Alliance supports Sean Mitchell's bid to be allowed to stand in elections

12.28.45pm GMT Fri 26th Jan 2007

Alliance Lagan Valley Councillor, Trevor Lunn

Lagan Valley Alliance Representative Cllr Trevor Lunn has stated that he supports 19-year-old Sean Mitchell's bid to be allowed to stand in the forthcoming Assembly elections. It was revealed that Sean Mitchell is prepared to take court action if he is not allowed to contest the election.

The Lisburn City Council Mayor said: "I support Sean Mitchell in his bid to be allowed to stand for election.

"The government are always trying to come up with catchy ways of getting more young people involved in politics. Now they have the perfect opportunity to show that they really mean what they say.

"If you are old enough to vote then you should be able to stand as a candidate.

"We need fairness on this issue. It does not send out a positive message to young people if, we are on one hand asking them to vote, and on the other saying that they are too young to be a candidate.

"This anomaly leads to more young people becoming disillusioned with local politics.

Young Alliance Chair Cllr Ian Parsley said: "We must encourage young people to get involved in politics, not put them off. It is vital that local representation reflects our society and that means getting more young people involved.

"Alliance fielded two candidates under the age of 21 in the 1996 Forum elections and we strongly believe that young people have a vital role to play in politics.

"Peter Hain must address this matter urgently."

ENDS