin to lose faith in their own union. I felt anger too, because members should not have to fight to be heard by the very organisation that exists to support them. But above all, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This is why I put myself forward. I did not stand to offer more of the same. I stood because I believe members deserve better than silence, distance or a sense that they are on their own when things go wrong. When I replied, I wanted the member to know that I was genuinely moved by what they had shared with me. I wanted them to know that their experience mattered and that their honesty had landed with me. I told them that accountability, transparency and strong workplace representation should not be aspirations; they should be the everyday reality of union membership. I told them that members must be listened to, kept informed, and supported when it matters most. I believe that deeply. For me, that is not campaign language. It is the basic standard members should be able to expect from their union without question. This member’s voice matters because it will not be the only one. For every member who takes the time to write, there will be many others carrying the same disappointment in silence. That is what stays with me. It is not only the words that were written, but the thought of all the members who feel the same frustration or disillusionment and never say it out loud. If we are serious about rebuilding trust, we have to begin by listening — properly listening — to what members are telling us. We have to recognise the depth of disengagement and the damage it causes. And then we have to respond not with polished phrases, but with visible action, honest communication, stronger representation and a union culture that makes members feel valued again. Every Member's Voice Matters If You Are Disengaged - Now Is The Time To Re-engage. Your Vote Matters - Make It Count!

The current 2026 NIPSA General Secretary election, similar to the General Council elections for the last number of years, has brought a critical issue to the forefront: is democracy within the union truly alive, or is it being stifled by the Broad Left/Democracy Now/Militant Left faction? This group claims to champion democratic control for all members, yet their actions suggest otherwise. As a candidate challenging their selected nominee, I have experienced firsthand how access to members is being blocked, especially through Branch secretaries. This raises a serious question: is NIPSA still a union of its members, or has it become a dictatorship controlled by a narrow political vanguard? This post explores the reality behind the slogans and rhetoric, the impact on NIPSA members, and how the union can reclaim its democratic spirit for the benefit of all. The Promise of Democracy vs. The Reality of Control The Broad Left/Democracy Now/Militant Left faction within NIPSA present themselves as defenders of democracy. Their slogans emphasise returning power to the membership, promoting transparency, and fighting for workers' rights. These messages resonate with many members who want a union that listens and acts on their behalf. Yet, the reality is different. These groups have established a stronghold over union structures, especially through control of NIPSA Branches. This control allows them to filter information, limit access to members, and block challengers from communicating their platforms. When a candidate like myself tries to reach out, the message is clear: only the approved narrative is allowed. This situation is not democracy. It is a form of gatekeeping that undermines the very principles the union claims to uphold. How Branch Secretaries Influence Member Access Branch secretaries play a vital role in NIPSA. They are the link between the union leadership and the membership on the ground. Their responsibilities include organising meetings, distributing information, and facilitating communication. When Branch secretaries align exclusively with one faction, they can control what members hear. This control can take several forms: Selective distribution of election materials: Only sharing information that supports the favoured candidate. Discouraging members from engaging with alternative viewpoints. These tactics create an uneven playing field. Members are denied the opportunity to make fully informed decisions, which is essential for a healthy democracy. The Impact on NIPSA Members Members of NIPSA deserve a union that represents their interests, not just the agenda of a political faction. When democracy is compromised, members lose: Voice: Their concerns and ideas are sidelined. Choice: Elections become a formality rather than a genuine contest. Trust: Confidence in union leadership erodes. This environment breeds frustration and disengagement. Members may feel powerless, leading to lower participation and weaker collective strength. Reclaiming NIPSA for All Members This General Secretary election offers a chance to change this dynamic. Here are some ways members can help restore democracy within NIPSA: Demand transparency: Insist that all candidates have equal access to members and that election materials are fairly distributed. Engage actively: Attend meetings, ask questions, and encourage open debate. Support independent voices: Back candidates who prioritise member control over factional interests. Hold leadership accountable: Challenge any attempts to block communication or manipulate processes. By taking these steps, members can ensure NIPSA becomes a union that truly serves everyone, not just a select few. Why This Election Matters The 2026 General Secretary election is more than a leadership contest. It is a test of NIPSA’s commitment to democracy. The outcome will shape how the union operates for years to come. If the current control by the Broad Left/Democracy Now/Militant Left continues unchecked, NIPSA risks becoming a union where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and members are sidelined. Alternatively, a victory for a candidate who champions genuine democracy can open the door to a more inclusive, transparent, and member-driven union. Moving Forward Together NIPSA members have the power to decide the future of their union. Democracy requires active participation, vigilance, and courage to challenge entrenched interests. This election is an opportunity to take back control, to ensure the union works for all members, not just the Vanguard of the Glorious Self-Appreciation Committee. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Together, we can build a NIPSA that lives up to its promise of democratic control and fairness.

