Grammar students complete work experience at UUP office

Carrickfergus Grammar School year 11 students Clare McIntosh and Heather Luney recently completed their work experience with Ulster Unionist Party councillor, Lindsay Millar.

Clare and Heather spent three days with Cllr Millar, gaining an insight into the interesting and complex world of politics.

On their first day they travelled to the Northern Ireland Assembly and within 20 minutes of arriving, had the opportunity to speak with Justice Minister Claire Sugden.

They met UUP leader Mike Nesbitt, who was about to take part in a motion on the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland.

Afterwards, the girls were given a tour of the BBC studio by reporter Jayne McCormack, who is also a Carrickfergus native.

Clare and Heather witnessed Question Time, in which the First Minister and the Minister for Infrastructure were taking part. To finish off their first day, they had the opportunity to meet East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons who spoke about his role in the Assembly.

Clare and Heather then spent a full day at Ulster Unionist Party headquarters, and used this time to research the outcome of the EU Referendum, including voter turnout figures and specific knock on impacts in each region of the UK.

On the third day, the girls headed back to Stormont to watch the Assembly’s Education Committee after being invited by North Antrim MLA Phillip Logan. They witnessed presentations to the Committee from the Integrated Education Fund and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools.

Both girls enjoyed the experience as they thought it was a good way to introduce them to an area of politics that affects their everyday lives.