Janet Stafford asked members of the University Philosophical Society at Trinity College Dublin
Roger Middleton: I think voting kind of counts although with a coalition you're not really voting for one group to have absolute say. We shouldn't give up though. Young people care about issues like the environment, which are only very marginally addressed by larger parties.
Jeffrey Black: Of course it counts. If you don't vote someone else will make your decision for you. I'd spoil a vote if I felt no candidate in my area represented me. It's important to actively register your disaffection. I don't believe voter apathy is the fault of the politicians.
Donal Crehan: I vote in Dublin South East which'll be a close run race so, yes, my vote counts. I'm less concerned about apathy and more about issues. We're looking at real problems of multiculturalism. We must be proactive about integrating immigrants.
Shane Glackin: I don't feel well represented in the Dáil. There's very little to choose between parties who're likely to form a government. I'll read the different manifestos posted out before I make my decision. Cynicism would stop me from going to a TD or local councillor's surgery.
Eavan Crehan: Young voters are apathetic and everything should be done to encourage them. Polling should take place on Saturday for referenda and elections - some simply can't vote with college hours. Alternatively students should be polled in college - it's important to vote.
Peter Mahon: People need to understand what they're voting for - that's what annoyed me about the referendum. I'm interested in politics through debating, but many young people aren't well informed. I think the media is to blame for people thinking their own vote doesn't count.
