Castleisland teenager, Art O’Mahony has immersed himself in politics for the last couple of years. He chose Fine Gael as his party and has been elected chairman of Kerry Young Fine Gael. He has been out on the doorsteps with Minister Jimmy Deenihan as long ago as last October.
I met Art out and about with Minister Deenihan at that time and I asked him to send me his views on his political experiences so far.
With the Art of political timing coursing through his busy head, I suspected that the timing would be closer to the election date.
“I suppose given the fact the election campaign is now in full swing I’ve gathered a more structured view of the benefits of being involved as a young person and how important the next few weeks are for my generation, and the country as a whole.
“As chairman of the Kerry Young Fine Gael branch, I’ve been privileged to work beside the likes of Jimmy Deenihan and Brendan Griffin as well as attend a variety of interesting events,” said Art.
Being A Teenager in Politics
By Art O’Mahony
Democracy – Society’s greatest achievement or the root of all evil? Perhaps it’s somewhere in between. Personally, as a political enthusiast I strongly advocate that all citizens who have the right to vote ensure their name is on the register and carefully cast it on polling day. Each individual exercising his or her vote is the only way democracy can function effectively, and where the Dáil’s make up mirrors the national mood. We need only reflect on last May where the Irish nation, and particularly our youth registered, came out in substantial numbers and sent a clear message around the globe that we embrace equality and social freedom.
Defining Question
But on February 26th Ireland will be asked yet another defining question; whom can we trust to lead our republic? When the question was posed 5 years ago our nation was on its knees. Between 2008-11 three hundred thousand people had lost their jobs, dead banks were guaranteed to a sum of over a quarter of a trillion euro and our sovereignty was signed over to the IMF. Our crippled nation lashed Fianna Fáil to the opposition and voted in the largest Irish government ever, in Fine Gael and Labour. Such a result was once unthinkable, proving the power of our democracy.
Political Ring
I have stepped in to the political ring and joined Young Fine Gael for a variety of reasons. I have a passion for politics, Irish culture and maintaining the well being of my country. It is my belief that Fine Gael is the only political establishment who can be trusted with our financial affairs. We simply cannot afford to play Russian roulette with our future again, by handing power over to those who have wrecked our economy in the past or whose magician economics would devastate it in the future. My party will continue its work in reinvesting in our people and infrastructure if you give us the mandate to do so.
That’s my view, but yours may be different. And of course contrast is important as well. Such is the beauty of democracy. Regardless of your views let your voice be heard on Election Day and don’t insulate yourself entirely from current affairs. Go raibh maith agat.
For an alternative view check back here this evening as Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris gives his views on the past five years.
