New research has found that a record-breaking 83% of young people are expected to vote in the General Election tomorrow.
The Union of Students in Ireland has released the results of research by Thinkhouse youth communications agency. This shows that 76% of 92,000 surveyed Smartvote users think low-hour contracts should be abolished, and 70% of Smartvote (64,400 people) users also think Nama should be mandated to sell off a proportion of its properties as purpose-built student accommodation.
"The independent research by Thinkhouse really outlines how enthusiastic students are to engage in politics and have their voice heard in the General Election," Kevin Donoghue, president of the Union of Students in Ireland, said.
"The major priorities of Smartvote users include the educational welfare of students – 76% of users think low-hour contracts, where employees must be available to work but are only guaranteed a minimum number of hours per week, should be outlawed, and 53% of users also think that JobBridge scheme should be abolished," Mr Donoghue said.
Since February 15, the Union of Students in Ireland has been travelling around colleges on the #MakeASmartVote road show, encouraging students to vote and telling them what the main parties are promising students and young people in their manifestos, It also urges them to vote for a party that prioritises issues in the USI manifesto.
