Mathews wants more young people in councils

ALLIANCE councillor John Mathews has helped launch a campaign aimed at encouraging more young people to engage with local government.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th Aug 2010, 12:33 BST

Updated 30th Aug 2010, 15:30 BST

In his role as president of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), the Islandmagee man announced

Local Democracy Week (October 11-17).

Research has shown that the majority of younger people do not view local politics as having an impact on their daily lives.

For the seventh successive year, councils and schools across the Province will be taking part in the Europe-wide campaign.

Cllr Mathews said: “We are now in the process of shaping local government for future generations. It is therefore critical that we engage with young people and under-represented groups in making sure the local communities of the future are fit for purpose.”

NILGA is currently supporting the development of women’s mentoring programme to encourage more women into politics.