Slipping support for democracy should be a wake-up call

Recent Abacus Data polling suggests ‘almost half of those under 30 say a strong leader who does not have to bother with Parliament and elections would be a good way to govern.’ That’s an alarm bell.

Younger people are typically at the forefront of political shifts that drive change in government, and parties have to navigate the balancing act required to lure them on side while also not alienating their established bloc of older voters.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY EDITORIAL

July 29, 2026

It’s no surprise that the demographic that’s most likely to be well established—i.e. people who own a home (or two), have a pension, or are approaching retirement—is more sewn up as a voting bloc. According to recent opinion polling, voters above the age of 55 like w...

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