Students at IT Tallaght to make history in 2015

THE registration of 700 students onto the electoral register at IT Tallaght has shattered the myth that young people are not interested in politics, Independent Senator Katherine Zappone has declared.

Congratulating the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) on their campaign to get people to register, the senator encouraged all new voters to have their say in the historic Marriage Equality Referendum and all future votes.

According to Senator Zappone, young people in Tallaght, Templeogue and Rathfarnham are engaging with her on the issues facing their community and are ready to play their role in ensuring politics works.

“I was honoured to be asked by the USI to support their voter recruitment drive and I am particularly proud that it has been an overwhelming success at IT Tallaght,

? the senator said.
The 700 new voters will have a say in all future polls and elections. One of the first opportunities to exercise that right will be during the proposed Marriage Equality Referendum, when young voters are expected to be crucial to the outcome.

“I look forward to engaging with students at Tallaght and in other third level institutions in the coming months to ensure that they are fully aware how that historic poll can bring in changes which will ensure all couples and families are treated equally,

? Senator Zappone said.

“They will also have a say in the next General Election and I hope, will also be able to take part in Seanad elections where everyone will have a right to elect senators.

“We owe it to voters of all ages to have a democratic process which is open and inclusive, and I will continue to work to achieve that goal.

?

The senator added:

“I have also been inspired by the contribution of the students from IT Tallaght in our local communities and was honoured to open their volunteer fair.

“Young people have shown they want to bridge the gap which has opened up between the public and politics. It is now time for those of us in Leinster House to respond.

?