SDLP Youth

SDLP Youth is made up of a collection of young people from all over the island of Ireland, working creatively to ensure the voice of youth is heard in Irish Politics.

SDLP Youth is an innovative and exciting political group dealing with a wide range of issues, with every member playing their own unique role in helping to build a better future for this island.

It consists of party members aged 30 and under and is entitled to representation on the central Executive. Among its members are included councillors and party officers.

SDLP Youth Executive

Matthew McDermott- Chair
Katherine McCloskey- Vice-Chair
Aisling Twomey-O' Connor- Secretary/Treasurer
Michelle Byrne- Public Relations Officer
Connor Daly- Universities & Colleges
Meg Fegan and Eamonn McAuley- Campaigns Officers
Gavin Boyd- International Secretary

SDLP Youth Campaigns

  • One President, One Island, One Vote-aimed at securing a vote for northern residents in Irish Presidential elections
  • Working to abolish the political protocol at the University of Ulster which bans political organisation on campus
  • Opposition to university fees
  • Student Safety & Welfare
  • Fairtrade Further
  • Anti-Slave Labour
  • Workers' Rights
  • Supporting the Irish Language
  • Opposition to cluster munitions

Party Leader Mark Durkan MP commended SDLP Youth in his speech to SDLP Party Conference 2009 for running a lively campaign against cluster munitions - including "a striking YouTube video". He said, "Today I want to particularly commend SDLP Youth. While other youth groups glorify atrocities in our country, young SDLP members put their commitment into stopping atrocities in other countries."

As social democrats, SDLP Youth has strong European and international relations with fellow socialists. It plays an active role in many political debates, events and festivals including the IUSY World Festival and IFM Winterschool. SDLP Youth's current logo, launched in September 2007, incorporates the symbolism of the party's main international affiliations i.e. a red rose being held in a hand (Socialist International) and a star (Party of European Socialists), to reflect its social democratic outlook.

www.sdlpyouth.com