Let's Talk Politics 2009
PRG 's annual "Let's Talk Politics" was this year held in on the 11th March. This event aims to allow discussion and dialogue among young people and politicians from the main Northern Irish political parties. Students from throughout the L/Derry area who participate in Let's Talk complete workshops on the subjects of democracy, voting and politics prior to the main event. The project has the dual benefits of allowing young people to engage with politicians and question them on issues which are relevant to them and also allows the politicians to understand what concerns young people today.
The venue for this year's event was the Guildhall with Mr. Mark Carruthers, host of BBC's “Let's Talk” as the facilitator for the day. Almost 200 students participated, from both grammar and secondary schools all over the L/Derry area.
Politicians who took part in the event were:
•Alban Maginness MLA, SDLP
•Cllr Colum Eastwood, SDLP
•George Robinson MLA, DUP
•Cllr Deirdre Nelson, DUP
•Martina Anderson MLA, Sinn Fein
•Raymond McCartney MLA, Sinn Fein
•Basil McCrea MLA, UUP
•David McClarty MLA, UUP
•Colm Bryce, Socialist Environmental Alliance
During the event everyone participated fully in the debates, both among one another and with the politicians. During the lunch break participants and politicians mixed very well among each another and enjoyed the opportunities for casual conversation. At the end of the event, a mock election was held with Colm Bryce of the SEA taking first place. A mock referendum was also held during the event.
The question was “Is the power sharing assembly a better form of governance for Northern Ireland that a majority minority democracy?” The result was an overwhelming 91% in favour of the power sharing assembly.
According to the written evaluation forms:
∙88% of all participants said they gained new knowledge from partaking in the event
∙82% of all participants stated that partaking in the event changed their opinions on politics and the political parties
Participating students stated that “this event has ignited political interest in me, I think I'll read up more on politics in the future” and “this event has changed my opinions on politics and I would definitely consider voting for other parties at this point.”
