The Big Debate
This week’s meeting of the Politics Society not only saw one of the largest turn outs in the society’s history, but also one of its few debates too.
This week saw speakers Conall McDevitt (SDLP), Gordon Dunne (DUP), Alex Maskey (Sinn Féin), Michael Copeland (UUP) and former Sullivan Upper School pupil Chris Lyttle (Alliance), each give their own and their party’s view on issues selected by the committee of the society.
These topics were on the recent opening of Northern Ireland’s first abortion clinic, Northern Ireland’s education system, parades and the recent disturbances, and naturally… “Why should we vote for you?”.
Each MLA had his own view on each of the topics and certainly was not afraid to speak it.
The meeting also saw a pleasing amount of cohesion amongst the MLAs and showed how Northern Irish politics and politicians really have moved on. The MLAs provided their own personal thoughts and “I agree with” was not uncommon during the debate. Overall the insight gained was worthwhile and was a truly exceptional meeting of the Politics Society.
Jamie Woods Chairman of the Politics Society