Do young people have any interest in politics or making a living as a politician?

Veronica Coburn and Mikel Murfi lead a discussion on politics and politicians with a group of young people.

One of the group is Fianna Fáil Teachta Dála (TD) for the Donegal South-West constituency Mary Coughlan. She was elected ted to Dáil Éireann in 1987 and is the youngest member of the 25th Dáil.

Although from a political family, Mary Coughlan disagrees with the statement that politics are not for young people. She points out political parties have youth movements such as Ógra Fianna Fáil. She insists these movements play an important role as they enable politicians to,

Hear the views of young people and also they encourage them to get involved in politics.

Mary Coughlan accepts there is a low level of membership in political youth movements but feels young people should be encouraged more to become political and take an interest in political parties.

Orla, a member of Young Fine Gael makes the point that they are an autonomous group from the Fine Gael party with views of their own. She thinks,

The earlier you get people involved, the more involved they become.

A member of the Green Party points out that young people have their say within the Green Party rather than having a separate movement.

As the Progressive Democrats are a new party, Aisling believes they have much to offer young people,

We don't have to live with our reputations.

Vincent from the Labour Party thinks young people are apathetic about politics because historically public representatives have been hugely unispiring,

It’s only now that we are able to debate issues.

Richard believes becoming a politician is not a viable prospect for most young people as it is beyond them on an economic level. Mary Coughlan agrees that making a living from politics is difficult.

'Nothing To It' was a humorous programme on job-seeking for young people. It was presented by Pauline McLynn, Veronica Coburn and Mikel Murfi.

This episode of 'Nothing To It' was broadcast on 29 February 1988.