Students Challenge Local Politicians to “Talk Politics” in Armagh

Following on from a series of successful ‘Let's Talk Politics’ events aimed at young people, sixth form students from schools in Newry and Armagh and South Down constituencies will take up the challenge to quiz their local political representatives on the issues that matter to them and their local communities. 

The event will take place at the Royal School Armagh on Friday 13 November and will include both panel and roundtable discussions. The young people will also be encouraged to participate anonymously, by answering and voting on a range of topical questions.

Speaking in advance of the event, the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Mitchel McLaughlin MLA said: “I am delighted that the Assembly continues to plan and support important educational events such as this. I firmly believe that we should take every opportunity to encourage our local young people to become more involved with the democratic process and to engage directly with their elected representatives.

“The Assembly Education Service has been working with schools and MLAs for many years to support and help young people to develop an interest in, and understanding of, the Assembly and local politics in general.

“The “Let’s Talk” programme provides the opportunity for the Assembly to bring its work to local communities and is an important and worthwhile extension to the Education Service’s ongoing work.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The “Let’s Talk Event will be held on Friday 13 November 2015 at the Royal School Armagh.

Timetable:

10.00am - 11.45pm:             Panel Question and Answer  

12.30pm – 2.30pm:            Round table discussions

2.30pm –2.45pm:                 Mock elections

Political representatives attending Panel Q&A: 

William Irwin MLA

Conor Murphy MLA

Dominic Bradley MLA

John McCallister MLA

Cllr Sam Nicholson

Cllr Patrick Brown

Cllr David Jones

Political representatives participating in roundtable session:

Cathal Boylan MLA

Danny Kennedy MLA

John McCallister MLA

Cllr Patrick Brown

Cllr David Jones

Cllr Garth Craig

Participating schools:

Royal School Armagh

St Mark’s High School Warrenpoint

St Catherine's College Armagh

St Patricks Grammar School Armagh

Portadown College

City of Armagh High School

The event will be hosted by journalist Paul McFadden and media are welcome to attend.

You can find out more about the Assembly Education Service and upcoming “Let’s Talk” events  at http://education.niassembly.gov.uk/