Showcase 2007/2008
Mark Heneghan
***
Derek Coffey
***
David Blair
***
Cliff John
***
Gerard O'Reilly
***
Mark O'Gorman
***
Tomas Grinius
***
James White
***
Sean Mooney
***
For some people politics is about personal gain or carrying on a family tradition,
however for me and a few others it is about serving in the common interest of the
people.In May 2006 I was struck down with meningitis and septicaemia. Beforehand
I had what could be described as a passing interest in politics. I was concerned
about the direction of this country's health service, education and the war in Iraq.
After my brush with death I decided to take the plunge into organised and
structured party politics. I joined the Labour Party and within 2 months I was
working in Leinster House during my work experience.Walking across the plinth towards the well known revolving doors, I was overcome
with a sense of awe and respect. There is an atmosphere of governance around
Kildare Street, the sense of important decisions being made by politicians
elected by the people. The sense of this importance is shared by everyone from
the support staff to the cabinet.Since my first venture into the heart of Ireland's political system I have committed
a huge amount of my time to various causes. I was a key figure on the ground in
Joanna Tuffy's election campaig. I was a junior staffer to Senator Brendan Ryan
during the NUI Seanad Election. I worked in the SDLP South Belfast Constituency
office. I managed the social networking/web campaign for Joan Burton in the
Labour Party Deputy Leadership race, and I have since begun to campaign in
the lead up to the Lisbon Treaty Referendum and the 2009 Local Elections.
Throughout this time I have also been a vocal commentator and I have used
my position as this areas representative on the Labour Youth Council to raise
various issues including Northern Ireland, Education Reform, Healthcare,
International Affairs, Equality, Planning and Social Disadvantage.But surprisingly politics isn't just about politics. I have some amazing friends
within the political world. They include Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Doctors,
Nurses, Teachers, Sociologists, Engineers, College professors, Business people
and Former Ministers. There is a great variety of people with different interests
and career paths who are involved in politics.However apathy is a huge problem. One half of being politically active is to show
up. When George Bush invaded Iraq, millions of American and European
teenagers found that they had a voice and that they could use it to demand an
end to the war. They have set the policy agenda for nearly every candidate in this
year's Presidential Elections. Yet we can see, even here in our school,
that apathy exists amongst both teachers and students alike. Many students
cannot name who the minister for education is, or the president, despite her state
visit last year.Yet within the school I have seen a huge change. My friends from last years TY
and this years 5th year now can discuss politics. They may think that I waffle on
about politics but I am overjoyed at the fact they can talk to me about the things
that matter like healthcare and education. They may not have seen that change
but I certainly have.I only have one political ambition, to serve my country. If I can best do that by
sitting in the Dáil then so be it. Clondalkin as an area requires proper
representation. Only around 13% of students in the area will go on to 3rd level,
we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country in areas like
Rowlagh, Neilstown and North Clondalkin and one of our local TDs is trying to take
healthcare away from the ordinary citizen and give it solely to those who can
afford it. In the next 50 years we face huge challenges, the next generation of
politicians will have to deal with the fallouts of today's crises. I want to be
able to tackle those problems and deliver the best solution for the people,
not the vested interests.
James White has written a poetic tribute to the former Labour Party Minister and T.D., Conor Cruise O'Brien. Click here to read his poem.
