Democracy in Motion as Local Students Battle for Council Hearing

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell, has launched a Dragons’ Den–style initiative for Local Democracy Week, empowering young people to have their voices heard in the Council Chamber.

Young people from a dozen schools across Newry, Mourne and Down will get the chance to pitch their ideas for change directly to council decision-makers next week in an innovative twist on democratic engagement.

Chris Kent 30 October and Blondie Tribute 28 December @ Canal Court Hotel

Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell has launched a Dragons' Den–style competition for Local Democracy Week, inviting forty-eight students to step into the formal surroundings of the Downshire Civic Centre Chamber on Friday 17 October. Each school team of four will have just three minutes to present a Notice of Motion addressing an issue they believe deserves council attention and debate.

The proposals will be judged by a panel comprising Councillor Campbell alongside representatives from the Council's Women's Working Group and Youth Voice, creating an unusual blend of established and emerging civic voices to assess the students' ideas.

The Women's Working Group, established in 2021, works to develop the capabilities and confidence of female representatives whilst championing women's participation in public and community spheres. Their involvement in assessing the student pitches ensures that perspectives from women in leadership positions feature prominently, offering students examples of those who understand both the obstacles and possibilities within civic engagement.

Meanwhile, Newry, Mourne and Down Youth Voice regularly convenes to identify and progress shared concerns affecting young people locally, whilst also providing members with chances to participate in residential programmes and study visits throughout the UK and Ireland. Having Youth Voice representatives on the judging panel means the proposals will be evaluated by peers who directly experience the impact of local governance decisions.

The initiative carries genuine stakes beyond the competition itself. Whichever motion emerges victorious won't simply receive congratulations and fade away – it will progress to a full Council meeting for formal debate, with practical actions potentially following based on its recommendations.

Councillor Campbell explained his enthusiasm for the project and its connection to his broader ambitions for his term as Chairperson. "This year, I'm delighted to launch this special Dragons' Den–style initiative. Through it, students will learn how local government works, experience debating in this very chamber and present their own Notices of Motion," he said.

"What makes this particularly exciting is that the winning motion will even be debated at a future full Council meeting, with actions taken forward based on it. It's a powerful way of showing young people how their ideas can influence real change."

The Chairperson has centred his tenure around youth empowerment, viewing active political engagement among young people as essential to ensuring they feel acknowledged, supported and motivated to participate in shaping their communities.

"My chosen theme for this year as Chairperson is 'empowering young people', and I am passionate about engaging more young people in local politics so that they feel seen, supported and inspired. To all the students taking part, this is your chance to make your voices heard, to share your ideas and to experience democracy in action. I wish you the very best of luck and I look forward to welcoming you to the Chamber on 17 October," Councillor Campbell added.

The competition forms part of Local Democracy Week, a Europe-wide annual campaign designed to illuminate how local councils function whilst encouraging young people to recognise opportunities for participating in local decision-making and becoming active in community affairs.