Ageism should have no part in elections

THE age of politicians and the degree to which this could impair their ability to perform their duties has been raised on at least two national radio programmes and at a political party press conference in recent weeks.

While many people rightly would not accept that a candidate’s gender or the colour of his or her skin would be grounds for scrutiny, questioning a person’s age apparently is. Most people recognise sexism and racism, but ageism is often a more subconscious, and therefore dangerous, form of discrimination.

The existence of widespread age discrimination comes as no surprise to Age Action – an organisation which regularly deals with workers who suffer discrimination in the workplace on the basis of their age. Ironically, we often point to the legal and political professions as areas where a person’s experience is valued by society and the electorate, and not viewed as being a liability. Age Action is non-party political organisation and does not support any individual party or candidate. But we believe ageism should play no part in the upcoming European and local elections, and Dáil by-elections.

Of course we are not saying age-related issues should be parked – just age discrimination. The removal of the automatic entitlement to the over-70s’ medical card, the Christmas bonus for pensioners, local and EU policies to support age-friendly societies, and the slow progress on the implementation of our national positive ageing strategy are all key issues for everyone concerned about planning for our ageing population. But once a candidate is over the legal age to contest the election, his or her birth certificate should play no other part in the campaign.

Eamon Timmins

Head of Advocacy

and Communications

Age Action

Lr Camden Street

Dublin 2