By 
MEMBERS of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have given their backing to calls for the voting age to be lowered to 16.
At the September meeting of the local authority, elected representatives passed a proposal brought by Mid Tyrone councillor Patrick Withers to reduce the voting age from 18.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Withers said, “Lowering the voting age to 16 will provide more young people with the opportunity to have their say on who is elected to make decisions that impact their future.
“Young people are already engaged on political issues such as the climate emergency, the condition of our public services and on what a new Ireland will look like and they should be encouraged to participate further.”
The councillor added, “I am pleased that my proposal for reducing the voting age was passed and that representation will be made on getting the necessary legislation amended to give young people a voice on the issues that matter to them.”