51% of young distrust politicians

Politics: Just over half of young people distrust politicians because of recent tribunals, with distrust much higher among the…

Politics: Just over half of young people distrust politicians because of recent tribunals, with distrust much higher among the older age groups.

However, despite this 58 per cent of those of voting age are likely to vote in next year's local and European elections. Some 24 per cent are not and 18 per cent don't know.

Some 51 per cent agree that they distrust politicians, 28 per cent disagree and 21 per cent gave no opinion. Among the 15- to 17-year-olds distrust is lowest at 38 per cent, 28 per cent do not distrust them and 35 per cent gave no opinion.

In contrast 64 per cent of people aged 23 to 24 agree with the statement that they distrust politicians, 25 per cent disagree and 11 per cent gave no opinion.

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The intention to vote is highest among the older 23 to 24 age category at 64 per cent. 22 per cent of this age group intend not to vote and 13 per cent don't know.

Determination to vote falls to 56 per cent among 20- to 22-year-olds, where 25 per cent do not intend to vote and 17 per cent don't know.

Among 18- to 19-year-olds 53 per cent intend to vote, 25 per cent do not intend to vote and 21 per cent don't know.

The intention to vote is higher among those from farming and more affluent backgrounds. Among farmers' children 69 per cent intend to vote, 15 per cent do not and 16 per cent don't know. In the ABC1 group 64 per cent intend to vote, 19 per cent do not and 16 per cent don't know. In the C2DE group 51 per cent intend to vote, 30 per cent do not and 18 per cent don't know.