By Grace Campbell Current sixth year students have only two words on their mind as the month of June approaches and the words are not “European Elections.”
As the impending Leaving Certificate draws near, pupils are now approaching the final study hurdle with the hope of securing a place in the college of their choice next September. A large proportion of sixth year students have already turned 18 and are eligible to vote for the first time in the local and European elections.
Speaking to students in a Kildare secondary school they did not seem too bothered about their newly inherited right to vote. “It’s not really a big deal,” said one student. Another said “I’m way too busy studying to even think of voting.”
Out of all of the students interviewed each had consumed their first legal drink and had attended the local nightclub when they reached the milestone age of 18. Not one student could confirm whether or not they were even registered to vote.
The last time any of these pupils had involvement in politics was when they studied the subject CSPE (Civic, Social and Political Education) for their Junior Certificate, which they now claim “was a waste of time anyway.”
When questioned as to whether the legal age of 18 is too young of an age to vote, students quickly defended their emotional and intellectual intelligence. “Of course we are mature enough to vote. We should have a choice if we want to vote or not and if we choose not to then that should be respected,” said one female student.
One male pupil chirped in “Even if I did decide to vote there’s no point because I haven’t a clue about politics. I keep seeing all the election posters and I don’t know the difference between the local and European elections. I’d probably just copy who my parents vote for.”
These students may be ignorant of politics but are by no means stupid. Two of the students interviewed are aiming to study medicine at college; another student hopes to study pharmacy. One sixth year announced that he achieved 550 points in his mocks back in February and another has received a scholarship to study in a university in Wales.
What is so off-putting about politics? This was met by silence. “It’s just so negative,” one student finally declared. “All that politicians do is argue and maybe if they paid more attention to their jobs then we wouldn’t have this recession.”
Another student said “My mum was let go from her firm last month. Politicians keep knocking on our door promising to make more jobs here but it’s just upsetting her even more.”
What students lack in political knowledge they make up for in the emotional anguish and frustration that they share with their families. “My older brother graduated from an engineering degree last year and he’s now in Australia,” said one of the interviewees. “Some of his friends are over there too looking for jobs. Any of them who stayed here are on the dole.”
The main issues identified by sixth years as the main issues affecting young people were: third level education fees and emigration. “I think our government has to work alongside other governments to beat this recession. Being part of the EU seems to have benefited us so far,” said one student.
Looks like they know more about politics than they realise.
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