"MEP , TD, what’s the difference?" That was the answer to a question in a survey carried out in Galway colleges last week on the European Union. It appears young people are not aware of how important voting in elections really is.
Galway had the one of the highest no votes in the last referendum. With the European elections approaching in June, it seems many young people will not be using their vote, and if they are, they simple do
n’t know why they are using it.Eight out of ten college students stated that they were not aware of who was running for the European elections, never mind the fact that they didn’t even know why the European Union was there. Students felt that issues that were important to them, like employment, education, housing and the environment were not being focused on enough.
When asked were there any admirable politicians, the answers were No. The perceptions on politicians amongst students are that they are "Dodgy," "tainted in corruption" or "out for themselves". Not the best response from Ireland’s youth.
European Movement Ireland embarked on a event marking Europe Day in Galway city on Saturday last. A flash mob freeze took place in several locations around the city followed by questions on the street with the Europe Day team. Europe Day’s aim was to make information on the European Union more accessible minus the Jargon.
Andrea Pappin, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland said, "We’re here today in Galway celebrating Europe Day, European Movement Ireland wants people talking about the real stuff about Europe and not the imaginary stuff".
The European Elections take place on 5 June with Ireland’s number of MEPs being reduced from thirteen to twelve.