Introduction Adopting a political fund is a significant decision for any organisation and this particularly so for trade unions. Many people, insofar as they ever think about the matter, may casually regard the adoption of a political fund as presenting organisations generally with both opportunities and challenges. The Dual or is that Doubtful Nature of Political Funds The supporters of a political fund have long argued that if NIPSA had one, it would enable our trade union and trade union activists to provide resources to support campaigns, lobby political parties and representatives and influence party political policy decisions. The benefits we are told would potentially lead to a strengthening of our trade union's influence not only over politicians, political parties and provide us with a greater say in their political decisions but reinforce our interests and our negotiating position with employers, as a result. Sounds great, right? I mean, what could go wrong? The truth is that there is much more at stake for trade unions, in terms of their independence, democracy, unity and finances than at first may be apparent. The argument from those in favour usually runs along the lines that most other trade unions have a political fund and are fine, so why shouldn't we, as if that makes NIPSA some kind of weird outlier. The truth is most of the main trade unions in Northern Ireland are generally UK-wide and headquartered in Great Britain and most not only have a political fund but, moreover, are officially affiliated to one political party - the UK's Labour Party. Whereas NIPSA is based entirely in Northern Ireland and so represents members only in Northern Ireland, and, as we know, the UK's Labour Party does not stand in Northern Ireland. Clearly, the situation is not analogous. Yet, the implications and dangers of adopting a political fund are real and need to be considered. Would any claimed benefits really materialise for the general membership or the overall well-being of our trade union, or would having such a political fund, as many suspect, become a source of potential division, suspicion, distrust, favouritism, partiality, misappropriation and misrepresentation in our trade union? More worryingly, would it provide an official conduit for undue external influence, interference and control? Then there are the dangers that any questionable use or misuse of such a political fund would expose NIPSA to, for example, increased adverse scrutiny from the Certification Officer, the media and/or the public, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. On top of that is a potential for reputational risks if the fund’s activities are perceived negatively. Financial obligations associated with maintaining and reporting on a political fund might well further complicate matters. Taken together these factors would certainly seem to outweigh any perceived benefits for many. Legally speaking, a trade union with it headquarters based in Northern Ireland only needs a political fund if it wants to use its funds for ‘political objects’ such as paying contributions to the funds of, or expenses incurred by, a political party. Similarly, expenditure could be made, for example, as regards to the registration of electors, the candidature of any person or the selection of any person with respect to any election to a political office in the NI Assembly, Westminster Parliament, European parliament or a District Council. Groundhog Day As most former and current NIPSA activists, officers, officials and many members know and remember there has been a concerted effort on the part of some union activists and factions for decades to have NIPSA and its membership, through its branch representatives, endorse a motion, brought before NIPSA’s Annual General Conference, calling for the adoption of a political fund. For most of those decades, with a few notable exceptions, this motion has been assiduously brought back year after year despite its clear rejection by Conference and the branches and members of NIPSA, every time it is proposed. Many NIPSA branch representatives will recall how pages of the Annual Conference Agenda booklet have been consumed with a wording and formulation of a motion that remains unchanging from one year to the next as if somehow its faithful reproduction if published often enough will meet with better success. I well remember down through the years the veritable ‘football teams’ of speakers lining up at Conference to speak for and against this motion, in truth, most of an afternoon of Conference time was taken up recycling the same old arguments. Although the same arguments were rehearsed every time this motion was proposed, the debate was often heated, invoking scorn, acrimony and division. Our Society, Identity and the Past: Divided Culture, Identities, Loyalties and Politics Northern Ireland’s history is deeply marked by division, with cultural, identity, loyalty and political lines often drawn sharply between communities. These longstanding differences have shaped not only social and civic life, but also the way