Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The section is very simple. It proposes to extend voting for local elections. It is three lines in all. Once again, I ask Members to consider the fact that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael consider this Bill so onerous that they wanted us to wait nine months, nine months ago, for these nine lines of a Bill. Now they want to push the boat out again. They are very clear in saying to the young people "we are in favour of you having a right to vote, but just not yet". This is the same as saying "until you are 18".

I commend the Minister of State. While I disagree with the responses he has given to the House, I acknowledge that he has responded to all of the points made. This is a refreshing change. I smiled when the Minister of State described himself as a right wing Fine Gael member. There is no other kind.