SDLP Youth have called for the European Union to pressure Israel to end attacks on Gaza.

SDLP Youth Chair Peter Armstrong today said: “The international community must do a lot more to end the Israeli attacks on Gaza. In a single day the Israeli Army killed 270 people in retaliation for 1 Israeli dying in a mortar attack. Killing and injuring thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza is a completely disproportionate response. There must be another way. A peaceful solution must be sought. A ceasefire needs to be restored.

“World leaders need to put pressure on Israel to immediately end the bombardment. A message must go across from the EU that this is not acceptable, a breach of international law and it cannot continue.”

“SDLP Youth are calling on everyone to sign an emergency petition by Avaaz on their website at http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/ which calls on the European Union to ensure that a ceasefire is restored, to stop the bloodshed and address the humanitarian crisis.”

Belfast City Councillor Tim Attwood is helping Tiny Life, Northern Ireland’s only premature baby charity.

On 20th December he will take part in a two day, two team challenge with one mission - to save Santa! It’s a live online event you don’t want to miss! Two teams of 4 will be battling against each other live on the Internet - facing numerous challenges over two days.

Please take a moment to visit www.helpsavechristmas.com and place your vote online for the team you think will win! If you’re right you might win an iPod.

The event starts on Saturday 20th December 2008 @ 2pm.

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!”

With the European elections in June 2009 the PES Council provided an opportunity for social democrats and socialists from all over Europe to adopt the PES manifesto for the European elections.

The PES manifesto ”People First: A New Direction For Europe” was adopted in Madrid by over 232 delegates from 33 member parties. At the centre of the manifesto is building a new Social Europe- by putting people first.

SDLP Youth believe that this can be done through building a citizens’ Europe by engaging more young people in policy developments and enlarging the scope of youth exchanges.

During the year ECOSY formally adopted 9 Deliverables that would form the basis of the ECOSY input into the PES manifesto.

These deliverables include: 15 million new jobs by 2014 - better working conditions for young people; more social security - better public services; eradicate poverty - national minimum incomes and wages; no unnecessary bureaucracy - building a citizens Europe; better integration - tackling roots cause of migration; equal rights; sustainable lifestyles; no more unilateralism; and decent work for all.

SDLP Youth are very happy with our contribution into the final official ECOSY input into the PES manifesto. SDLP Youth input focused on creating a level playing field for agency workers; reforming the European social model in light of recent EU enlargement; addressing the current global economic malaise; and creating social responses to the globalisation of capital markets.

We want Change For Europe, We want to put People First!

Further information:
- ECOSY 9 deliverables
- The 2009 PES Manifesto

A Chara,

The annual SDLP Youth Dublin Trip takes place on Wednesday Thursday 19th February 2009.

This year will include a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin, a chance to meet with the Fine Gael leadership, a tour of Leinster House, and the usual dinner + night out. Other events are still to be announced!

Transport will be provided from Belfast and Newry, leaving early on Wednesday Thursday and returning on Thursday Friday morning.

We need numbers as early as possible, so if you are aged 16-30 and would like to go, please contact us ASAP.

SDLP Youth

SDLP Youth are seeking active young party members from across the north, who have a vision of what they would like to see the party and the youth group doing, to put themselves forward for the positions. The Youth Executive’s term began in July 2008 and runs for approximately one year.

Candidates are requested to create a short canvass email of why they should be elected. We encourage as many candidates as possible. Voting will take place by secret ballot. The deadline for candidates will run until 5pm on the day of the meeting.

If you are interested please email us or phone Peter Armstrong at SDLP Party HQ on 028 9024 7700.

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?”

Albans Close Shave by Pudsey

Well done to SDLP North Belfast MLA who today had his moustache shaved off for BBC Children in Need. Donations are still welcome - by calling Catherine on 028 9052 1319.

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.”