Enfranchising young people: The case for a youth parliament

The rebuilding of Northern Ireland in the wake of thirty years of violent sectarian conflict requires the participation of all sectors of society. The young have suffered more than most and they, in particular, need ownership of this new, more accountable democracy. Power needs to be devolved to the young to facilitate their voice in the reform and modernisation of the instruments of state. Examples of good practice exist but innovation is essential if a body is to be brought into being that can ensure an effective representative voice for the young at all levels of government.