organisations such as trade unions operate and are perceived. The interplay of these divided backgrounds, influences and attitudes towards collective action and organisational decisions, including those relating to political engagement and the establishment of political funds, cannot simply be ignored or supplanted with the utopian internationalist demand of some who equate the espousal of nationalist or unionist politics with a form of sectarianism and its expression as the outworking of so-called ‘green and orange toryism’. National identity politics here is real and legitimate political opinion and members are entitled to hold and express them without the fear of being labelled sectarian or right- wing. That said, however, there has been, historically, a very real concern that in this divided society, which the membership NIPSA reflects, that a political fund could conceivably allow union funds to be directed to mainstream Northern Ireland political parties in support of nationalist or unionist political parties, their candidates, representatives and causes. The Perils of Factions, Micro-Political Parties and Entryism Within NIPSA, there exists a genuine concern tied to the influence of factions and micro- political parties, particularly, though not exclusively, those of the Trotskyist variety. Should a political fund be adopted, it is feared that such groups could leverage their internal alliances to direct union resources and funds towards their own ideological and party-political interests. The recent General Council elections have highlighted this risk, revealing that several council members who belong to the same faction also openly declare membership of the same micro-political party. Such dual membership, in and of itself, is not evidence of anything untoward or of a conflict of interest – after all our members are free to be members of any political party if they wish - it does, however, point to the potential where such occurs for external party-political influence over the affairs of the union. A problem potentially arises if dual membership produces a political and ideological alignment and agenda which is at odds with the views, interests and aims of the union and its rank-and file members. Such circumstances can see an unrepresentative ideology or the aims of a political party being promulgated, prised, prioritised and promoted over the views, and without the agreement, of ordinary NIPSA members. You may well ask why any of this should matter? In such circumstances, the establishment of a political fund could potentially facilitate these minority views and micro-political parties becoming the primary—if not exclusive—financial beneficiaries of such a fund, especially if their factionist supporters hold a majority on the General Council. This scenario raises concerns about entryism, where factions use their influence within the union, on behalf of, and to further the aims of, their chosen political group, potentially to the detriment of the union's broader membership and unity. It is concerning that a micro-political party which represents politically a minority of NIPSA’s membership, could potentially direct and control our union, imposing its ideological view on most members and potentially union funds in pursuit of same. As mentioned, the clear and present danger is that micro-political parties will have divergent political interests, policies, agendas, priorities and goals to that of our union and its members – the promotion and passing of the Brexit motion at NIPSA’s Annual Conference in 2016 a month before the Brexit referendum is a case in point. Leaving aside the controversial circumstances which attended the vote on the Brexit motion, support for it came from a particular faction from within NIPSA which was not representative of its level of support across the broad membership of the union. Similarly, a call made on behalf of NIPSA for what was termed a ‘Left Exit’ aka ‘Lexit’ appeared to emanate from the same faction occupying positions of control within our union and without any apparent recourse to the views of the rank-and-file members of NIPSA or their agreement. Is it merely co-incidence, happenstance, that the pro-Brexit position of this faction in NIPSA coincided with the ideological position adopted on the matter by the micro-political party which many in the faction declared themselves to be members of? Perhaps – Perhaps not. The essential point here is that this was an example of a significant issue for NIPSA members being effectively decided upon by a faction without ever canvassing or considering, the actual opinions of ordinary members on the issue or securing their agreement in relation to it. The argument that members were free to comment on and debate the motion within their branches and/or direct their branch to oppose same, whilst true, is not the same as seeking the views of all NIPSA members on such a monumental and once in a lifetime decision. The failure to obtain the views of all members on such a huge step for our union was arguably undemocratic and inimical to the interests