Young voters urged to cast ballots

A campaign to encourage Ireland's youth to vote in the upcoming referendum on the fiscal treaty has been launched by SpunOut, a charity organisation run by young people for young people.

The online initiative, which aims to give young people a better understanding of the issues involved in the referendum, went live today on their website, SpunOut.ie.

“SpunOut aims to make young people aware of the upcoming referendum whilst trying to remove the jargon from the political debate,” said SpunOut youth engagement officer John Buckley.

“Despite the huge potential of young people to decide the outcome, few politicians or parties connect with them in any meaningful way,” he added.

Young people were invited to submit questions on the fiscal treaty through Facebook and Twitter, which were put to politicians on both sides of the referendum debate. Their responses were filmed and uploaded to the SpunOut website.

Advocating a No vote, Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said young people would be most affected by the outcome of the referendum, because they are the group who are suffering most from high unemployment and forced emigration, which will continue if the treaty is passed and austerity persists.

“Cutting and hacking isn’t going to work, isn’t going to give young people opportunities to make their lives and have their futures here in Ireland. We want that to change, and that is what the No vote is all about,” she said.

Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin said a Yes vote would ensure funding for essential services such as education and healthcare is maintained. “Young people who are in school today, or who are unemployed, or indeed, young people in work, their chances are improved if we can take measures to boost confidence in Europe generally, and in Ireland,” he said.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton and Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney also spoke on behalf of the Yes side, while United Left Alliance TD Richard Boyd Barrett and Independent TD Luke “Ming” Flanagan represented those opposed to the treaty.

The SpunOut website also has a breakdown of “what is inside the Treaty”, and a comments section where young people can have their say on the issues involved.

SpunOut is strongly urging the youth of Ireland to come out and vote next Thursday. “It is important that young people continue to express their opinion by voting and by ensuring they make their voices heard loud and clear,” said Mr Buckley.