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SpunOut.ie Lisbon Poll

Blog: Come out and vote!

Article by : SpunOut.ie

The results of the SpunOut.ie Facebook Lisbon Treaty Poll*:

  • Yes: 50.67%
  • No: 41.63%
  • I’m undecided: 3.33%
  • I don’t understand it: 4.37%

 *poll capped at 1,350 voters

 
The results of the SpunOut.ie poll of 1,350 people show young people are far from silent on the big issues facing the nation. The buzz we’re hearing is:

SpunOutters:

  • Are fed up with the tired ideas and faces from both sides of the debate
  • Have issues around the lack of clear issue-based information
  • Dislike the manner in which both sides are campaigning
  • Resent the fact that, despite the huge potential of young people to decide the outcome; few politicians or parties connect with them in any meaningful way

 

There is a strong feeling that the current system has failed young people and the entire community in its failure to welcome young ideas and energy. Ireland continues to be suffocated by politics that favours playing it safe over sustainable solutions. In the absence of significant attempts by political parties to connect, young people are choosing alternative means of expression. SpunOut.ie feels the time has come for a revolution in civic participation where ordinary voices can lead the exceptional changes that are needed in our country.

 

SpunOut.ie suggests:

  • Civic education in schools
  • More participatory system
  • Moving away from meaningless placards and sloganeering

 

Although the poll suggests a close race, it is the No supporters who are most vocal on our forums. SpunOut.ie comments range from analysis of Lisbon and privatisation, militarism and independence to a general belief that the Yes side are overwhelmingly more resourced and visible.

There are approximately 500,000 young people in Ireland between the ages of 18 and 25. The Department of Foreign Affair's research carried out after the last referendum on Lisbon showed age was the second strongest indicator of a No vote, with 57% of the 18-34 year olds voting No, compared to 43% of the same age group who voted Yes.

Despite the above interest in the Lisbon poll it remains to be seen if young people will actually vote on Friday. Will you? In recent years young people have had a low turnout. This means the vast power of the youth vote, which has real potential to decide the outcome, remains largely untapped.

SpunOut.ie is strongly urging the youth of Ireland to come out and vote on Friday. It is important that young people continue to express their aspirations by voting and by ensuring they make their voices heard loud and clear.