Young people will be the deciding factor

Chris Conwell
Ollie Reilly Cumann
Ógra Shinn Féin Fermanagh

Young people have always played a crucial role in our struggle, be it in political agitation, in Na Fianna, in the person of countless brave volunteers. But far too often in election time, the role of young people is downplayed. But lessons from the past tell us that when young people get behind a campaign or an election, then they can turn the balance.


Look at the election of Bobby Sands, MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, who died 29 years ago yesterday. Sands himself was only 27 years of age, but because young people came out and voted in their droves, and campaigned for Bobby, he won the seat, and struck a hammer blow to the attempts to criminalise Irish Republicans.

The election that happens today, happens in a different context, where we can pursue our objectives in a democratic way. But some things remain the same. And the importance of young people getting out there and getting their voices heard is one of those things.
It’s too easy to be complacent, and apathetic about politics these days, many feel it doesn’t have the same urgency it once did and that politicians don’t care about young people. But in reality its every bit as crucial.

How do we expect politicians to be interested in our concerns and our issues if we don’t vote. Because the turnout among young people is lower, our concerns are very often ignored. Sinn Féin doesn’t ignore young people, and will stand side to side with young people when it comes to securing their rights.
That’s why Sinn Féin alone among the northern parties produced a Youth Manifesto (available at osf.ie) to communicate to young people that we are a party are interested in their concerns, and indeed that young people play a key role in Sinn Féin as a party.

But it’s crucial that young people who think along the same lines as Sinn Féin and Ógra Shinn Féin do get out and vote for our plans and policies, to ensure that young people aren’t left behind, and that their rights are top of the agenda.

It’s especially crucial in constituencies where the alternative is a regressive candidate who has little interest in young people, and those belonging to parties who want to drive us back in time, and undo the progress that has been made in recent years, for young people, and for the people of the north as a whole.


One of those constituencies is Bobby Sands’ constituency, Fermanagh South Tyrone. The MP is Michelle Gildernew, a woman who has proven to be a great representative for the area, and responsive to the needs of young people. The choice is between her and the male, pale and stale Tory Rodney Connor, who could will be part of a Tory government that will implement massive cuts to the services and benefits that young people need.

But if young people turn out in force, and vote for the candidate with their interests at heart, we can once again make history, and keep the Tory out.

Who would you choose -Sands or Thatcher? Michelle or Orange Rodney? The votes of young people are crucial in such decisions.

Get out and vote, and vote for the candidate who has your interests at heart.