Most developed nations in the world have universal suffrage. This means that all citizens of that country over the designated age (usually 18) are entitled to vote in general elections and referenda.
It is a right that everyone over 18 in Ireland has, although many people choose not to exercise that right. Perhaps they are disillusioned with politics, or perhaps they have no interest, or perhaps they are too lazy.
It has not always been the case that everyone over 18 was allowed to vote to choose their leaders. In Ancient Athens, a "citizen" was a man who owned property. In Revolutionary America, a "citizen" was a white man. It was not until the early twentieth century that women gained full suffrage.
How do you see the right to vote? Is it a basic human right to have a say in choosing your leaders? Should everyone over 18 be allowed to vote, or would you restrict it in some way? What about those who choose not to, or do not, vote?
Discuss.