Youth Action proof that NI has an "outstanding younger generation"

5.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Apr 2006

Young Alliance Chair Ian James Parsley has commended the Rainbow School of Performing Arts for an outstandingly successful show at the Waterfront, saying it illustrates Northern Ireland's "golden younger generation".

Speaking after attending the Rainbow Factory's production "Watermark", the North Down Councillor stated: "When you see the talent displayed by performers working with Youth Action Northern Ireland, it is conclusive proof that the poor reputation of young people in Northern Ireland is undeserved. The reality is of an outstandingly talented generation able to work together to produce work of a genuinely world-class standard.

"The show put on last night would not have looked out of place in the West End or Broadway - and yet it is entirely the work of young people working together right here at home.

"Yet our so-called 'political leaders' seem prepared to lose this golden generation in the squalor of segregation and sectarianism. Most of our politicians could do with following our young leaders rather than the other way around!

"Our leaders have to understand that people just want to get on with it, free of the limitations and poison of tribalism. A great writer is a great writer, a great singer is a great singer, and a great actor is a great actor - religious or national affiliation have nothing to with anything.

"Until our politicians get to grips with this, it is small wonder young people are turning away from politics in favour of things such as theatre which provide concrete, fun and world-class outcomes.

"It is time we all, collectively, caught ourselves on."

ENDS