Madam, - I am writing in response to Garret FitzGerald's article "Putting Politics on the Educational Agenda" (Opinion, May 17th). As a politics student, I agree wholeheartedly that subjects focusing on civic, social and political topics have great benefits for society. However, I do not think that the introduction of these subjects would prompt more young people to vote.
People vote on the basis of who protects or endorses their interests, so is it any wonder young people are apathetic voters? For too long the political parties of this island have neglected to represent young people, instead choosing to pawn us (and our issues) off on their youth branches.
Young people are not consistently represented in government by any party or elected official. (I saw "consistently", because it is easy on issues such as free fees or underage drinking for politicians to jump on the bandwagon).
Despite knowing the importance of participation, I find it difficult to get involved when, as a young person, my vote seems to be of less value or less worthy of representation than that of other social groups.
In the next election, a candidate who appeals to young people will not only get their vote, but may also get the vote of their parents. Surely this is smart politics? - Yours, etc.,
AOIFE RUTH, Coolnevaun, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.