Local SDLP Youth representative, Shane Boyle, has today called for people across the North to support Eoghan Quigg in Saturday night’s X-Factor live final.

Shane said:

“Eoghan has done Dungiven, and the wider Derry area proud. His cheeky character and enormous talent have made him an idol for many young people across Ireland and Britain.

“Each week, his excellent performances and sheer determination set a great example for youths of how enough hard work and a passion for what for what you do can open many doors.

“Every Saturday, Eoghan gives an amazing performance, which has undoubtedly guaranteed him a well deserved place in this week’s final.

“Eoghan has also displayed an incredible ability to unite the people of the North, young and old, regardless of political affiliations through his unique talent.

Shane added:

“I would encourage all local people, from throughout the North, to show their support this Saturday by voting for Eoghan Quigg – don’t forget Derry has the X-Factor!”

UU Jordanstown: Hundreds of PC's Wasting Energy

As part of the SDLP’s Sustainability agenda, SDLP societies at Queen’s and University of Ulster have requested that the universities in Northern Ireland carry out an environmental audit as a matter of urgency to establish how much Universities are contributing to wasted energy.

While the SDLP’s University groups do appreciate that some Universities have moved in the right direction the group feels that University’s can move much further, much faster and go greener quicker.

Commenting on the request SDLP Youth Chairman Peter Armstrong said, “The SDLP has long been committed to delivering a sustainable environment as part of our manifesto pledges.

“Through this campaign we aim to ensure that universities are cutting waste, by taking some actions as simple as not leaving hundreds of unused computers on standby, and that they are contributing fully to environmental protection. As economic development advanced in recent years, our efforts to improve our standards of living and enhance our education have had an adverse impact of the environment.

“We are now consuming more resources than ever and causing pollution through waste products. Now it is all our responsibility to do everything we can to protect our environment and as we strive to save the planet we will also save pounds in our pocket.”

Caitríona Ruane: Time to Resign

Dominic Bradley MLA has asked the Minister for Education for a breakdown of the backlog of maintenance work to be carried out on schools.

The response from the Minister contains a list of hundreds of schools owed large amounts of money - £217 million in total and many schools are owed several millions pounds each. This money is meant to be available to help improve nurseries, primary and secondary schools but the Minister isn’t providing the funding when it’s due.

It’s another gigantic blunder by the Minister. Here are some schools owed money:

Sydenham Primary     £1,603,325
St Anne’s PS     £1,954,862
Holy Trinity PS     £1,226,056
Belfast Girls’ Model     £3,586,395
Belmont House Special    £1,055,871

See the full list of schools here

Dominic Bradley MLA has said this means “many children are being taught in substandard classrooms. This shortfall is putting the health and safety of children at serious risk. There are serious questions to be answered like just how long have the Minister and her officials been aware of this? How long will the Minister allow this situation to continue? And what exactly are the implications for the pupils in our schools?”

Alban without Moustache (courteousy of Photoshop)

Exclusive (to my knowledge)

With Children in Need fast approaching the Chair of the SDLP Assembly Group, Alban Maginness MLA, has agreed, with a little persuasion, to shave off his moustache in the name of charity.  This decision has not been taken lightly by the esteemed member – the moustache has been an integral and longstanding part of Mr Maginness’s makeup.

Alban hopes to hold a shaving ceremony on Thursday of this week and photographic evidence of this particular piece of decommissioning will be provided!  Speaking today Alban said:

“This is a decision I have not taken lightly.  My moustache has been a close friend to me over the years, through good times and bad, through thick and thinning!  It was present at the birth of my children and during many election campaigns walking the streets of North Belfast.  The thought of being without it, for even a short while, fills me with both fear and trepidation.

On a serious note though, the moustache can grow back, I may even prefer life without it, but through the small efforts of many fundraisers throughout the North every year, Children in Need provides hope for many of the most needy and most overlooked sections of our society.

The truth is that we all can make a difference, however small.  We can all work alone or with others to, to draw attention to the event, raise funds for Children in Need, and take part in the knowledge that we are taking part in something bigger.  My moustache may have been a major part of my life, but it is only one small story among thousands that are told every year when raising money for Children in Need.”

More photos from Stormont Schools Debate 2008

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SDLP Youth and Young Unionists joined forces today to host a Schools Debate in the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The day was organised in conjunction with the NI Assembly’s Education Service.

Peter Armstrong, Chair of SDLP Youth said: “We were delighted to co-host the Schools Debate 2008. The event brought together young people from schools across the north to the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings for a cross-community debate on local and international politics.

“This was a very worth-while event as our aim was to bring more young people to the seat of local government.”

