Sir, – People aged 16 in Ireland can drive and operate certain heavy vehicles, decide the future direction of their education, leave school, consent to medical treatment and operations, get a tattoo or body piercing, work full time, and parent babies. Are we really saying that allowing those aged 16 and 17 putting numbers or an X on a piece of paper every few years is where we draw the line?
These young people have more of stake in our society than many of those already permitted to vote. They deserve to have their voices heard at the ballot box too. And maybe, as an additional bonus, their votes might offset the votes of those who elect TDs that refuse to acknowledge climate change as a reality. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS HENEGHAN,
East Wall,
Dublin 3.