Real experience

From the archive, first published Tuesday 21st Mar 2006.

SIR - It was interesting to read "it's time 16-year-olds were allowed to vote" (Friday, March 3). The suggestion is worth considering.

It might encourage more participation in the political process. It isn't that young people do not know how to vote. They know to text for their favourites when there is a TV poll.

But it's more likely they are turned off by the sight of professional politicians taking the moral high ground on a number of issues. To the young person, it's like seeing a pompous version of their parents telling them how to live. George Galloway's memorable performance on Big Brother recently would probably ensure many viewers never visit a polling booth again. However, any proposal that 16-year-olds could stand for Parliament is ludicrous. Real experience of life is essential.

ANDREW BROWN,

Worcester.

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