of NIPSA members who may well have voiced an opposite, anti-Brexit view – a trade union after all is supposed to represent and be representative of its members and their interests. The result of the actual Brexit referendum in Northern Ireland opposing Brexit was 56% and as NIPSA is the largest trade union in Northern Ireland with a membership broadly reflective of society here, there is every reason to suspect that NIPSA’s membership, had it been consulted directly, would have reflected a similar level of opposition. The Brexit motion was effectively nullified at a subsequent Conference with another motion moved by me calling for NIPSA to undo its effect. This episode illustrates the perils of a faction linked to a micro-political party pursuing an agenda and aims within our union purportedly on behalf of our union which are arguably at variance with the actual views and interests of NIPSA’s members, but which are in accord with the position and ideology of a micro-political party. Hoary Old Chestnuts No doubt the proponents for the adoption of a political fund – many members of a faction and micro-political party – will seek to have the issue placed again on NIPSA’s Annual Conference Agenda in the form of the same motion before Conference that has been advanced before for decades previously. It is a certainty that the same well-worn arguments in its favour will be dusted off, repackaged and presented again along familiar tramlines. These arguments are sundry but in summary members will be told that its adoption will provide NIPSA with increased and significant leverage, influence and control, that it will somehow untie NIPSA and activists’ hands and augment NIPSA’s negotiating toolkit. What members of NIPSA and their representatives need to ask is where is the logic or evidence for such claims? What could really be achieved in terms of members pay and conditions that do not already exist? You may hear suggestions that prospective political candidates and sitting political representatives from all the main parties would be somehow better held to account or face censure and/or challenge on issues through a political campaign waged by NIPSA activists and paid for by the political fund. But what would this really mean? Would it mean NIPSA activists lobbying political parties, standing themselves for political office or politically supporting and funding others from micro- political parties to do so? Which of the main political parties and their representatives would be targeted for political campaigns and what assurance would there be that such targeting would not be based more on the ideological proclivities of a faction or a linked micro-political party? Is there the slightest evidence that such a strategy would work or yield even the smallest of benefits from employers as a result? Is there any indication that members would agree with the effective party politicisation of our union? These are rhetorical questions, as there is absolutely no evidence that justifies their assertion, particularly, in Northern Ireland’s unique political, economic and industrial relations context, but you will hear them, nevertheless, confidently being made by proponents. There is evidence, however, historically, that the party politicisation of our union in relation to certain issues, has all the potential to cause alienation, offence, rancour, division and dispute amongst our members, in some cases leading to individual and multiple resignations from NIPSA. It will be argued, by supporters of a political fund, that any motion calling for same, if passed, is simply calling the matter to be brought back to Conference the following year so that a further motion may be moved putting the matter to the vote. It will be said that approving such motion affords supporters a democratic right currently denied and that continuing refusal to allow such a vote is undemocratic. The same democratic advocates appear strangely silent on putting the matter to directly in an individual ballot of all NIPSA members, as is already done for the election of candidates to NIPSA’s ruling body, the General Council. Such a ballot would be the surest and arguably most democratic way to decide what is a significant and potentially controversial matter for members. Another hoary old chestnut which is often rolled out is the argument which says that even if a political fund is adopted, members can be reassured that they will not be forced to subscribe to it because the fund will be operated on an ‘opt-in’ (voluntary) basis. Whilst an ‘opt-in’ system is, indeed, the law in Northern Ireland for the operation of a political fund, this fact does not alter the fact that NIPSA members, albeit on a voluntary basis, who choose to contribute to a NIPSA political fund, will be involving themselves, and by implication NIPSA, as a trade union, in the divisive, partisan and controversial world of party politics. Constitutional Considerations – a Safeguard and a Bulwark As the adoption of a political fund would require a change to NIPSA’s constitution, the constitution requires that