Durkan pledgesto become auniversity champ

A former Deputy President of Queen’s Students Union and the Dublin-based Union of Students in Ireland Mr Durkan has attended a House of Commons reception organised by university think-tank million+ in which they set out their “University Challenge” for the new coalition government in the coming months.

Mr Durkan said: “I have pledged to become an active and vocal champion for Queen’s and the University of Ulster in the new parliament – at a time when universities and students here are facing difficult spending reductions.

“As we work to rebuild our local economy, we must recognise the huge potential of our universities to contribute to economic growth and innovation.

“I have pledged to work towards improving the understanding of the impact that our universities have on our local economy and why having the opportunity to study at university is vital in building a fairer and more cohesive society.”