SDLP Youth have told students receiving their GCSE results today not to panic. The youth group’s message to young people is ‘to stay on in education and take advantage of the government’s Education Maintenance Allowance’.

Belfast SDLP Youth member Peter Armstrong said: “Results aren’t the be-all and end-all. There are many options open to young people and we would encourage GCSE students to consider their grades and plan the best pathway - whether that be further education, entrepreneurship, learning a trade or going into full-time work.

“SDLP Youth are encouraging students to stay on in education and to take advantage of the government’s Education Maintenance Allowance which provides fortnightly payments to students aged 16 to 19 living in a household with an income under £30,810.

“Not everyone will get the results they wanted but our message is not to panic - there are many options opened to all young people and students should seek careers advice on what to do next. Organisations such as the One Life Exams Helpline can provides confidential and impartial advice free of charge by phoning 0808 100 8000.”

On Saturday 4th August, the 17th annual Belfast Pride parade took place, and SDLP Youth came out to join the festivities.

SDLP Youth Vice Chair Peter Armstrong said “Belfast Pride has been a huge success this year. There is a great family atmosphere and large crowds watching the parade along the new route.

“Belfast Pride is the largest pride parade in Ireland and SDLP Youth are proud to be part of it.

SDLP Youth had t-shirts printed for the occasion with messages showing our support for LGBT rights.

SDLP Youth Photo Gallery- Belfast Gay Pride Parade 2007

Rumours that the DeLorean car may go back into production must be met by efforts by the Executive to try to convince the company to build it in Northern Ireland, SDLP Youth has said.

Mark McKeown of SDLP Youth commented: “A quarter of a century ago at the height of the troubles, people in Dunmurry were given a ray of hope when DeLorean set up its production plant in the area. Unfortunately, as history shows, it ended in disaster with the collapse of the company.

“However, now the DeLorean company is considering the idea of starting to built these cars again for the collectors’ market. They say that they would have no problem selling 20-25 hand-built made-to-order cars each year and that they have a nine-month waiting list for the vehicles.

“Given that the people of Northern Ireland got such a rough deal after the car was last produced, I think it is only fitting that DeLorean looks at basing any future production operation here.”

Mr McKeown added: “Many young people will not remember the time when the DeLorean was built here, but certainly they will be familiar with the car through the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. The Stormont Executive must impress upon DeLorean the importance of building the proposed new version of the car in Northern Ireland to guarantee its authenticity- after all, fans of film and cars will not be content with a second-rate shadow of the original Irish-made DeLorean.”