18-year-old man from Newbridge elected as Mincéir Senator in Kildare-based university

James Stokes from his days at St Conleth's Community College.

placeholder image — James Stokes from his days at St Conleth's Community College.

An 18-year-old Newbridge man has successfully secured his place as the Mincéir Senator in Maynooth University (MU).

James Stokes, who is a member of the Traveller Community, won with 1,010 votes.

He recently enrolled at a teaching course at MU.

Commenting on the background, James said: "To start the year Maynooth Student Union were running a bye-election, to fill vacant seats in the Student Senate, Executive and academic reps for classes.

"After researching the available seats, I came across the Mincéir Senator position, which had been around for a number of years but had remained vacant."

He continued: "Having done work with the KTA (Kildare Traveller Action) and Senator Eileen Flynn, but also being a Traveller, I thought the right decision for me was to run for this seat.

"I won with 1,010 votes, filling a vacant seat and opening the opportunity for a new beginning within the student union."

"I plan to be a voice for Traveller Students within the university, but also to all students," he concluded.