Fine Gael targets youth vote in campaign

A copy of the Young Fine Gael billboard adverts

A copy of the Young Fine Gael billboard adverts

A campaign to encourage more young people to vote was launched today by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.

The Young Fine Gael (YFG) initiative will use advertising at summer music festivals to encourage voter registration.

Large billboards on the back of a van will be displayed at events like Electric Picnic and Hi:Fi.

"Decisions are made by those who turn up and Fine Gael wants to ensure that every young person who is eligible to vote can automatically do so", Mr Kenny said.

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Mr Kenny said that his party wants to see automatic voter registration at the age of 18 by using the RSI system.

"The more young people that get involved in politics, even just through the simple act of voting, the better it will be for everyone," Mr Kenny said.

"Political decisions have direct impact on the future of young people's lives and I will continue to encourage every person to participate irrespective of their political beliefs," he added.

According to YFG over 40 per cent of people aged 18-25 voted in the last election and only 6 of the 166 members of the Dáil elected in 2002 were under 30.

The country's youngest TD, Damien English, and the youngest senator, John Paul Phelan, along with members of Young Fine Gael joined Mr Kenny at today's launch.