By Kate ManningSenator John Paul Phelan, speaking in Portlaoise on Saturday, emphasised the importance of the young vote for his campaign. Currently Fine Gael’s spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the Seanad, Senator Phelan hopes to be elected to the European Parliament this June. “I will rely a lot on young people’s votes.” At only 30 years of age Senator Phelan will be one of the youngest to sit in the European Parliament if elected.
Currently the liaison officer between Young Fine Gael and Fine Gael, Senator Phelan does not agree with the belief that younger people have no interest in politics. “This IT age – it’s easier to communicate. I’ve a couple of websites, people do know. I’ve put a few clips on YouTube – there’s a whole new generation that have a new way of following politics, just look at Obama’s campaign.” Having recently been bitten by the Twitter bug, he now Tweets regularly and acknowledges the importance of using new platforms like BeBo, Facebookand Twitter to communicate to the younger voters. “You’re not going to be able to visit every home, you need to use technology.”
Senator Phelan also places emphasis on using more traditional means to educate and encourage younger people to vote. “You need to work within organisations and structures that are already there. I visit schools, particularly secondary schools and even with sport there is a whole network of groups there to explain and talk to”, said Senator Phelan.
Senator Phelan hopes to take the seat left vacant when MEP Avril Doyle steps down. Mrs Doyle has had a high profile and distinguished career in the Parliament and has certainly left big boots to fill. Speaking to the New Ross Standard Mrs Doyle said “he represents the best of what the next generation of politicians should be. He’s young at 30 years old but, but he’s got experience at local level and in the Seanad”.
With around 80% of Irish legislation decided at European level, Senator Phelan would certainly be thrown in at the deep end if elected: “I’m lucky I’m not married in the sense that I’m not tied, but it will be very hectic. You’ll get used to it. You have to be prepared for long hours. There are a lot of aspects to it that I don’t know – but I want to learn.” This type of energy is perhaps what the European Parliament needs. Young voters in the East constituency need to be represented in terms of age as well as region and candidates like Senator Phelan are the ticket to gain that representation.
“This new generation must now try and ensure that we maximise the role Ireland plays in the EU so we can get out of this mess we’re in”, said Senator Phelan. The first step towards this is simple: vote.
