Could a Youth Party succeed in Ireland?

ILikeBananas

All of the senior positions, who get to wield the real power, within institutions in Ireland are dominated by people aged 45-65. This includes the Dail, the unions, the banks and the public sector. Thus by human nature they tend to make decisions that benefit themselves.

A classic example of this is the decision to impose an embargo on new entrants to the public sector as opposed to cutting the pay and pensions of existing members. Another was the decision last year not to cut TD's salaries (or the state pension) whilst at the same time, halving the rate of jobseeker's allowance payments to people under the age of 24.

Over the next few years it is highly likely that college fees will be reintroduced which will mean young people leaving 3rd level education saddled with massive debts.

At the same time the governments have used many strategies such as NAMA and rent allowance to insert an artificial floor on the property market which benefits home owners and landlords who tend to be predominantly older.

So, with all of this in mind, is there a place for a cross-spectrum political party whose main concern would be to look out for the interests of people under 30, rather than the existing parties who only pay lip service to youth issues?

Obviously one of the biggest problems would be getting out the vote. However, one of the main reasons why young people show such apathy toward politics is because they don't really believe that the existing parties have their best interests in mind. If there was a party specifically geared toward them then perhaps they would come out and vote in sufficient numbers to get a foothold in Irish politics.

p1akuw47h5r3it

ILikeBananas wrote: »

All of the senior positions, who get to wield the real power, within institutions in Ireland are dominated by people aged 45-65. This includes the Dail, the unions, the banks and the public sector. Thus by human nature they tend to make decisions that benefit themselves.

A classic example of this is the decision to impose an embargo on new entrants to the public sector as opposed to cutting the pay and pensions of existing members. Another was the decision last year not to cut TD's salaries (or the state pension) whilst at the same time, halving the rate of jobseeker's allowance payments to people under the age of 24.

Over the next few years it is highly likely that college fees will be reintroduced which will mean young people leaving 3rd level education saddled with massive debts.

At the same time the governments have used many strategies such as NAMA and rent allowance to insert an artificial floor on the property market which benefits home owners and landlords who tend to be predominantly older.

So, with all of this in mind, is there a place for a cross-spectrum political party whose main concern would be to look out for the interests of people under 30, rather than the existing parties who only pay lip service to youth issues?

Obviously one of the biggest problems would be getting out the vote. However, one of the main reasons why young people show such apathy toward politics is because they don't really believe that the existing parties have their best interests in mind. If there was a party specifically geared toward them then perhaps they would come out and vote in sufficient numbers to get a foothold in Irish politics.

I want a party that puts the interest of the country as a whole first and doesn't pander to any interest groups or age groups, and I would be one of the younger people your party would be looking for me to vote for. So no, I don't.

DanDan6592

DanDan6592 wrote: »

I want a party that puts the interest of the country as a whole first and doesn't pander to any interest groups or age groups, and I would be one of the younger people your party would be looking for me to vote for. So no, I don't.

I don't think the bolded is mentioned enough.

GCU Flexible Demeanour

DanDan6592 wrote: »

I want a party that puts the interest of the country as a whole first and doesn't pander to any interest groups or age groups ...

That's an admirable sentiment, but I wonder what it actually means. Surely most parties claim to put the interest of the country as a whole first. Sure, wouldn't NAMA have been justified as putting the interests of the country as a whole first. Its only after application of a dose of scepticism that the pandering to interest groups becomes apparent.

If you've ever read 'Catch 22', you might remember Major Major's father was a farmer who regarded all forms of State support to be creeping socialism, except for support paid to farmers. There's not a lot of altruism out there.

A political movement will be successful if it identifies a motivated, coherent group with some common interest. Certainly, at present the interests of older age groups predominate and the political process massively undervalues any consequences for younger age groups.

If young people develop some common consciousness, and see a common interest to be pursued, then such a movement could make some impact. But would it get enough of a vote in any single constituency to take a seat? Doubtful.

That said, the proof of the pudding is the eating. Why not go and try it?

AhSureTisGrand

The politics of vested interests are exactly what this country needs right now after years of ethical, impartial governance

p1akuw47h5r3it

GCU Flexible Demeanour wrote: »

That's an admirable sentiment, but I wonder what it actually means. Surely most parties claim to put the interest of the country as a whole first. Sure, wouldn't NAMA have been justified as putting the interests of the country as a whole first. Its only after application of a dose of scepticism that the pandering to interest groups becomes apparent.

