Why Irish Presidential Candidates Just Aren’t Clicking

With the Irish presidential election on the horizon, many young people and second-generation Irish are watching -or maybe not – because right now, the candidates don’t feel like they’re talking to us. It’s not just about age; it’s a deeper disconnect around identity, values, and vision for the future.

If you’re Gen Z or second-gen living in Ireland, politics might feel like it’s on pause – repeating the same story, focused on existing voter bases instead of engaging the people who represent the country’s future. And that’s a real problem. While older generations have historically shaped Irish politics, the reality is we already have the vote – and many of us want to use it.

The Generation Gap Is About More Than Age

Irish politics often caters to “the usual voters” – older, established supporters who reliably turn out on election day. Candidates speak to them in familiar ways, focusing on issues that resonate with that crowd. The result? Younger people, especially from diverse, second-gen backgrounds, often feel invisible. For second-generation Irish, this invisibility is even sharper. The issues that affect our lives – integration, racial inequality, mental health within minority communities, climate justice – are often missing from the debate. It’s not that these issues don’t matter; it’s that candidates don’t see these voices as central.

This silence sends a message: “Your vote doesn’t really count.” And that fuels political apathy – a self-fulfilling prophecy. If young and second-gen voters don’t see themselves reflected, why bother showing up at the polls?

The Illusion of Engagement on Social Media

Politicians know that young people live on social media. Many have started posting on TikTok or Instagram to capture attention. But a presence online isn’t enough. Second-gen youth care about more than polished posts. Many candidates have long histories as establishment figures whose past decisions haven’t always aligned with the needs of minority or young communities. Social media campaigns can’t erase that, and attempts often feel performative. Young people, especially those adept at spotting inauthenticity online, see this clearly.

Why This Matters for Ireland’s Future

Disengaging Gen Z and second-gen voters isn’t just a missed opportunity – it’s a risk to Irish democracy. We aren’t just “future voters”; we’re current voters with growing influence, bringing fresh perspectives shaped by global connections, social movements, and life in a diverse Ireland. Ignoring us risks lower turnout, increased apathy, and maintaining the status quo – whether it serves the country or not. The presidency’s symbolic role makes this particularly important: a president who fails to connect with young and second-gen voters misses a chance to unify and inspire.

What Real Connection Looks Like

Authenticity. It’s simple but crucial. Real connection means:

• Owning your story – the successes, the mistakes, and the opportunities to do better.
• Engaging in meaningful conversations, not just soundbites.
• Listening to questions about past policies affecting minority and youth communities.
• Being present offline, not just during election season, but consistently in diverse neighbourhoods and youth spaces.

It also means addressing issues that matter to young and second-gen voters:

• Mental health in a fast-changing, uncertain world.
• Racial and cultural inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public life.
• Climate justice, with attention to its disproportionate impact on marginalised communities.
• Affordable housing and clear plans for steady employment – not vague promises.

A Challenge – and Opportunity – for Irish Politics

The 2025 presidential election is more than a political event. It’s a challenge for politicians to step out of their comfort zones and reach younger, more diverse voters with honesty and empathy. It’s also a chance for Gen Z and second-gen Irish to demand politics that reflects who we are and where we want to go. This election could be transformative – but only if candidates stop playing it safe and start listening – really listening – to voices that have too long been on the margins.

We’re Here, We Vote, and We Expect to Be Heard

For too long, politics in Ireland has felt like a world for everyone but us younger and second-gen voters. But that’s changing. More of us are registering to vote, educating ourselves, and refusing to be sidelined.

To candidates: social media and party loyalists aren’t enough anymore. If you want our votes, earn them by being real, showing up where we live, and pushing policies that reflect our lives. To Gen Z and second-gen Irish: your voice matters now. Vote knowing you’re shaping Ireland’s future, and hold leaders accountable. The next president could represent all of Ireland – or just another face of the past. The choice is yours. Drop a 300 – 500-word tale at equalityworx.com/share or post a TikTok with #EqualityWorxVibe – tag @EqualityWorx, and we’ll hype your voice.