Student podcasters from Dunamase College recently got the chance to bring the newly elected TDs for Laois to their ‘Dunamase Diaries’ Podcast Studio.
The students had the chance to quiz their elected representatives about some of the issues that are on the minds of the young people of Laois.
The initiative saw the politicians questioned about everything from their plans for the new Dáil term, to balancing family life with politics, to sustainability – and much more.
The podcast series is part of a partnership between LOETB and Laois County Council designed to help develop 21st century skills in all the schools involved.
The Dunamase Diaries Podcast Studio was one of nine provided to LOETB schools as part of the LOETB STEAM Programme, which also included design, coding, and robotics.
The Dunamase students involved were Jamie Frarey, Eve Langford, Kellie Smith and Roisín Bhreathnach.
To prepare for the political podcast series, the students got some crucial tips from a man who is no stranger to facing politicians of all political hues across a microphone.
Steven Miller, of LaoisToday, provided the mentoring for the students and helped to make sure that the politicians were kept on their toes.
Fresh from their first day in the new Dáil, the TDs chatted about a wide range of topics: the challenges for Willie Aird in combining a busy farm and his Dáil responsibilities; Brian Stanley’s admiration for James Connolly; as well as Sean Fleming’s meeting with the pope.
To hear the full interviews, head to Dunamase College’s ‘Dunamase Diaries’ Spotify channel here.
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