Fermanagh and South Tyrone’s new Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) is Darragh O’Reilly from Newtownbutler.

With 305 votes, he will now join hundreds of young people from across the United Kingdom who are tasked with making sure they represent the views of the young people in their constituency.

Last week, Darragh told The Impartial Reporter that he wants to “bring modernity” to Northern Ireland and move away from sectarian politics.

“We should see ourselves as European first, then British or Irish,” he states, adding: “religion doesn’t matter; It shouldn’t matter who you pray to at night.” His election manifesto contains three policies: to allow 16 year olds to vote “because it would give people hope for the future”; raising the minimum wage to £9-£10 “to bring economic recovery”; and to oppose fracking “because it is economically and environmentally unsustainable and the money would not be going back to local people.” His first move has been to arrange a new political action group for young people, which will meet this evening (Thursday) at 4pm in Enniskillen library.

Once elected MYPs meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers. During their term of office, MYPs work with their MPs, decision makers, councillors and local youth groups on the issues of greatest concern to their constituents.

Some local authorities in Britain have given their MYPs equal status to their MPs.

Commenting on his win, Darragh stated: “I would like to thank Sheamus Greene, Phil Flanagan, Thomas O’Reilly, St. Michael’s College, The Impartial Reporter, St. Mary’s Youth Club and my parents (Trevor and Brigid O’Reilly from Newtownbutler) and family for their support.” He added: “Today has been a victory for democracy!”