Six formers from across the island have had the chance to question ministers at the annual sitting of Junior Tynwald.
The sitting saw students from Castle Rushen, Ballakermeen , QE II, Ramsey Grammar and St Ninian’s assume the roles of MHKs and LegCo.
After questions, which included one on national service for 18-year-olds, members debated two motions.
Junior Tynwald was stressful, but in a good way, and as the sitting went on, I gained in confidence
Libby Delaney
The motion moved by the Libby Delaney was that Junior Tynwald holds the government’s plans to increase the Island’s population to 100,000 in the next 15 years is more detrimental than beneficial’.
Ultimately, that one failed.
The second motion moved by Freya Gelling, that Junior Tynwald is of the opinion that the government should make more affordable housing available for young people, carried.
The Outstanding Participant Award went to St Ninian’s High School student Alexandra Cowley, who represented Douglas South and is chair of the Tynwald Youth Select Committee.
She said: “Junior Tynwald met all my expectations. At first, I was a bit unsure about contributing to the supplementary questions even though I’d done some preparation, but I soon found that the atmosphere in the Chamber helped to build my confidence and I wanted to have an opportunity to voice my opinions.
“It helps to develop your soft skills, and it’s a unique opportunity to question our politicians on issues that matter to young people of the Isle of Man.”
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