Alisdair O’Hara Organiser for the Young Unionists said: “I am extremely pleased with today’s event. It highlights that some political parties can still work together. In this instance we were able to bring sixth formers from various schools across Northern Ireland to debate some of the most relevant local and international issues.

“Engaging young people in politics is extremely important and being able to host this debate at Stormont was very significant”.

Press Diary Notice

Monday 10th November 2008
Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings

The Schools Debate will take place on 10th November 2008 in the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings. The event is being organised by SDLP Youth (youth group of the Social Democratic and Labour Party) and the Young Unionists (youth group of the Ulster Unionist Party).

We are planning the day in conjunction with the NI Assembly’s Education Service. It is a cross-community event and use of the Senate Chamber has been granted by the Speaker of the NI Assembly.

Peter Armstrong, Chair of SDLP Youth said: “We are delighted to co-host the Schools Debate 2008. The event will bring young people from schools across the north to the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings for a cross-community debate on local and international politics.

“There will be four debating sessions chaired by SDLP and Ulster Unionist MLAs. Also the MLAs will be joining with the students in debating the various motions, in topics including local government, the impact of race relations in the US elections, and international issues such as the conflicts in Darfur and Georgia.

“We are always looking to bring more young people to the seat of local government, and I hope this is a hugely beneficial opportunity for all the students.”

The agenda for the day is as follows:

Arrival - 10:30
Debating Sessions:
11:00 - Devolved government is good for NI
11:30 - Race relations has had a major impact on the recent US Presidential elections
12:00 - Military intervention is required in Darfur
12:30 - The recent Georgian conflict signalled the restarting of the Cold War
13:00 Photo opportunity with Media in Great Hall
13:10 Lunch provided

Following the horrific attack of a young woman in South Belfast, Michelle Byrne, Vice Chair of SDLP @ Queens is urging people to make a stance and stop this happening again.

The young girl suffered this horrific attack on Agincourt Avenue. Michelle says “It is ridiculous that this girl was the victim of such a violent attack. Seeing as this is the fourth sexual attack in South Belfast in just one month, I think it is essential that the PSNI work hard and do everything in their power to ensure that this does not happen again. It is important now that the University works in conjunction with students and the PSNI to ensure a safe environment for all students and residents in South Belfast. I would urge anyone with information to contact your local PSNI station. Stop these attacks from happening in the future.”

Supporting the launch of UK Youth Parliament’s ‘Free for All’ campaign to abolish university tuition fees today (Monday 6th October) SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has voiced his concerns about the negative impact tuition fees are having on pupils from poorer, non-privileged backgrounds.

Over 9000 stickered £1 coins are to go into circulation across the UK highlighting the cost of tuition fees being paid by students in England and Northern Ireland over the course of a degree.

Mr Durkan is lending support to the campaign by circulating the coins in the Northern Ireland Assembly, at the House of Commons and in his own constituency this week.
(more…)

Today seen another promising day at Queen’s University for the SDLP@Queen’s, as the group achieved a record number of new recruits at today’s Freshers’ Bazaar.

Vice- Chair of SDLP Youth, Katherine McCloskey described the day as a great success; “It is inspiring to top of our Freshers’ campaigns across the north with such a successful day here at Queens’. I hope that we can keep up this momentum over the next year and I am optimistic that the Queen’s branch can go from strength to strength with this new, enthusiastic group.”

“As the current Chair of the SDLP@Queen’s, I am eager to welcome new students to the University and to get this years’ agenda up and running.”

University and Colleges’ Officer, Michelle Byrne expressed similar views; “Not only have we seen our recruitment top last years’ numbers at Queen’s but recruitment at the University of Ulster campuses have also proved to be a huge triumph for the Party this year.”

The SDLP@Queens’ will be meeting on Wednesday 8th October at 3pm in Club Room 2 of the Students’ Union.  Everyone is welcome and we would encourage you all to attend.

More photos from SDLP @ Jordanstown here

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The SDLP branch at the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus have tripled their membership in this year’s recruitment drive.

SDLP Youth Chairman Peter Armstrong said, “The SDLP have recruited three times more members than last year at Jordanstown. We are delighted with the interest our stall has received. Young people are concerned about student top-up fees, housing and accommodation issues and student safety, and SDLP @ Jordanstown will be campaigning on the issues that affect students most during the next university year.

“Our team have been distributing new SDLP Youth booklets, chatting with students, answering questions and recruiting new members. We have also had local councillors speaking with students and listening to their concerns.”

Our members can attend meetings at Jordanstown or in Belfast if it’s more convenient. If you are interested in getting involved, at whatever level suits you, please contact us.