“We’re Not Apathetic, We’re Ignored”: Irish Youth Voice Defiance Ahead of Presidential Election

Jessica Toal

DUBLIN – The next occupant of the Áras may hold a largely ceremonial role, but for many young people across Ireland, the stakes in this presidential election feel deeply personal. A new survey of voters aged 18-30 reveals a generation politically engaged, socially conscious, and profoundly alienated from the traditional structures of Irish power.

This is not the story of a disengaged electorate. It’s a story of youth left standing outside the halls of influence, shouting in – and increasingly, demanding the door to be opened.

A Generation Paying Attention, But Not Feeling Represented

The survey shows a clear disconnect between interest and inclusion. 66.7% of respondents say they are following the election “very closely,” yet 70% also say they do not feel represented in Irish politics. Only 25% feel their voices are heard.

While 58.3% plan to vote, others are blocked from participating: a quarter are ineligible because they live in Northern Ireland.

Another 8.3% said they couldn’t figure out postal voting, a logistical issue that might seem minor but speaks to the practical barriers faced by young, often mobile, citizens. 

Connolly Captures the Youth Vote, and Their Imagination

When asked which candidate speaks more to the interests of young people, 83% chose Independent TD Catherine Connolly. Not a single respondent chose her opponent, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys. 

Connolly, a long-time advocate for social justice and Irish neutrality, has built her campaign on the principles of inclusion, cultural integrity, and accountability. From her strong positions on housing and disability rights to her calls for youth political engagement and Irish unity, her platform reflects many of the priorities young voters say matter most. 

She has also drawn attention for her stance on international issues, including outspoken support for Palestinian rights and criticism of NATO, resonating with a globally conscious youth demographic that wants Ireland to be a moral voice on the world stage. 

While some respondents raised concerns over her visit to Syria in 2016 and meetings with Assad regime officials, the dominant view remains one of trust and alignment. “At least she’s not pretending to care, she actually does,” one participant commented. 

Heather Humphreys: Familiar Face, Fading Appeal

The contrast with Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys is stark. A former Cabinet minister who now pitches herself as a steady hand and unifying figure, Humphreys has struggled to inspire young voters. Zero respondents in the survey felt she spoke to their interests.

Several questioned how someone who does not speak Irish could credibly hold the presidency, a role deeply symbolic in language and culture. Others referenced her record on housing, her family’s Unionist background, and a perceived lack of critical media scrutiny. 

“She’s never challenged in interviews,” one respondent noted. “If Catherine gets grilled, why doesn’t she?”

While Humphreys has stressed inclusivity and stability, her message appears not to have landed with young voters, many of whom associate her with the establishment they feel has failed them.

The Issues Young Ireland Cares About

When asked about what they wanted the next president to speak about, young respondents voiced concerns that span both the local and the global. Chief among them was the desire for real action on housing and affordability, a crisis that looms large in their everyday lives. Gender equality and women’s rights also ranked high, as did disability rights and inclusion, reflecting a deep awareness of intersectional justice. The reunification of Ireland and North-South relations emerged as the most frequently mentioned issue, showing a strong generational interest in resolving the unfinished business of partition. 

Mental health support, youth participation in politics, and climate change were also common priorities, underscoring a hunger for long-term solutions over short-term fixes. Finally, a significant portion of respondents, 59%, want the president to take a stand on international conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and Russia’s war on Ukraine, suggesting that this generation sees Ireland’s moral voice on the world stage as more important than ever.

The presidency may be symbolic, but young voters believe that symbols matter. They aren’t just looking for a ceremonial figurehead, they want someone who reflects their values and articulates a clear moral vision that includes them. 

What Would Make Politics Feel Real?

When asked what would make them more engaged in Irish politics, young people described a political landscape that feels distant, unresponsive, and out of step with their realities. Many expressed frustration at being unable to build a future in their own country, pointing to barriers in housing, education, and employment that leave them disillusioned. There was a strong desire to see more young candidates on the ballot, as well as greater attention paid to issues affecting Northern Ireland, especially from those who currently cannot vote in presidential elections.

Calls for public debates, open dialogue, and the amplification of underrepresented voices were recurring themes. Respondents want a politics that is less scripted, less centred on party conformity, and more open to fresh perspectives, particularly those of students and young people.

At the heart of it all was a clear and urgent plea: young people aren’t demanding perfection from politics — they’re asking to be seen, heard, and taken seriously.

A Question for the Presidency

When invited to pose questions directly to the candidates, young respondents didn’t hold back. Their concerns were sharp, often challenging, and deeply revealing of the political awareness this generation carries. Many expressed frustration over Heather Humphreys’ inability to speak Irish, questioning how someone could seek the presidency without engaging with the country’s native language and cultural heritage. Others scrutinised her political record, especially around housing policy and her perceived soft treatment by the media.

Catherine Connolly, while far more popular among respondents, was not exempt from tough questioning. Some challenged her decision to visit Syria and meet with Assad regime officials, pressing her on the implications of that trip. Across both candidates, there was a consistent demand for clarity on North–South relations and the future of Irish reunification.

What emerged was a portrait of a politically literate youth electorate, one that isn’t content with rehearsed soundbites or vague promises. They’re not looking for politicians to perform; they’re looking for them to answer.

Will Ireland Listen to Its Future?

This presidential election may be decided by older, more traditional voters. But it is the younger generation who will live with the consequences of Ireland’s choices – on housing, environment, inclusion, and identity. 

Whether or not their preferred candidate wins, the message from young Ireland is unmistakable: “We’re not apathetic, we’re ignored.”

And perhaps not for much longer.