IAIN SMITH MSP URGES YOUNGSTERS TO VOTE IN SCOTTISH YOUTH PARLIAMENT ELECTION

2.59.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th May 2007

With polling stations open all week in high schools across Fife for the Scottish Youth parliament elections, Iain Smith, MSP

for NE Fife is urging youngsters to take part in the democratic process.

"It is very important that young people feel that they can play a part in the democratic process at an early age", commented Mr Smith.

"There is a strong need for young people to know that their vote counts and by encouraging them to make democratic choices

at this early stage will promote a culture of voting which will hopefully help curb the decreasing election turnouts.

"Liberal Democrats want to see an enhanced role for the Scottish Youth Parliament in the work of the Scottish Parliament, and I hope that young people across Fife will play their part in making sure young people matter," concluded Iain Smith.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1) Details of the Scottish Youth Parliament elections in Fife can be found at

http://www.fife.gov.uk/orgs/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.display&objectid=D21B90DF-0CA8-A8D2-98EB774BA104F81C&orgid=60304273-A856-11D6-BF4D0002A5349AC9