Cillian Murphy set to promote elections

A campaign to urge young voters to go to the polls is set to be launched in April 2007 by homegrown celebrities such as Cillian Murphy and Dara O'Briain.

Rock the Vote's sole purpose is to increase voter turnout and in particular that of young voters.

Ireland has the lowest average rate of turnout for general elections in Europe for the last thirty years.

Patrick Cosgrave, the campaign’s executive director said: "Eight months ago it was nothing but an idea I had chatted about with mates over a pint.

"If someone had told me back then that in eight months the campaign could count on the likes of Dara O'Briain, Cillian Murphy and dozens of others as supporters I'd have just have laughed.

"We've come a long way and we are hopeful we'll have a positive impact this election."

Rock The Vote will be rolled out across the country over the next few weeks.