Patricia Doherty
Vice-President ILCU
P
atricia has been a director on Derry Credit Union Limited for 28 years, having served as Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, and served on all credit union’s committees. Patricia has served as an ILCU Supervisor for several years. Patricia was elected Vice-President of the ILCU at AGM 2025.
What do you think is the greatest contribution that credit unions make?
Credit unions empower communities through member-owned co-operative banking. They don’t just provide financial services they build financial resilience, keep money circulating locally and are trusted by the communities in which they operate.
Credit unions have the unique power to change lives not just through finance but through community trust.
As an ILCU Board Member what do you hope to achieve during your term?
I hope to strengthen the role of the League for Credit Unions throughout Ireland. I and my fellow directors were tasked with the stewardship of the League and I believe we will leave it in a strong and stable position - ready to serve credit unions for the next 60 years.
Help the League to protect what makes credit unions special ensuring that they thrive in a competitive and evolving financial landscape.
Encourage closer collaboration across our credit union network. We are stronger together – sharing knowledge, technology and resources – so every credit union, big or small, can thrive.
If you were Minister of State for Credit Unions what one change would you make?
Work to correlate regulation so that credit unions in Northern Ireland have the same lending and investment flexibility as those in the Republic of Ireland, thus allowing them to better support local businesses, housing and community projects while maintaining strong member protection.