Who should be the 2009 People's Panellist?

The Question Time team would like your comments to help them decide who should appear on Schools Question Time 2009 as the 'people's panellist'.

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Which of our finalists has what it takes to become a member of the panel for this year's Schools Question Time?

Five young people have been shortlisted to compete for the chance to join David Dimbleby and the politicians in this special edition of the programme, to be broadcast on 9 July. They are Daniel Thomas, Liam Ager, Suzanne Burlton, Johnny Le Van-Gilroy and Tom Wyatt.

OUR FINALISTS Daniel Thomas Watch Daniel's video Liam Ager Watch Liam's video Suzanne Burlton Watch Suzanne's video Johnny LeVan-Gilroy Watch Johnny's video Tom Wyatt Watch Tom's video

On Thursday 18 June, all five took part in an 'off air' Question Time-style debate, to test their knowledge and stamina in front of an audience which included a couple of the students who are helping to produce this year's Schools Question Time event.

The finalists coped with the pressure well according to the programme's executive editor, Gavin Allen:

"David Dimbleby next to you, the theme tune booming behind you and a bank of producers making up the audience in front of you and suddenly you're in the spotlight," he said.

"In such circumstances, it would have been entirely understandable if our panellists had frozen but it's a huge credit to them all that none of them did.

Instead we were all hugely impressed with the confidence and intellectual clarity they showed - and now it's just a matter of finding out whether you agree with us as to who was the best."

Once you have watched the debate, let us know who you think would make the most effective debater by sending your comments to our YouTube page.

We are not looking at the volume of correspondence each candidate attracts. Rather we will take comments into account which offer telling observations, are thoughtfully written from the point of view of the wider Question Time audience, or add a special insight or critique.

However, the final editorial decision in selecting the 'people's panellist' rests with the BBC as executive editors of the programme.

The winner will be announced at the beginning of the Schools Question Time programme on 9 July.

Audience applications

If you would like to be in the audience for this special programme, we are now accepting applications.

For more information on how to apply click here