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Newry city Councillor Doire Finn has welcomed confirmation of the lowering of the voting age ahead of the next General Election.
The UK Government has confirmed its plans to introduce voting for 16 and 17-year-olds.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn had previously confirmed the government’s intention to introduce the policy after lobbying from SDLP leader Claire Hanna.
Councillor Finn said: “Enfranchising 16 and 17-year-olds has been a long held SDLP position and we welcome confirmation from the government that this will be in place for the next General Election. We must also see progress to extend this to both Assembly and council elections as soon as possible.
"There are many young people in Northern Ireland actively engaged in politics and I know that for generations there has been frustration that they could not play a full role in the democratic process.
“At this age many young people are already out working part-time or contributing to our society in other ways and it’s important this has been recognised in the form of voting rights. This decision will increase democratic and political participation across the North and that’s something we should all be working to achieve.
“As we work to shape the future of our island and continue efforts to build a New Ireland it’s important that the voices of our young people are heard.”
