An Era of Change: Irish Youth Voice Their Concerns Ahead of General Election

By Jessica Toal

As Ireland braces for a pivotal general election, the voices of the nation’s youth, often underrepresented in mainstream discourse, have emerged as a significant force. In the week leading up to the election, a comprehensive questionnaire conducted among the 18 - 30 demographic revealed an engaged and politically aware cohort, keenly attuned to the challenges and opportunities shaping their future. The findings not only highlight the pressing issues of the day but also underscore a generational call for transformative change. 

A Politically Active Generation

The survey paints a picture of a demographic eager to make its voice heard. An overwhelming 82.4% of respondents indicated their intent to vote on Friday, a promising figure in light of the historically lower turnout rates among young voters. Of those planning to cast their ballot, 60.6% had not participated in previous elections, suggesting a surge of first-time voters galvanised by the current political and social climate.

This newfound enthusiasm is not without its complexities. While 44.1% of participants described themselves as “interested” in Irish politics and 38.2% as “very interested,” a significant portion expressed neutral or minimal interest, pointing to a potential divide in political engagement within the age group. The findings suggest a need for sustained efforts to ensure the continued participation of this demographic beyond the immediacy of the election. 

Housing Dominates the Agenda

Housing emerged as the unequivocal priority for young voters, reflecting the depth of the crisis that has gripped Ireland in recent years. A staggered 91.2% of respondents cited housing and rent prices as a key issue influencing their vote, with 82.4% identifying it as the area most urgently requiring government action. This sentiment is reinforced by the stark assessment of housing affordability: 70.6% of participants rated rents in their area as either “expensive” or “very expensive.”

This dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the housing crisis is equally pronounced. Over 85% expressed disapproval, with nearly half strongly disagreeing that the current administration has effectively addressed the issue. These responses underscore the scale of discontent and the imperative for incoming leaders to deliver tangible solutions to a generation burdened by soaring costs and limited options. 

Broader Concerns: Employment, Climate, and Healthcare

While housing dominates the agenda, young voters are also acutely aware of other critical challenges. Public transport and infrastructure garnered significant attention, with 52.9% citing it as a top concern. Similarly, issues such as employment opportunities, climate change, healthcare accessibility, and education costs each resonated with nearly one-third of respondents.

Climate change, in particular, reveals a generational divide in priorities. Two-thirds of respondents deemed Ireland’s current climate policies insufficient, and over half stated that environmental policies would influence their choice of candidate. This alignment with global youth-led climate activism underscores the urgency of environmental issues for younger voters.

Healthcare, another cornerstone issue, remains a point of contention, with 52.9% of respondents ranking it among their top three concerns. Despite this, only 5.9% identified it as requiring immediate attention, indicating a prioritisation of housing even over other vital areas of public policy.

Political Preferences: A Diverse Landscape

The diversity of political preferences among respondents reflects a fragmented but ideologically driven electorate. Sinn Féin emerged as the most popular choice, securing 21.2% of the vote, followed by a range of smaller parties, including Independents (12.1%), Social Democrats (12.1%), and Aontú (12.1%). Traditional powerhouses Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil trailed with 9.1% each, a stark contrast to their historical dominance.

The data also reveal a fluid electorate, with 50% of respondents indicating they had not voted in the previous election. Of those who had, 14.7% reported changing their party preference, suggesting a willingness to adapt their loyalties in pursuit of policies that align with their evolving values.

Navigating Misinformation and Access to Information

In the digital age, the role of social media in shaping political opinions cannot be overstated. A significant 82.4% of participants identified platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) as their primary sources of election information. However, trust in these sources remains tentative: while 58.4% rated social media as “neutral” in trustworthiness, a notable 26.5% deemed it untrustworthy.

This scepticism highlights the need for reliable, accessible information to empower young voters. Nearly half of respondents cited better information on candidates as a critical factor in facilitating future electoral participation. The call for innovation extends to the voting process itself, with 37.9% expressing support for online voting options. 

An Optimistic Yet Cautious Outlook

Despite the challenges, there remains a sense of cautious optimism among Ireland’s youth. While only 32.4% expressed optimism about Ireland’s future after the election, a majority (63.6%) believed the outcome could positively impact their lives. This guarded hope suggests that while young voters are demanding change, they are also realistic about the obstacles ahead. 

Conclusion: A Call for Leadership

The results of this survey serve as a clarion call to Ireland’s political leaders. Young voters are not only engaged but also deeply invested in issues that will shape the nation for decades to come. Their concerns - housing, employment, climate change, and beyond - reflect a generation grappling with unprecedented challenges and determined to forge a better future.

As election day approaches, the stakes could not be higher. For Ireland’s next government, the mandate is clear: address the pressing needs of the nation’s youth or risk losing the trust of a generation poised to redefine the country’s political landscape. The voices of these young voters offer not just a glimpse into their priorities but a roadmap for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Ireland.