Let's Talk Politics
PRG have hosted this event for the past three years, and it continues to be both a success and relevant to participants.
The aim of this event is to challenge traditional voting patterns and to educate young people on democracy and elections, while at the same time providing a safe space for young people to exchange views and opinions. It also provides the politicians with information on what issues are relevant and important to young people.
The format of the event is straightforward – a panel of politicians, representing the four main political parties in Northern Ireland, along with one non aligned representative, is available to answer any question which the audience wishes to pose. During the event a referendum is held on a topical issue and the debate concludes with a mock election, with the results announced after the concluding remarks.
Participants for this event are usually recruited from the sixth formers from the secondary and grammar schools throughout the city, as these young people will be first time voters in the next election, however the event is open to all young people who are interested in participating and are over 16 years of age.
Prior to the main event, all participants take part in preparatory workshops on democracy, voting and politics which covers the main political parties and their aims, political thinking and help them prepare their questions for the main event.
The venue for the event is usually the city's Guildhall and hosts have included David Dunseith, host of BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme and Mark Carruthers, host of BBC's Let's Talk programme.
Politicians have included Mark Durkan MP MLA and Alban Maginness MLA of the SDLP, Gregory Campbell MP MLA, Jim Wells MLA and George Robinson MLA of the DUP, Martina Anderson MLA and Raymond McCartney MLA of Sinn Fein, Basil McCrea MLA and David McNarry MLA of the UUP local politicians Eamonn McCann and Colm Bryce
Please see our News & Events section for information and election results from the most recent Let's Talk Politics event.
The next Let's Talk Politics event is scheduled to take place in early 2010. For further information or if you or your school wish to take part, please click here to contact the Project Officer, Anna Murray
This project is currently supported by the Community Relations Council, the WELB and OPT2VOTE.
