Just over 30% of students hold political party membership

The recent College View survey of students’ attitudes towards representation has indicated that only 31% of students are members of a political party.

Of students surveyed, 26% indicated that a “party’s performance in the Dail” would substantially influence their vote, while 42% of students said that a candidate’s political party would not influence their vote.

When asked about the influence a party leader would have on their vote 27% indicated that Deputy Enda Kenny’s performance was ‘Taoiseach material’ while 39% believed that Eamonn Gilmore TD, and leader of the Labour Party had what it took to lead the country. The survey, however, was conducted before the Fine Gael Ard Fheis – where there could be an increase in support.

Surprisingly the survey also found that four percent of those who disclosed their membership or strong affiliation to a political party indicated Libertas – the new pan-European political party chaired by Declan Ganley.

Of those surveyed 63% said that they would not vote for a political party based on their stance on third level tuition fees.

The breakdown of membership (or strong affiliation) was as follows: Fianna Fail 29%, Fine Gael 34%, Green Party 8%, Labour Party 18%, Libertas 4%, People before Profit 2%, Sinn Fein 3%; and others 2%.