If you've ever read 'Catch 22', you might remember Major Major's father was a farmer who regarded all forms of State support to be creeping socialism, except for support paid to farmers. There's not a lot of altruism out there.

A political movement will be successful if it identifies a motivated, coherent group with some common interest. Certainly, at present the interests of older age groups predominate and the political process massively undervalues any consequences for younger age groups.

If young people develop some common consciousness, and see a common interest to be pursued, then such a movement could make some impact. But would it get enough of a vote in any single constituency to take a seat? Doubtful.

That said, the proof of the pudding is the eating. Why not go and try it?

Well no I don't really think they do claim this. Ok yes they say they do but all the parties are, at least historically, associated with a certain "class" of people*. I mean Sinn Fein are always rambling on about the "working class" (thus neglecting the middle and upper classes), Labour (historically at least) would be similar to Sinn Fein in this regard, Fine Gael would be the middle classes party and tbh I'm not sure about Fianna Fail. The ULA are basically an amalgamation of parties who would view the "working class" as their main support.

I would like a party who wouldn't put the interests of one group of people over another, but do what is needed to be done in order to, for example, attempt to get rid of our debt crisis. Is this too much to ask for? Yes it probably is, but it shouldn't be.

I have never read that book but I understand your sentiment. I guess the question is why does everyone put their interests over everyone else's interests, resulting in everyone losing out (or most anyway)?

*I dont like classing people into these groups but need to for the purpose of the debate.

blahfckingblah

Well I dont think its right for one section of society to be viewed as any bit more important than another beit the rich, the poor, the educated, the uneducated, the employed, the unemployed, the old or the young.

However I do agree that a lot needs to be done to encourage more young people to become involved in politics, if they dont show strength in numbers then they will continue to be ignored at times.

irishh_bob

ILikeBananas wrote: »

All of the senior positions, who get to wield the real power, within institutions in Ireland are dominated by people aged 45-65. This includes the Dail, the unions, the banks and the public sector. Thus by human nature they tend to make decisions that benefit themselves.

A classic example of this is the decision to impose an embargo on new entrants to the public sector as opposed to cutting the pay and pensions of existing members. Another was the decision last year not to cut TD's salaries (or the state pension) whilst at the same time, halving the rate of jobseeker's allowance payments to people under the age of 24.

Over the next few years it is highly likely that college fees will be reintroduced which will mean young people leaving 3rd level education saddled with massive debts.

At the same time the governments have used many strategies such as NAMA and rent allowance to insert an artificial floor on the property market which benefits home owners and landlords who tend to be predominantly older.

So, with all of this in mind, is there a place for a cross-spectrum political party whose main concern would be to look out for the interests of people under 30, rather than the existing parties who only pay lip service to youth issues?

Obviously one of the biggest problems would be getting out the vote. However, one of the main reasons why young people show such apathy toward politics is because they don't really believe that the existing parties have their best interests in mind. If there was a party specifically geared toward them then perhaps they would come out and vote in sufficient numbers to get a foothold in Irish politics.

Ireland is ageist against the youth so the idea has merit, that said a youth party might just be another trendy lefty sounding middle class socilist outfit

Liam Byrne

As a 41-year-old non-banker or other vested interest, do I just get left further behind by another lobby-group / party focused on their own specific patch ?

Because it's pretty obvious that none of the current (or previous) shower are remotely interested in representing me.

What Ireland needs (as hinted at above) is a party that has NO vested interests...... unfortunately that party then wouldn't have a core voting block, and so is unlikely to ever exist.

djpbarry

blahfckingblah wrote: »

However I do agree that a lot needs to be done to encourage more young people to become involved in politics...

I would suggest that younger people are generally more politically active and become more apathetic as they age. I think the problem in Ireland is that people, in general, have a relatively low interest in politics.

irishh_bob wrote: »

Ireland is ageist against the youth...

