Political spin-doctors may take probing interrogations from hard-boiled correspondents of national newspapers in their stride - but it was a different questions when journalists from Childrens Express met the 1997 General Election candidates for the constituency of Islington South and Finsbury.
| Most politicians just try to push us aside. |
"Children have to be the priority in Islington, they are the future" said Chris Smith, the Labour candidate. "They need politicians to listen to them and be interested in what they say."
Mr Smith talked about giving Islington children a better start in life by improving education and giving young people good youth club facilities to give them something challenging and exciting to do.
"He was trying to sell himself" said Mehrak Golestan, 12, giving his impression of the interview. "He was really careful with what he was saying so that he didn't slip up."
"But he had a good idea of the needs of children in Islington," added Abeyna Jones, 13, "although I didn't agree with him when he said that young people weren't becoming more violent. I think that violence among young people is becoming a primary concern for people my age - that made him seem out of touch."
One of the things that always gets cut is youth facilities, explained Liberal Democrat candidate, Sarah Ludford. "It's not really fair then to blame youngsters who are hanging around, because there isn't anywhere to go or anything to do," she said.
"We must find constructive things for kids. We've got to distinguish between natural behaviour and criminal behaviour."
Ms Ludford wanted to make Islington's young people responsible and active in their community by providing them with a good education, including lessons on citizenship and how the political system works.
Erica Rutherford, 15, who lives in Islington, was impressed: "What really impressed me was that she said she wanted young people to grow up to be able to hold her own. Most politicians just try to push us aside."
Tory David Berens said his key concerns were falling education standards and the possibility of using lottery money for extra-curricular activities. "I don't believe money is the problem; it's how the council runs schools," he said. On youth crime he said: "I don't think feeling alienated justifies violence. Society must punish that."
But Kathleen Dawes, 14, responded: "He blamed everything on the Labour council. He ignored the fact that it is his party that has cut funds. He seemed out of touch with young people."
However Stuart Fletcher, 14, had a kinder view: "He was not a full-time politician and I think it made him seem more friendly."
The Referendum Party's Jane Bryett said that she was fighting the election on the single issue of Europe, crucial to future generations, but couldn't talk about any other plans for young people. This honesty clearly impressed her inquisitors. "She wasn't acting clever like most politicians," said Moynul Mustafa, 15.
"We were tough on her," said Ruth Sewell, 12. "But she was ready to admit that she hadn't thought about something."
The general mood may have been one of disillusionment: "We don't get our opinions across in elections because most adults assume they know what we want," said 16-year-old Rachel Bulford - but, as Stuart said: "It was good to get a chance to ask the candidates about youth issues because we are usually talked about, not to."
About the team
This report was compiled by Stuart Fletcher, 14, Rachel Bulford, 16, Senab Adekunle, 14, Kathleen Dawes, 14, Erica Rutherford, 14, Selina Gibson, 14, Daniel Blackwood, 15, Moynul Mustafa, 15, Mehrak Golestan, 13, Duane O'Garro, 11, Abeyna Jones, 13, Ruth Sewell, 12, Sinead Kirwan, 12. It was published in the Highbury & Islington Express.
