‘Young people in the North voted to Remain and our voices will be heard’

YOUNG PEOPLE from across Ireland took part in a delegation to the European Parliament hosted by Martina Anderson MEP to discuss the impact of the Westminster EU referendum and “Brexit”. 

The delegation was made up of 40 young people from a number of student unions and youthwork groups as well as members of Sinn Féin Republican Youth.

They focused primarily on the role of young people in ensuring the mandate of citizens in the North of Ireland who Caolán McGinley of Sinn Féin Republican Youth said the aim of the event was to give young people an opportunity to engage with representatives from a number of organisations, including the European Youth Forum, ERASMUS+ student exchange programme and also PEACE. 

“The organisations in particular are beneficial to young people in regards to funding, education and opportunities,” Caolán said. “We as young people had the opportunity to lobby these groups and the EU Commission and demand that young people must not be punished in light of the vote.”

The young republican pointed out that PEACE funding is also essential in continuing to support the Peace Process, which the recent vote in the EU parliament overwhelmingly supported post-Brexit.

“This vote must be recognised,” he said.

The delegation also met Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes to highlight the significance of the role the Irish Government has to play in defending the rights of Irish citizens in the North.

“The creation of an all-Ireland forum must begin immediately. The Irish Government have major roles to play in defending all the people of Ireland, in the European Commission and the Council.”

● Sinn Féin Republican Youth members of the delegation

At the end of the visit, the young people came together to discuss views and ideas on how young people and students can be energised to campaign to protect their rights, he said, “whether it be online through social media or by taking on the streets and sending a clear message to both the British and Irish governments that young people in the North voted to Remain and that our voices will be heard”.

Caolán McGinley concluded:

“Our generation has benefited greatly from membership of the EU and we must stand up for our generation and the generations that follow.”