Pupils meet with Ombudsman

The opportunity arose only days before the ‘on the runs’ crisis broke with Dr Michael Maguire asked to investigate the police handling of a crucial element of the case.

Carrickfergus Grammar pupils Chloe Ross and Scott Williams, based at the Alliance constituency office in West Street, participated in a meeting between the Police Ombudsman and Stewart Dickson MLA.

The topic under discussion was what efforts Mr Maguire’s office is taking to improve their services for any member of the public, who may have a complaint against the police.

The A-Level students also witnessed how constituents’ issues were handled by councillors and their staff.

Chloe said: “While we have both been to Stormont with our school, it was very interesting to be able to see the inner workings of the committees and how inter-party business is conducted within the assembly building.”

Scott added that it was “a greatly rewarding experience that has boosted my ambition to become involved in the world of politics”.

In welcoming the students to his office, Mr Dickson said: “We are very supportive of any student who is seeking work experience. We try to give them a genuine experience of what life in politics is like and try to provide them with some of the skills they may need if they pursue a career in politics in the future.”