Our People

Adam McGibbon - South Belfast Greens – Political Reform

Adam McGibbon is the youngest candidate to stand in Northern Ireland in the 2010 Westminster election.  The 22-year-old is standing in the South Belfast constituency.
 
A postgraduate politics student at Queen's University, Adam joined the Green Party in 2007 at the age of 19, becoming the youngest member of the Party's Executive Committee. He is currently the Chairperson of the South Belfast branch and was a founding member of the Party's Queens University branch.  In early 2010 he was elected Vice-President of Queen's Students' Union.
 
Speaking following his selection, Mr. McGibbon said: ‘I am delighted to have been selected to represent the Green Party in this election. As a member of the only real post-conflict political party, I want to represent everyone regardless of background in South Belfast, particularly the thousands of apathetic young people who are turned off by the politics of the past. Green MPs will fight for a Green New Deal to create tens of thousands of new green-sector jobs in Northern Ireland.  This will fight the recession, fuel poverty and climate change. I will fight to preserve South Belfast's remaining green spaces, including Ormeau Park, which has been recently under threat. I will also use my position as a student representative to help develop a better understanding between students and residents in the South Belfast area."
 
Adam McGibbon was born in Dundonald on 16th January 1988. He was educated at Lagan College, South Belfast, Northern Ireland's first integrated school.

He was awarded a BA Joint Hons in History & Politics from Queen's University Belfast in 2009, and is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Politics at QUB.
 

Adam, a history and politics student at Queens University, Belfast has been instrumental in spreading Green politics throughout the colleges and universities of Northern Ireland.
In 2007 Adam began organising a Young Greens Society at Queens, recruiting 136 members on Fresher’s Day.
 

“The QUB Greens' record recruitment figures show an appetite for a new politics amongst the youth. In Northern Ireland so many young people are apathetic about politics, and the Greens offer something fresh and modern.”
 

As co-chair of the QUB Greens, Adam spear headed a campaign to improve recycling facilities at Queens University. This has been achieved in conjunction with Belfast City Council and Queens University Student Union.
 

“We have vastly improved recycling facilities at Queens and the student population has responded very positively. We are also encouraging students to think about ethical food and are actively supporting a renewables energy campaign in conjunction with the Green Party. We are concerned that the government wants to push nuclear energy at the expense of green, clean energy and will be making our voice heard during any debate on the issue. It will probably be one of the most important debates in the year ahead, as the cost of fossil fuel rises. Students struggle with household bills as it is, we’re concerned that many students simply won’t be able to afford to heat their homes this winter.”
 

Adam also addressed delegates at the Green Party National Convention in Dundalk in May 2008 on the subject of young people in politics. Adam told delegates: “QUB Greens has proven that balancing serious political campaigning and fun ideas works. It helps to engage young people by lifting them out of apathy, which in itself will improves the quality of our democracy. A Green vision for democracy is a representative one, engaging young people instead of ignoring them.”
 

For further information please contact Adam McGibbon on 07809368481 or email adam_mcgibbon@hotmail.co.uk
 

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