A poster calling for a Yes vote in the upcoming presidential candidate age referendum which will be asking people if Ireland should reduce the minimum age for presidential candidates from 35 to 21
Michael McLoughlin, of Youth Work Ireland, writes:
“Youth Work Ireland will today launch an online poster campaign calling for a Yes Vote in the referendum on reducing the age for presidential candidates. The organisation believes the second referendum on the age to be a candidate for President has received no real attention from amongst the political establishment. The group whose members work with over 100,000 young people believes very few people are even aware that the vote is happening or what the issues are. The group will publish a number of online posters highlighting the caliber and ability of several under 35s who could not be candidates currently using the hashtag “#not2young”. The organisation emphasises it has no money to spend on campaigning.”
“If a person is deemed eligible to be a Minister in the Government at 21, making some very onerous decisions, then there is no reason why they cannot be considered for President where in reality the duties are actually less demanding. Arguments and debate about experience and suitability of younger candidates for the office are just that, arguments. The proper place for these is in a presidential election campaign where of course the electorate are free to reject a candidate on this basis, however it should not be hard wired in to our basic law that a person who is old enough to be Taoiseach cannot be our first citizen. Looking at political and social affairs today we can see many people under 35 who should not be ruled out of at least standing for the office. At the end of the day if we want to promote young people and involve them more in political life having such a discriminatory provision at the heart of our constitution is not helping.”
FIGHT!