Speaking to the pupils of Blackwater College as they voted for their new School Council the MP for the area said;

“It is very encouraging to see you all so enthusiastic about using your vote and the power you have to choose your new School Council. This is the first time that you will experience the responsibility of voting but not the last. I would urge you all to never forget the importance of your individual power to vote and how you can make a difference for your community if you use your vote wisely.

To any of you who do enter politics and public life it is important that you do this the interest of your community at the centre of all you do and that you strive to improve the lot of your community.

As you vote for your class council today you are voting for the changes and improvements you hope they will bring for you and your school, and this will be no different when you come to vote for your local councillor, MLA and MP.

I wish you all well in what I hope will be a yearly democratic activity in the school and I wish the New School Council well as they go forward to represent the needs of the pupils.

Ends.