Sir, - I write to support Eamon Gilmore's recently published Private Member's Bill to reduce the age limit for contesting Dail and presidential elections to 18 years.
In an age when young people are feeling increasingly separated from the political system, it would be a small but progressive step. The Bill recognises the need to encourage more young people to take part in politics and broaden the range of potential candidates.
It is only logical that if a society trusts people of 18 to vote in both Dail and Presidential elections, it should also be able to accept them as candidates. Eighteen years of age is now generally regarded as the age of maturity and these people can marry and pay taxes like any one else.
This Bill should be accepted by the Government and a referendum to change the constitution held on June 11th, the same day as the local and European elections. - Yours, etc., Alan Kelly, Joint chairperson of Labour Youth, Stillorgan Heath,
Stillorgan, Co Dublin.