Youth Congress launches first manifesto

A Carrickfergus teenager has taken part in the launch of a new manifesto by the Northern ireland Youth Congress.
Sophie McVea from Carrickfergus at the launch of the Northern Ireland Youth Congress manifesto in the NIYF offices in Belfast.  INCT 45-723-CONSophie McVea from Carrickfergus at the launch of the Northern Ireland Youth Congress manifesto in the NIYF offices in Belfast.  INCT 45-723-CON
Sophie McVea from Carrickfergus at the launch of the Northern Ireland Youth Congress manifesto in the NIYF offices in Belfast. INCT 45-723-CON

Methodist College student Sophie McVea (18) attended the inaugural event last week at the NIYC headquarters in Belfast.

Votes at 16, the legalisation of same sex marriages and a call on all parties to work for a solution to flags, parades and the past were just three of the issues mapped out in the manifesto.

The document is the work of the 35-strong Forum which was elected by more than 7,000 young people in February to represent their views.

NIYF Director Chris Quinn said the manifesto strongly reflected the issues that really matter to the young people of Northern Ireland.

He said: “These impressive young representatives were elected by their peers to give a voice to the youth in Northern Ireland. The manifesto is a plea from young people for reform and it is incumbent on politicians of all parties to listen to what they have to say.”

The NI Youth Congress was set up by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum (NIYF) earlier this year with the intention of paving the way for a Northern Ireland Youth Assembly that will shadow the Stormont Assembly. It is composed of politically aware and determined young activists who are working to ensure change for the better in Northern Ireland.