The upcoming election is missing the “youth factor”, that’s according to the Galway based national youth organisation Spunout.ie which says that many young people may not even vote tomorrow (Friday ). Spunout.ie believes that young people in Ireland are not as uninterested in the upcoming elections as many people might think. Instead they are finding the political system inaccessible, confusing, and uninspiring. Founder Ruairí McKiernan says that out of approximately 500,000 young people aged between 18 and 25 up to 70 per cent (350,000 ) may not vote (according to a recent Spunout.ie poll conducted via text message with sample of 50 website users ).
“Young people often find the political system difficult to understand and access. Many don’t know what impact their vote would have and they generally don’t know how the local and European government systems work. This is further compounded by difficulties in voter registration and a sense of despair when it comes to mainstream politics, parties, and their policies.
“Those that do intend voting appear to be moving away from post civil war politics where people voted Fine Gael or Fianna Fail in line with family allegiances. A young well travelled, highly educated, and increasingly unemployed generation* are actively seeking alternatives to represent their worldviews but are increasingly disillusioned by a political system which pays lip service to youth issues,” said Mr McKiernan. Spunout.ie also believe that the political system is not benefiting from the vast pool of ideas, energy, and talent that a younger view can bring. It is calling for this issue to be addressed and for a radical rethink to be implemented as a matter of urgency.
“It’s time to open up the doors to young people and to harness their potential as active citizens,” said Mr McKiernan.
