SpunOut.ie hosted a mega Youth Presidential Forum @ Dublin Contemporary on October 15th 2011. Missed it? No probs, watch the entire debate here:

Anywho... we asked young SpunOutters at the SpunOut.ie Presidential Debate what they wanted from Ireland’s next president and here’s what they said...

“I want to hear what the candidates plan to do about the issue of youth mental health and the high rate of suicide. 1 in every 5 young people in Ireland are living with a mental health issue. Many of these people will not speak to others about their symptoms, for fear of being ridiculed, judged, stigmatised and in some cases rejected. Because of this, many people will not seek help, which in turn leads to further isolation, deterioration and puts them at a high risk. WHY should they feel like this?? WHY is there a stigma?? Mental health is just as important as physical health so why are the people of Ireland treating it as something bad??  Of course the next president cannot answer this question, as the stigma became a problem long ago. What I do want to know is how they will change it for our future and the generations to come after us?” – June

“I'd like the presidency to be more about bringing some hope and joy to the the general public rather than hosting lavish social events for a select few.” - Therese

“Realism, understanding, leadership. I'm sick of the bickering and rubbish that candidates are saying they will or can do.  The president’s role is limited but as the first citizen they have the position make an example and set standards at home and internationally.” - John

“I want the next president to be a charismatic and intelligent leader and spokesperson. I want a president who is interested in the youth of the country, as we are the future and currently the future are immigrating in masses. I want the next president to have specific aims, within their power, to bring about positive change to the current situation instead of vague promises that mean nothing in the end.” - Maggie

“Fearlessness to ask tough questions, demand answers, help those in need and recognise the efforts of civil society organisations whose work keeps this country ticking.” - Nikita
 

“I want someone who can bring back a sense of pride to Ireland. In the last few years we have become disillusioned and demoralised.” - Elizabeth

“I want a President with a realistic vision of what they can achieve for Ireland. I want a President who will help empower citizens across Ireland as well as the Irish diaspora abroad.  I want a President who will work towards creating an equal republic and will celebrate our state with dignity and pride in 2016 - communicating a positive vision of Ireland internationally." - Orla

“As a young individual who will have to bear the brunt of the quagmire, years of ineptitude in government has wrought, I would like to see a restoration of dignity to this country and to being Irish. I would like to see and hear a President that will be a beacon of inspiration to young people living in this country, young people who are devoted to restoring this country to the heights once soared in times past and through all the hardships and difficulties, will strive to improve their lives and the lives of those in their community.” - Luke      

“As we approach the centenary of the 1916 Rising, I want to see that the future President of Ireland commits her/himself to the contents of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, in particular paragraph four detailing what the Republic guarantees, namely liberty, equal rights and opportunities, as well as personal happiness and prosperity, much of which is yet to be achieved.” - Noel

“I feel as a young person in Ireland, there are a number of candidates which identify with modern Ireland and its needs and there are some which would have been suitable candidates some decades ago. I want to see what new values the new president can bring to the presidency and to the Irish people and what their knowledge on the modern issues which face young people every day is.” - Gavin

“I want another president with expertise or experience in human rights. The president can’t stop the recession. What we need is someone who can guarantee our constitutional rights and can represent the Irish dedication to Human rights with authority while abroad. In addition, I think the president needs to act with decorum as we need a strong image when negotiating with Europe. A president who doesn't mind looking a fool will not serve us well.” - Megan

“The next President of Ireland should be someone who is committed to the best interests of the Irish people and who represents the values, interests and reputation of the Irish people at an international level.” - Leona          

“The issue I want the next President to address is the future course of this country in terms of what values we as a society prioritise (e.g. individual gain and advancement vs. the well being of the community). I want the next President to open a debate on re-establishing an ethos in Irish society that will abhor and reject the promotion of commercialism and individualised economic advancement at the expense of the needs of ordinary people and the wider community.“  -  Ciarán

“I want to hear the voices of the ordinary people spoke out loud and to have impact.” - Colleen  

“Hope, Respect and Integrity.” - Claire

“I would like to know how they plan to improve Ireland's image abroad in the current climate. Does Martin McGuiness feel he can remove his focus from Northern Ireland and focus primarily on the Republic? Does David Norris not feel that he might not be received well in countries abroad where, unfortunately in this day and age, homosexuality is frowned upon, or even illegal? As former MEPs, do Dana Rosemary Scallon and Gay Mitchell feel they have the necessary experience to rebuild relations and promote Ireland in Europe? As the oldest candidate, Michael D Higgins becoming president would mean that in 7 years time, he will be 77 and might feel too old to serve another term in office, resulting in the expense of another election for the country, an expense which may be saved if a younger candidate was to become president.” - Aoife     

“I want to hear how the candidates distinguish themselves from one another and how their potential presidency would differ from past presidents." - Maria
 

“I would like to see which of the candidates can provide the most for the youth of Ireland.” - Anthony

“I want an effective President. Someone who will not only have the revival of the Irish economy as one of their primary objectives but that youth work, young person participation and community involvement is pushed up on their agendas. Young people have been forgotten about during the economic crisis but it’s okay that us young people will be the ones who pay back the bailout... This is why we must have a say in this election. I want somebody in office that will recognise this. Ireland needs this. A president that will stand up for the rights of students, such as access to a maintenance grant, the new guidelines are ridiculous! Thankfully the USI are looking after this in the highcourt!” - Jamie   

“I want to see someone who is honest and open. I've had an interest in politics for a few years now and I am often left feeling like politicians will say whatever they think people want to hear in order to secure votes. They are afraid to admit their mistakes for fear of losing votes. I don't expect the next president to be perfect but I expect them to be open about their mistakes and not shy away from discussing past mistakes. Another thing I hope is that they value peace. Ireland has had a violent past and resentment and hatred is still a part of our society. My dream is that the new president will value peace above borders. I want to see them furthering the friendship between the UK and Ireland as neighbours. I hope that they recognise the hurt suffered by both sides in the past and work for a peaceful future for Ireland. It is vital to me that the next president is able to represent Ireland well abroad and promote confidence in Ireland throughout the world. This is vital in order to improve Ireland's economic situation. But more importantly I hope the next president will boost the confidence of the Irish people. They need to be a good leader and help the Irish people see that there is life after recession. I want the next president to look forward to the future with enthusiasm and determination.” - Caitríona

“I want the new president to try and help family who only have either one parent working who cannot receive help because of previous laws passed.” - Emily

“I want to see a President who can engage young people, who the country should be relying on the bring Ireland back to its prime.” - Matthew

“I want to see the country’s financial income being dealt with straight away.” - Liam

... does this speak for you?

The best way to get your voice heard at this stage is TO VOTE!

- Happy ballot boxing from all at SpunOut.ie!