Darcy encourages younger people to get involved in EU Presidency

Fine Gael Louth Senator, Jim Darcy is calling on 18-25 year olds to get involved with Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency by participating in an initiative by European Movement Ireland (EMI) which will see 25 young people reporting on Ireland’s six month term.

The Youth Media and the Irish Presidency (YMIP) initiative aims to recruit 25 young communicators between the ages of 18 to 25 to report on Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council from January to June 2013.

The programme does not require applicants to have any former journalistic skills and the range of areas where opportunities exist stem from photography, to writing, blogging, film making and podcasting. This is a 32 county initiative and will give successful applicants a chance not only to get to the very heart of Ireland’s presidential term but it will also provide valuable work experience, giving candidates a chance to enhance and develop their skills.

Participants will be given access to official presidency events over the course of Ireland’s six month tenure. Their work will then be publicised on the EMI website with the possibility of being picked up by a wider audience through the use of social media and through EMI’s national media contacts. Training will also be given to successful applicants throughout.

The closing date for application is next Wednesday, 19th December so I am calling on energetic and enthusiastic people who are keen to report on Ireland’s presidency and make their views on Ireland’s Presidency known, to download an application from the YMIP website.

Our Presidency offers an excellent opportunity for Ireland to shape the European agenda and to showcase Ireland in a positive light. Our 18-25 year olds are the leaders of the future. Their voices should be heard. I would encourage all those who are interested in playing their part, developing their professional competencies and getting a bird’s eye view of Ireland’s evolving relationship with Europe to apply to take part, without delay.