OLWEN ATANACKOVIC,
A chara, - Malcolm Byrne (March 26th) asks why young people should be interested in a political system that takes no interest in them. It is a fallacy that the apathy among young voters stems from a system that is out of touch and politicians who don't know the difference between Red Bull and cock and bull. Many young people don't vote - or are not even registered - because they perceive it as unnecessary effort. This perception comes from a lack of civic awareness responsibility and awareness, or just simple selfishness.
As money provides a consumer with power, a vote bestows power on a citizen. If young people exercised their votes, the system and its representatives would be forced to meet their interests. Young voters complaining that politics are irrelevant to them are like tourists who moan when the locals do not speak their language. Those who wish to be represented by a democracy must be willing to take part in it by voting (at the very least). Those enjoying the freedoms of living in a democracy should feel morally bound to do so.
Young people's lack of civic spirit is merely an aspect of a nation that is dining at the table of the economic élite, but is too busy getting drunk to remember its past or the responsibilities of the present. - Is mise,
OLWEN ATANACKOVIC,
Lansdowne Park,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.