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A youth wing of the Social Democratic and Labour Party has been launched locally.
Welcoming the formation of SDLP Youth Newry & Armagh, Newry Branch Vice Chairperson and organising member Jordan Poucher said, "This is an incredibly exciting time for young people in our community. When it comes to politics the one message that you will constantly hear from young people is, they are simply fed up with the petty issues that restrict our modern progression as a shared and equal society.
"In addition to the mandatory roles that are to be fulfilled at our first AGM we also hope to fill vacancies such as Equality Inclusion and Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Climate Action officer posts. I encourage any young person who would like to get involved with grass roots community activism and is between the ages of 16 and 30 to sign up and get involved, nationalist unionist or other.
SDLP Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty MLA has welcomed the formation of the new Branch. Mr McNulty said, ‘’There has never been a more important time to become actively involved in politics on this Island and I am excited that the SDLP Youth Branch are being reinvigorated in Newry and Armagh. I believe this demonstrates young people in particular are turning their backs on the politics of division and the past. The SDLP have very active and vibrant youth members so this development on a local basis is very positive and very encouraging.
"Our politics is changing and with the SDLP’s New Ireland Forum and the Irish Government’s Shared Ireland Unit the future of this island could not be more front and centre. John Hume always talked about uniting people and communities, and this is our firm ambition. The challenge to the next generation of SDLP representatives is to build the case for unity. The SDLP are committed to a united, just and prosperous New Ireland and I believe that the SDLP are best placed to deliver that vision. A triumphalist and backward looking vision of that New Ireland will not deliver unity and It will not bring us towards a reconciled people on our new shared island.
"The SDLP Youth Branch are ambitious for our future and have a vision for the future of this island and I would welcome and encourage our young and politically minded to play their part in building a united, just and reconciled new Ireland under the SDLP."
For information check out ‘SDLP Youth Newry & Armagh' on Facebook.
