A 16-year-old from Monea has been elected as the Youth MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Jack McCubbin, a former pupil at Erne Integrated College, secured the position following a three-month campaign.

His campaign focused on road safety, the rising cost of education, and the importance of including young people's perspectives in decision-making. He raised particular concerns about road deaths among young people in the area, pledging to push for greater education and awareness around road safety.

Mr McCubbin described himself as grateful and excited after the result, and said he felt prepared to begin work. He acknowledged the support of volunteers, friends and family who assisted his campaign effort.

As Youth MP, his role will be to represent young people across the constituency at local and national level, bringing forward the issues they consider most important. He hopes to engage with young people through community events and discussions, and will take part in regional and national Youth Parliament events, including the potential to speak at the annual sitting in the House of Commons.

His published manifesto sets out several priorities. He intends to campaign for increased road safety funding, more accessible mental health services, and greater investment in towns and villages to provide safe social spaces for teenagers. He also wants to address rising costs linked to education and to push for school uniform reform.

On digital policy, Mr McCubbin stated his opposition to banning social media for under-16s and to the extent of mobile phone restrictions within schools.