Bus Eireann and Iranrod Eireann should consider the introduction of discounted fares for students for one day on Friday February 26th to allow them home to cast their vote.
There are thousands of new voters who are eligible to vote in this election for the first time and the vast majority are young people who are in colleges around the country. To introduce discounted fares for one day to allow these young people home to exercise their democratic right would be an innovative gesture from Irish Rail and Bus Eireann. For many years we have heard people bemoaning the fact that young people have no interest in politics, but here is a way that might encourage young first time voters to engage with the democratic process on February 26th. It would not cost too much money and would be good public relations for both semi-state companies.