The Youth Quake” – Changing Ireland Vote by Vote

JF LAW AND POLITICS

One of the defining features of the Irish government and legal system is our use of referenda to amend the Constitution. Some view it as tedious, impracticable and even idiotic to provide direct participation to the presumably “uninformed” public in matters usually delegated to the government. However, most view it as a way in which citizen control over their own destinies is heightened, further enabling expression of personal beliefs and views. One cohort who have really come to understand and utilise referenda to their advantage is the under twenty-five age group. In regard to the recent referendum on the Eighth Amendment, the data overwhelmingly shows that young people came out in large numbers to support whichever cause they believed in. However, it is obvious that the victory of the pro-choice side was, in the words of Paul Murphy TD, “driven by young people and women”, demonstrating Ireland’s drift “from social conservatism to progressive liberalism”. In a 66.4 percent Yes majority, according to exit polls, almost ninety per cent of voters under the age of twenty-five voted in favour of the repeal of the Eighth Amendment. It seems a hunger for progression is stirring among the Irish youth. Furthermore, this appears to be a recent phenomenon, as although there was a much higher than average youth vote in the 50.28 percent Yes vote to remove the constitutional prohibition on divorce in 1995, it was even more prevalent in the 62.1 percent Yes vote to extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples in 2015. In this referendum voters between the ages of eighteen to twenty-four registered 84 percent for the Yes side of the referendum. This is further confirmed in the result of the referendum on blasphemy, in which 69 percent of voters backed the proposal to remove the reference to blasphemy from the Constitution. Again a large portion of young voters supporting this cause. A definite sway towards progressive ideals can be identified in the increasing votes favouring liberal policies. Liberalisation in Ireland is stronger than it has ever been before, leaving the long-held teachings of the Catholic Church in its wake. How has this come about? After the 2015 referendum, it was clear that a new politicised generation had arisen out of the ashes of the Great Recession, demanding politicians to take heed. But even since 2002, the Irish National Election Study (INES) shows that the national trend of turnout amongst young voters is on the rise. Schemes like the European Youth Parliament and Model United Nations, political youth wings, youth conferences and youth organisations could be a factor, as they encourage deliberation, debate and discussion with a view to politically educate young people. Also, universities in particular are hotspots for political action, fostering involvement through societies and a range of events. A final factor worth noting is that social media makes it easier for political ideas to spread, and for people to examine the issues facing society. No better example can be provided than the “Take Back Trinity” campaign which took place here on home soil. It is evident that young people appreciate the importance of the referendum and the direct power it gives us. It enables us to go beyond simply picking and choosing our representatives in Dáil Éireann. We ourselves, somewhat independently of authority, can decide what we require our set of authoritative codes to state. Young Irish people can, have and will change the law of our land to shape the Ireland that we want to see in the future. This spirit of political change is rarely more powerful than that amongst the young people of Ireland today.