Sir, – An article ("Zayn Malik's move points us in one direction on presidential age referendum," March 27th) by economics editor Arthur Beesley stating that "the proper place for a 21-year-old is in a nightclub, or a night-train to Mongolia with nothing much to do in the morning" is deeply offensive and condescending to all young people.
Mr Beesley says young people need not concern themselves with getting involved in politics and implies they should spend their time dossing.
This archaic attitude towards young people is typical of some within the older generation who dismiss those who are young and stereotype them, in implying that they shouldn’t be trusted with decision making. In reality, his views could not be further from the truth.
The young people I know through my work with Future Voices Ireland could not be any more engaged and socially-minded in seeking to bring about positive changes for the impoverished communities they hail from.
These young people not only have more “real life” experience but it is their rightful place to be at the decision-making table, when decisions are being made which directly affect them. They experience inequality every day of their lives because of unrepresentative and out of touch policymakers who are not aware of the realities of their lives.
Perhaps Mr Beesley might care to meet with our young people over some tea and eat some humble pie? – Yours, etc, MAIRÉAD HEALY, Chief Executive, Future Voices Ireland, 18 Eustace Street, Dublin 2.