Junior Tynwald has, once again, served to demonstrate students’ debating skills and knowledge of current affairs. The sitting of Junior Tynwald Court saw Year 12 students from the Island’s five state secondary schools participate, each fielding a team of ‘politicians’, while a number of their colleagues acted as radio and press reporters. Before the formal proceeding students gathered in the Members’ Room where they were greeted by the President of Tynwald, Hon Clare Christian MLC who, together with the Speaker of the House of Keys Hon Steve Rodan, led a conducted tour of the Legislative Buildings during which the functions of the Manx parliament’s three chambers were outlined. An animated question time on issues ranging from the value of the TT to the Island’s economy, submitted by the Hon Member for Castletown Mr James Ollier (Castle Rushen High School), to civil partnership education in schools, submitted by the Hon Member for Douglas West Miss Sophie Jackson (Ballakermeen High School) was followed by two motions put to the Court. The first, moved by the Hon Member for Douglas South Mr Rory O’Shea (Ballakermeen High School), called for a change to the Island’s constitutional status and failed to carry; the second, moved by the Hon Member for Council Mr Tom Livingston (Queen Elizabeth II High School), that alternative energy sources be sought for the Isle of Man, was carried. The sitting concluded, Mrs Christian praised the students for their teamwork and ‘excellent contributions’. She added: ‘The students were all extremely accomplished in articulating their proposals and responses. They are to be commended for grasping the complexity of parliamentary procedures so swiftly and for showing such a keen interest in current affairs, both locally and internationally.’ The President’s sentiments were echoed by Mr Speaker who added that Junior Tynwald Court’s high proportion of female Members (12) was ‘far more representative of society’ than Tynwald proper, which currently numbered only three. Ramsey Grammar School student Jeriel Bacari said Junior Tynwald had been ‘a great experience’. She observed: ‘It gave a valuable insight into the workings of parliament. I also thought it would be very serious, but was surprised by how light hearted some of the proceedings were…and the ministers were all very polite.’ Katie Danes, from Castle Rushen High School, who had engaged in lengthy and lively debate during the sitting said: ‘Junior Tynwald really makes you have to think on your feet,’ while Rory O’Shea, from Ballakermeen High School added: ‘It was a very interesting experience and it certainly makes you want to use your right to vote.’ Junior Tynwald is an annual event organised by the Isle of Man branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in association with the Department of Education and Children. Ends