Richest and poorest all equal
on polling day
21.05.14
by
Jessie Magee
“SURE they’re all the same,” is a common refrain among
the plain people of Ireland in the run up to election
time. Understandably, we are disgruntled with the state
of the nation. Disappointed in our leaders. Let down by
the very politicians we elected last time in a spirit of
buoyant optimism. Ground down by redundancy, wage cuts,
salary freezes, relentless new taxes and charges.
Disheartened by scandals within charities, policing and
other trusted agents of the State. We are nursing our
wounds, and how dare politicians come seeking our
blessing for more of the same? |
So it is understandable how
many who have voted conscientiously all their lives
might feel that by NOT voting this Friday, they are
making a principled and political statement. A passive
resistance. A noble silence, instead of a noble call. It
is also important to acknowledge that voting is not a
duty or a civic obligation. It is a right, and citizens
have just as much right not to vote. So, why should we
bother vote for any of “that shower”?
For many reasons, but firstly, because politicians are
not all the same. Yes, there are power-hungry gougers
and gombeens, promising miracles and talking out all
sides of their mouths in their search for a seat. But a
simple Google probe of the records of your local
candidates will reveal those who actually work on your
behalf. |
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2014 Local Election Candidates for Donegal |
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There exist politicians who
are honest and tireless, who want to listen to the
problems of ordinary people and try their best to fix
them. Politicians who have foregone their rightful
pension or salary privileges as a gesture of solidarity
with those who are suffering. Politicians who campaign
for people who have failed to get justice and feel they
have nowhere left to turn. MEPS who have brought
petitions to Brussels until the Irish government has
been shamed or penalised into corrective action. If you
do not vote for these politicians, who will represent
you and advance your local or national interests? What
hope is there of influencing our own governance if you
choose not to use your vote? |
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Before deciding not to
vote, consider very briefly the wider historical and
global perspective. The right to vote was hard won, even
in Ireland. There are still many in the world who live
in dictatorships and do not enjoy that right, or who
vote in vain knowing their elections will be rigged. In
Ireland at least, we are all equal on election day. The
richest and the most disadvantaged have one and the same
vote.
Pre-election polls show extremism is on the rise in the
European Parliament. Consider not just the record of
MEPs at home, but their allegiances in Brussels. Their
political groupings within the parliament will be
influenced by your vote.
If you are not sure whom you want in power, perhaps you
are more sure of whom you don’t want in power? |
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European Parliament election candidates |
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Voting will be open between
7am and 10pm on Friday at polling stations around the
country. The first results are expected by Sunday
morning. Reflect. The rest is up to us. |
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