Is it? How so?

p1akuw47h5r3it

irishh_bob wrote: »

Ireland is ageist against the youth so the idea has merit, that said a youth party might just be another trendy lefty sounding middle class socilist outfit

I'd disagree. I don't think Ireland is necessarily ageist against the youth, we have things like free tuition fees (for now ) but we aren't pro youth either. But other age groups, like pensioners for example are well looked after. But pensioners need this help more than the "youth".

irishh_bob

djpbarry wrote: »

I would suggest that younger people are generally more politically active and become more apathetic as they age. I think the problem in Ireland is that people, in general, have a relatively low interest in politics.
Is it? How so?

two examples

recently qualified poor teachers are left on the shelf in place of recently retired well off teachers when it comes to subbing

job seekers allowance and other benefits are slashed but heaven forbid a penny should be taken off the pensioners

irishh_bob

DanDan6592 wrote: »

I'd disagree. I don't think Ireland is necessarily ageist against the youth, we have things like free tuition fees (for now ) but we aren't pro youth either. But other age groups, like pensioners for example are well looked after. But pensioners need this help more than the "youth".

i disagree , pensioners need less help than the youth , thier future is less important and thier needs are few compared to people stating out , opinions on the elderly in this country are in nine out of ten cases based on sentimentality

Denerick

irishh_bob wrote: »

i disagree , pensioners need less help than the youth , thier future is less important and thier needs are few compared to people stating out , opinions on the elderly in this country are in nine out of ten cases based on sentimentality

Not really sure what you mean by this; a family starting out in Ireland pre 2007 were in a much better position than our parents or grandparents generation, both in financial terms and in general cultural terms too. Pensioners who don't have a private sector buffer to fall back on would be pretty screwed in this country. Even after years of deflation Ireland isn't a cheap place to live in.

irishh_bob

Denerick wrote: »

Not really sure what you mean by this; a family starting out in Ireland pre 2007 were in a much better position than our parents or grandparents generation, both in financial terms and in general cultural terms too. Pensioners who don't have a private sector buffer to fall back on would be pretty screwed in this country. Even after years of deflation Ireland isn't a cheap place to live in.

nonesense , the only real expense pensioners have is food , electricity and phone is more or less free , they have free travel , fuel allowance and a multitude of other perks aswell as a medical card on incomes up to 699 euro per week , as for them not having the same cultural of financial opportunitys in the 1950,s , thats the same the world over , i see no reason to spoil seventy year olds just because thier was no i phone in 1958

MungBean

I think such a party would have some success. Obviously it wont be in government any time soon so the "I want a party with the best interests of the country in mind" although understandable is missing the point somewhat. All parties have the best interest of the country in mind but all parties also have focus points and their own agenda in achieving that. A youth party would be no different than an established party other than focusing on the issues faced by youths as the main aim in achieving what they perceive to be the best for the country I'd imagine.

The party would be a voice (a quiet one if it isnt part of a technical group) in the dail and nothing else if elected into opposition. The government would implement what its going to implement and the opposition serves only to raise issues and contest that. A youth party would focus primarily on youth issues (doesnt mean they will ignore all else) and strive presumably to effect change in certain areas in the interests of youths whether it be education or job opportunity as a way of effecting greater change in society.

I think a small party would get one or two people elected given enough exposure and the right candidates. Doubtless they would be able to achieve much or get established as a force to be taken seriously though.

dsmythy

This would just be another sectional interest group. You don't see the pensioners at a "no to student fees" event do you.

headmaster

Yes, a youth party could succeed in Ireland. Problem is, the youth are not able to make it succeed. First thing they'll do is tell everyone what they're entitled to, it's ther right and all that sh1te. Next, they'll tell us they should be given the money to run it, next..................................next.............next..........

Denerick

irishh_bob wrote: »

nonesense , the only real expense pensioners have is food , electricity and phone is more or less free , they have free travel , fuel allowance and a multitude of other perks aswell as a medical card on incomes up to 699 euro per week , as for them not having the same cultural of financial opportunitys in the 1950,s , thats the same the world over , i see no reason to spoil seventy year olds just because thier was no i phone in 1958

70 year olds are spoiled? We do have a relatively generous pension over here but I hardly think its as extravagant as you claim.

irishh_bob

Denerick wrote: »

70 year olds are spoiled? We do have a relatively generous pension over here but I hardly think its as extravagant as you claim.

its more than double what they recieve in the uk and the gap is even larger for a couple

blahfckingblah

djpbarry wrote: »

I would suggest that younger people are generally more politically active and become more apathetic as they age. I think the problem in Ireland is that people, in general, have a relatively low interest in politics.

Not in my experience, In college the vast majority take little or no interest and several werent regestered to vote either in the presidential or general elections. Many who were regestered didnt bother going to their constituency to vote. General apathy. Maybe its the same across other age groups but i hope not