Too Young to Vote or Old Enough to Care? Episode 559

In this episode, Niall is joined by commentator Karl Deeter and a lively panel of callers as they unpack one of the most talked-about political proposals of the week: the Social Democrats’ new Bill aiming to lower Ireland’s voting age from 18 to 16.

With the Dáil set to debate the Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025, Niall dives into the arguments driving the push for change. Deputy Aidan Farrelly, the party’s spokesperson on children, argues that 16- and 17-year-olds can work, pay taxes, care for loved ones, and even consent to medical treatment—yet still have no say at the ballot box. Supporters say it’s a matter of fairness and equality, especially at a time when voter turnout in Ireland is slipping. They point to international research suggesting that when young people are enfranchised at 16, they’re more likely to become lifelong voters than those who start at 18. The proposal also echoes a 2013 recommendation from the Constitutional Convention and mirrors similar reforms underway in the UK.

But is Ireland ready to follow suit?

Niall and Karl challenge the arguments, test the evidence, and open the lines to callers across the country. Are 16-year-olds civically informed enough? Is this about strengthening democracy—or political opportunism? And fundamentally, should we lower the voting age to 16?

Tune in for a balanced, energetic debate as listeners weigh in on whether it’s time to hand the ballot paper to Ireland’s youngest citizens.