Does your vote count?

16 May 2009

By Orla Walsh

There's no denying that there are far more exciting things to read about than the European elections but how many of those other topics can directly effect the life you live? It's time for the young people in Ireland to throw off the stereotype that we are completely uninterested in politics. We've been given the right to vote and it's important that we use it, and I don't mean by picking the best poster or inny meany miny mo either.

Are you even registered? - http://www.checktheregister.ie/ if not - http://www.registertovote.ie/

There are so many rumours going around about the EU that are completely unfounded and come only from a lack of knowledge. Firstly let's look at some of the things the EU has done for us. Market issues like food labelling, they've given us a better quality in water, they've given us structural funds for our roads to name a few.

As young people in Ireland, a lot of us are students. I say 'us' because I am a student myself. The European Union looks after Erasmus and also, we have the right to work in any other European country, there's no denying the positives there. More recently the Union has passed a bill on roaming that will cap our phone charges when abroad – who's going to say no to cheaper charges?

It's also important to learn what the EU cannot do: The European Union cannot change our position on abortion, no matter who tells you they can. Nor can they force us to go to war. There are 6 neutral countries in the EU including Ireland. The European Defense Agency are largely there for peace keeping.

To be blunt, I don't care who you vote for, that's entirely up to yourselves, all I care about is that you use your vote. But please, educate yourself on the European Union, the information is out there. We are the technological age where everything is at our fingertips. There is literally no excuse for being under informed. Find out about your candidates, maybe even go to one or two of their events. They'll be delighted to talk to you, for one thing they want the votes so take advantage of that.

The information is free and easily accessible, don't let yourselves down. In the next four years a lot needs to be done to insure that there is security for the young people of Ireland. Your vote means your views will be heard.

There are 3, 203, 814 people aged 18 and over according to census statistics. 3, 078, 003 of these are registered to vote. Let's use it.

http://europa.eu/
http://www.europeanmovement.ie/