The vote at 16?

TOM LAWLOR, Political Correspondent
With the general election looming, many young people are feeling disgruntled and misrepresented. Of course, the argument against the lowering of the voting age is that too many young people are out of touch from the issues and politics surrounding the country.

However now, of all general elections, I believe that the youth have something to say, but are being prevented from voicing there opinions. With the current economic climate, the policies of the next government will decide the future of our youth, and even determine how many of the 'Celtic Tiger Cubs' emigrate to the likes of Australia.

 For example, many young people aspire to a career in teaching, in admiration for the great work done by their current teachers. But Fíanna Faíl are currently proposing to have new teachers work unpaid. A policy any young aspiring teacher would be very much opposed to, but cannot show their opinions by voting.
Another example would be Fine Gael's policy on mandatory Irish study for Leaving Certificate students. Some opposed, some against, but the principle of the matter is one that concerns the youth, and yet they cannot vote!


The National Youth Council of Ireland’s Vote at 16 campaign group met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee recently, but it is a little too late for the under 18's hoping to vote in one of the most important general elections in the history of the state! 
 More and more young people are forming their own opinions and taking responsibility for their own lives. Under 18's can join the army, work a full time job, see a G.P. and even be taxed! The slogan of the American war of independence 'no taxation without representation' seems very adequate. It's time the youth could, in my opinion, also VOTE in our 'Democracy.'