LAST Thursday Young Fine Gael launched its second branch in Letterkenny.

The branch was officially launched by Shane McEntee TD, Fine Gael's spokesperson on Road Safety, in Fine Gael's constituency office in Lower Main Street. The new branch caters for secondary school students, as opposed to the existing branch, which is based in Letterkenny IT, and which caters for third-level students.

"We already have over a hundred members in LYIT, and I hope that this new branch can emulate the success that we've had. The main interest has come from St. Eunan's College, but members of the other schools are welcome to join.

"Young Fine Gael is open to members from 15 years of age, but the official affiliation date will be in March or April, so as long as someone is 15 by then, he or she can join now." James Dawson, Fine Gael's Youth Officer in the constituency, stated:

Senator Joe McHugh stated that the young people who were interested in Young Fine Gael in the constituency was phenomenal.

MEMBERSHIP

"There is a huge membership in the Milford area, and the Letterkenny branch is one of the leading branches in the country. Young Fine Gael held a workshop in Inishowen in the summer, and there are members throughout the peninsula.

"Perhaps there is a perception that young people are cynical about politics, but I think that once they get involved, they can take some ownership of the process.

"The Donegal Youth Council is a prime example of this." he said.

Before the launch, Deputy McEntee met with YFG members, and discussed matters of road safety.

If you are interested in joining the new branch, contact Mark Sweeney on 086-8718001 or e-mail yfg@donegal.net, or alternatively log onto www.yfg.ie.