Young Non-Voters and Ethnic Tribune Politics in Northern Ireland: Beyond Apathy and Engaged Scepticism

Abstract

Little is known about young non-voters’ appraisals of ethnic tribune politics in Northern Ireland. This article draws attention to how some young non-voters in Northern Ireland actively challenge such representational strategies, while others are reluctant to express critical views regarding party politics, despite their interest in a range of broadly political issues and dissatisfaction with aspects of social life. The article accounts for these findings by reworking existing conceptualisations of youth political engagement to include consideration of those who are not apathetic, engaged sceptics or conservatives. This permits a more nuanced understanding of the position of youth within the Northern Ireland electorate.