14 February 2002 Edition
Arthur Morgan criticises Bell
Sinn Féin Louth County Councillor, Arthur Morgan, has criticised Labour TD Michael Bell for demeaning the value of young people's votes.
Responding to Bell's comments that "18% of young people won't come out to vote", Councillor Morgan said:
"While that may have been the case, it highlights the stale politics offered to young voters by politicians who created their own comfort blanket through negative campaigning.
"Michael Bell, appears to take comfort that young people may not vote to bring about change in this constituency. But the high rate of registration by first time voters is an indication that young people now understand the importance of using their vote to effect change.
"More and more new voters are attracted to the positive campaigning of the Sinn Féin position."
Responding to Bell's comments that "18% of young people won't come out to vote", Councillor Morgan said:
"While that may have been the case, it highlights the stale politics offered to young voters by politicians who created their own comfort blanket through negative campaigning.
"Michael Bell, appears to take comfort that young people may not vote to bring about change in this constituency. But the high rate of registration by first time voters is an indication that young people now understand the importance of using their vote to effect change.
"More and more new voters are attracted to the positive campaigning of the Sinn Féin position."