The target of registering 10,000 student voters was surpassed on the National Day of Voter Registration, according to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) President Kevin Donoghue.
The campaign dubbed ‘Education Is’ aims to increase the number of students on the Register of Electors prior to the upcoming General Election and put pressure on the next government to increase expenditure for students.
Some 24 colleges across the country participated in the programme which had its main registration day last Tuesday, however registration has been encouraged throughout the week.
Donoghue believes the students who are registering will be voting for the politicians who have student’s interests in mind.
“Education shouldn’t be a privilege for those who can afford it” Donoghue said, “It should be a right for everyone. Students will vote for politicians who campaign for this right.”
He added, “Government investment in third level education dropped from over €1.6 billion in 2005 to €939 million in 2014. We are calling on the Government to increase funding and accommodation for students and reduce the registration fee of €3,000”.
The number of DCU students registering is not yet available, but Donoghue feels the drive was a success.
“This was a big ambition for a short period of time and we are well and truly pleased with the numbers that have registered,” he said.
Brein McGinn
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