Where are our MLAs?

On a sunny Saturday over 70 young people from across the country came together to discuss transport. Many of these young people had travelled long distances to get there because they felt passionately about this issue in their area. A look at the #transportNI timeline will show the strength of feeling over the issue of Translink and access to transport The event was run by the NI Youth Forum and the British Youth Council. All 108 MLAs were invited along …

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#AE11: Enter UKIP stage right…

When UKIP first announced it would contest our assembly elections I was interested but not too hopeful.  After an election which had very little excitement the plight of specific parties or candidates have been the major stories. UKIP gained 4,152 votes across 6 constituencies.  This may not seem many but it needs to be looked at in context.  They gained more votes than the Workers Party, BNP and PUP combined. Henry Reilly, UKIP’s South Down candidate, won 2,332 First Preference …

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“I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote”

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) held it’s 10th annual sitting at the University of Ulster last weekend.  This was the first time the Parliament had ventured out of Great Britain.  The UKYP is a UK-wide youth organisation that gives a voice to  young people aged 11-18. Through the Parliament those who can’t yet vote have a chance to influence politicians and wider society. Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) are elected in every constituency and region of the UK.  In …

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