Sinn Féin’s appeal to Generation Z is undeniable. Many of us between 18 and 25 have almost lost faith in the State. We feel the Government has taken advantage of us; our situation is bleak, yet we are still hopeful.
The party’s slogan — a time for change — seems to fit with what our generation needs. Their policy promises seem to be exactly what we are hoping for, they know their audience. The aspirations espoused by Sinn Féin chime with ours. Generation Z is unique. We are different from the Millenials and Generation X. We want better and are looking for an alternative to the politics that has failed us. Mary Lou McDonald is the first Opposition leader since 1927 not to be a member of Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. We get this instantaneously. Something new.
McDonald and her party are ticking all our boxes. Housing: 20,000 social and affordable homes to be built. Cost of Living: an extra €50 a week for the jobless.
They appear mindful of the constant battles young people are facing, financially and mentally.
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Sinn Féin have also put the issue of women’s healthcare front and centre
They seem to understand the mental health challenges young people face, and sport’s positive influence on mental health. They’ve acknowledged the lack of infrastructure we have in our smaller rural towns. And they say they will expand sporting facilities in every town and club, big or small. Give everyone an equal opportunity.
Sinn Féin have also put the issue of women’s healthcare front and centre. They say they intend to improve abortion services nationally. Half of the State’s hospitals don’t offer full abortion services. Whether you agree with abortion or not, it is now a fundamental right — one which has not been delivered as promised. Sinn Féin are prioritising young women in financial hardship, putting a focus on women who need to travel to reach abortion services. It’s clear they are conscious of the difficulties that some women face and which the other parties don’t seem to recognise.
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Sinn Féin are clever. They are clearly targeting young adults and adolescents approaching voting age. There is a backlog of 34,000 people waiting to sit their driving tests. They have previously suggested employing an additional 80 testers to help reduce these numbers. Two of their TDs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire and Darren O’Rourke, have called for improvements in school transport — a pledge for 10,000 extra seats on buses has been made. This is only one of the promises listed on their Budget for Change policy document.
This all sounds wonderful. This is what we need.
But we are not naive. So we wonder whether Sinn Féin can deliver?
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Despite their promises, we are still wary. And with good reason. Promises are easy to make. When you are in opposition you can take advantage of the failures of those in Government.
Some of their promises are actually a cause for concern for Gen Z, such as the proposal to guarantee a retirement age of 65 to everyone. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has warned that people in their late teens to 40s would have to pay up to €2,500 a year in additional taxes to ensure the pension age stays at 66. This raises the question how would Sinn Féin deliver their promise without our generation having to foot the bill?
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Ultimately, they are the best of a bad lot. We might as well give them a go, it can’t get much worse. Some of us would rather see a smaller party such as People Before Profit get a chance, but we know a small party’s chances of getting into government are limited. Sinn Féin would be our next choice.
Our current Government has had endless opportunities to do something for us. You’ve had your turn, it’s time to move over
Even those of us who would have once viewed the idea of a Sinn Féin government with disdain say they can understand why most other young people want to vote for them.
Things have got to a point of no return. Our current Government has had endless opportunities to do something for us. You’ve had your turn, it’s time to move over. We need a government that will stand up for us. Someone who will at least give us a chance at a better future; we are willing to try anything.
Realistically, the mess is too big for any meaningful change to happen quickly. We see that. We just appreciate the recognition of our predicament. Only time will tell what Sinn Féin are really like. They seem to be the inverse of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and have a different plan. A better one for us.
We are worried they won’t live up to expectations. We hope they stick to their promises given the chance. Generation Z is looking for something new: a fresh start, change of policy, more hopeful Ireland. A fairer Ireland.
- Gemma Haverty is a make-up artist, nail technician and writer from Athenry, Co Galway.