Sir, - I read with interest a piece concerning a survey carried out by the National Youth Council of Ireland which found a high degree of apathy among young potential voters (The Irish Times, April 27th).
As a first-time candidate in the local elections for Fine Gael, when calling door to door I have made a point of asking young adults why this high degree of apathy exists. Some common replies I have received include:
1. On the polling date of June 11th the vast majority of newly qualified voters will be sitting down to the Leaving Cert maths and Irish papers, which pretty much ensures they will not have the time or the inclination to vote.
2. The whole decision-making process of local and national politics is so distant and remote that young adults feel there is no point in getting involved.
3. Young adults have the impression that local politics is the preserve of retired people with time on their hands.
To start to interest young adults in politics, the decision-making process could be simplified and made more transparent. The State could encourage more involvement by students in local politics (get transition-year students to visit local council meetings, for a start).
It is a tragedy that, at a time when the input and idealism of our greatest resource (young adults) is most needed to breathe life into a jaded body politic, they feel the most excluded group in our political system. - Yours, etc. Eoin Costello,
Abberley, Killiney, Co Dublin.