Local students talk politics with MEPs
ST MARY’S COLLEGE in Arklow welcomd a delegation of ten MEPs from Ireland, Germany, Spain, Romania and Slovenia from the European People’s Party Bureau meeting in Druid’s Glen recently.
The MEPs met the TY European Studies class and the Form 5 students of Politics and Society. The group, led by MEPs Sean Kelly and Manfred Weber, the chairman of the European People’s Party, addressed the students and spoke of the benefits of the EU for young people.
Erin Hirst, Alicia Smyth, Holly Cluskey Copeland, Erin Connolly, Elizabeth Byrne and Niamh Brannigan made presentations on behalf of their classes and spoke about the school, all that they have learned in both the European Studies and Politics & Society classes and in their visits to the European Parliament. Kerry Hoskin from the Politics & Society class also provided a short personal reflection on the importance of the EU stating that: ‘Europe must be united, more so than ever, in its fight for democratic values and equality’.
The European delegates then engaged in a lively question and answer session topics discussed with students included the possible isolation of Irish MEPs after Brexit, a possible role for Enda Kenny in the EU, the election of Macron in France, the influx of migrants into the EU, the accession of Turkey into the EU and speechwriting for MEPs.
The group was also treated to a performance by the award-winning senior choir before mingling with the students.
This visit coincided with the awarding of European Ambassador School status to St Mary’s College, which was a culmination of extensive efforts by the TY European Studies class. It was also an ideal way for the Politics & Society students to end the first year of the new Leaving Certificate subject.