Some 36 per cent of voters aged 24-40 are likely to vote in favour of the Lisbon Treaty in the October referendum, according to a group set up to promote a Yes vote.
We Belong, a non-political group supporting the treaty, commissioned a Behaviour & Attitudes poll which suggested 23 per cent of those in that age group were likely to vote against the treaty.
The group will officially launch its campaign outside Croke Park in Dublin today.
We Belong director Olivia Buckley said Ireland’s 24- to 40-year-olds “hold strong views on a number of key issues”.
Ms Buckley said the poll suggested 70 per cent of that group believed the vote on Lisbon would affect how Ireland is perceived around the world. Some 78 per cent believed “that the perception of Ireland around the world does matter”.
A total of 54 per cent of those surveyed agreed Ireland’s ability to attract foreign investment and jobs would be improved by a Yes vote for Lisbon and 77 per cent believed Ireland’s economic recovery will be linked to our ability to export.
We Belong said, however, there was still a need for engagement with people in this age bracket as 37 per cent were undecided with just over 30 days to go before the October 2nd referendum.
“Ireland has the youngest population in Europe and their views and opinions
are central to this debate. This treaty is about the future direction of Ireland, it is important that everyone feels involved in that decision,” Ms Buckley said.
“Support for Lisbon is important for the thousands of young people in Ireland who want a future for Ireland and a future for themselves. They are amongst those most affected by unemployment yet they retain a huge sense of self belief and have a desire for Ireland to get back on track.”