Young people are being encouraged to stand as candidates in the local and European elections by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI). A group of first-time candidates of different parties, seeking election in June, launched the campaign at NYCI headquarters yesterday. Young people are also being encouraged to put their name on the electoral register, use their vote and "get informed and involved in the election process".

About 1,600 seats in 114 local authorities will be contested on June 11th, along with 15 European seats. "With roughly one-third of councillors retiring, the election offers an unprecedented chance for young people to get involved in local government," says the council.