Almost half a million young people will be eligible to vote for the first time in a presidential election on October 30th next. Yesterday, the National Youth Council called on them to ensure they are registered and that they get out to vote.
The closing date for people wishing to add their name to the register is next Saturday. The numbers involved, and the likelihood that the winning margin would be small, meant that the youth vote could make all the difference, said a council spokesman.
The council's campaign encouraging young people to get involved was launched yesterday outside Leinster House, with the aid of the six TDs who are under 30. "It's only every seven years, so if they miss this opportunity they have a long wait," said Ms Mildred Fox (Ind). "Young people should play their part in the election of a President. A President is for all the people."
Ms Fox said a lot of young people had canvassed for her in the last general election. "Young people won't vote for you just because you're young. You have to be able to relate to the issues that concern them, such as drugs, or college fees."
Mr Billy Kelleher (FF) said young people might look at politics as being very far removed from their lives but this was not the case. However, "happenings like those of recent days discourage people from getting involved".
Mr Michael Moynihan (FF) said it was natural for young people to be rebellious and to feel outside the system. Young people did not necessarily vote for the youngest candidate, he said. "Jackie Healy-Rae got the youth vote in Kerry. He had a good bunch of young people canvassing for him."
Ms Cecilia Keaveney (FF) said she believed more young people were involved in politics than before. "The problem is bringing the youth vote out. If they feel that young people are not involved, then they don't feel part of it. If young people are involved they come out and vote."
Young people should vote just like everyone else, she said. "It gives people a right to complain about things. If they don't come out and vote then in a way they don't have a right to complain about whatever's there."
The other TDs who took part in the launch were Mr Denis Naughten (FG) and Mr Brian Hayes (FG).