any such change requires a two thirds majority voting in favour of any motion which proposes such change. This high threshold exists for a very good reason, ensuring that the constitution, which holds and codifies NIPSA’s core principles, organisation, structures and electoral processes, cannot be easily, frivolously and/or continually changed, undermined, destabilised or overturned, thereby, protecting the integrity of the union’s governance. It is significant that the architects of the NIPSA’s constitution did not include provision for a political fund, its provisions and, in view of the concerns already outlined above, it is hardly surprising that they did not. The two thirds threshold ensures that any significant change, such as the introduction of a political fund, must be supported by a clear and overwhelming consensus among members, reinforcing the union’s commitment to democratic principles and collective representation. It is not an insignificant fact that nearly every year over recent decades, the motion for the adoption of a political fund has been brought before NIPSA’s Annual Delegate Conference and every time has failed support, and failed significantly, to meet this threshold. If this failure can be taken as a yardstick of support in our union, then there is even more reason to believe that there is no support, demand or appetite amongst our membership for a political fund and certainly not a consensus for change. Conclusion I do not believe that our members want to see NIPSA, our trade union, donating funds to selected political parties nor do they want our union engaging in or supporting party political election campaigns or candidates, where the lines between our trade union and the chosen political party are not simply blurred but indiscernible. Our trade union already engages with political parties and their representatives routinely in furtherance of our members interests, pensions, pay and conditions of service and does so without the need for a political fund. Yes, our trade union needs to continue to concern itself in the real world and that means also in the realm of politics for the benefit of our members but it does not need, and should not involve itself in, party political or ideological agendas such as, for example, the furtherance of Trotskyism. I have every confidence that as in the past NIPSA members, the branches and branch representatives will continue to oppose and vote against the adoption of a political fund. Seán Garland May 2026 About the Author Dr. Seán Garland is a long-standing member of NIPSA, who has served as a branch representative, branch secretary and as a member of the Civil Service Group Executive Committee and as a member of the General Council. He works for the Department of Health in legislation and is partially retired. Seán is also a qualified historian with a PhD from the Queen’s University Belfast.

I am reaching out to all Branches across NIPSA seeking to formally nominate me, Dáire Hamilton-Toner, as a candidate for NIPSA General Secretary. Contact your Branch committee to ensure an all members Branch meeting is called for nominations for candidates to be placed on the ballot paper. I know branch nominations matter, and I'd really value your support. Put simply, I'm standing because I think NIPSA can be more open, more responsive, and much more effective for Members - and I want to help lead that change. A few reasons I'm asking your Branch to nominate me: Renewal that Members can actually feel: making NIPSA quicker to respond, easier to engage with, and better at getting results. Members First: staying focused on the everyday issues - pay, jobs, conditions, workload, and fair treatment - not factional politics and infighting. Backing NIPSA Reps and Branches: more practical support for the people doing the work locally, and a stronger, visible and effective workplace presence. Clearer, more honest communication: regular updates and straight answers - including when things are difficult. Leadership that listens - and then acts: being visible, accessible, and focused on delivery for Members. Rebuilding trust and collectivism: encouraging respectful debate and a healthier culture so the Union is stronger when it counts If your Branch is open to it, can you ensure that my nomination is placed on the agenda for your next Branch meeting (or an extraordinary meeting if that's what is needed) before the deadline for nominations (22 May 2026) and let me know the outcome of your Branch nomination. I am very happy to join a Branch meeting (in person or online) to answer questions and talk through your priorities. If you'd like to set that up, you can reach me at dairefornipsa@gmail.com. Thanks very much for taking the time to consider this. I'd really appreciate your support as a candidate From the Membership, With the Membership, For the Membership, and I'm happy to answer any questions in the meantime. In solidarity Dáire Hamilton-Toner NIPSA General Secretary 2026 Campaign built around transformation, renewal, and a new and fresh leadership delivering for all Members