Write a commentLeader of the SDLP, Colum Eastwood has paid a visit to Our Lady's Grammar School along with Karen McKevitt MLA and fellow Assembly Candidate Justin McNulty.
They met with students and staff to discuss politics in Northern Ireland and the issues that are important to them.
Mrs McKevitt said: “Too often politicians tell young people what is important to them instead of asking. Today I was inspired by the political awareness and insight of the young people of Our Lady’s Grammar in Newry.
“We gained a valuable understanding into the issues that matter to them and I was encouraged to hear that many were very concerned about the retention of services at Daisy Hill Hospital, a cause that is very close to my heart. I assured them that it was a cause that Justin and I would fight tooth and nail for.
“Engaging with young people should be a priority of all political parties. It is young people who are affected by cuts to universities and the failure to attract meaningful employment opportunities here. Their wisdom and enthusiasm is amazing and I thank the students and staff for speaking with us today.
Colum Eastwood said; “I really appreciated the opportunity to speak with the students and staff of Our Lady’s Grammar today. I was encouraged to hear that issues around the jobs, university places and international relations were the primary concern for them. It indicates an interest in the progressive and constructive politics on which the SDLP are focussed.
“Many of the young people we spoke to today will be unable to vote in the Assembly election but will have a vote and an important role to play in the upcoming referendum on EU membership. This is a decision that will greatly impact on their lives and their future and it is vital that their voices are heard.”
