Republican News · Thursday 27 February 2002

Omagh discussion forum

West Tyrone Assembly member Barry McElduff has involved young people in the Omagh area in a novel initiative by setting up a Discussion Forum at Sinn Féin's Constituency Office in Omagh, County Tyrone.

Topics already discussed include The Hunger Strike, Sellafield and the legacy of Che Guevara.

Barry says the idea behind the forum was to empower the young people of the Omagh area to have their say on major issues that affect their lives.

"One of the most pleasing aspects of these events is seeing the young people debate subjects with maturity and passion and I am delighted that these events give young people the opportunity to air their views on the subject for debate," he said.

The series of discussions is open to 5th, 6th and seventh year students from all the schools and colleges in the district.

"There are evaluation sheets on all topics, which are completed by the participants which tell us which subjects the young people preferred and how to plan future discussions with their help," says Barry.

"Future topics, which the young people have expressed an interest in, include the escape from the H Blocks in 1983, interface violence, and Palestine, while the next topic on the agenda is the upcoming elections and whether people are registered to vote.

"In particular so far, the Hunger Strike seminar given by Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane, former OC of republican prisoners in the H Blocks, was of great interest to the young people.

"Bik gave some background of the prison struggle from 1971 up to the Hunger Strike of 1981. He gave a very personal account of how the Hunger Strike effected him and his comrades and of how the people of Omagh district helped Bobby Sands secure election to the British Parliament.

"A lively discussion with good participation from the young people followed. "They wanted to find out more about Bobby Sands and of Martin Hurson, who came from Tyrone."

The meetings will take place every month with the participants scheduling their own subjects for debate and discussion.

yone interested in attending any of the monthly forum meetings in the Sinn Féin constituency office at 4-5 James Street, Omagh, should contact Barry or Helena at 028 82253040.