Libertarianism is fuelled by youth nowadays. Just look at what is happening in America, where Ron Paul is consistently polling highly amongst voters under 30, taking this age group in several states. UKIP, while the only real Libertarian party in the UK, finds itself sorely lacking in support from those under 40 and 18-24 year olds especially. This seems like a market UKIP should really be trying to tap.
Young voters where always the domain of the Liberal Democrats, but since the coalition and the tuition fees fiasco this support has dried up even more rapidly than the parties support in other corners. This seems like an open opportunity for UKIP. Younger voters are naturally more libertarian inclined nowadays and the party finds itself in the bizarre position of being the most significant party not advocating tuition fees.
As Michael White pointed out in the Guardian last night, the defection of Alexandra Swann to the UKIP cause is arguably more significant than the defection of Roger Helmer MEP, because she represents the future and a different constituency than the party's traditional base. UKIP would be wise to put Swann and other articulate, young members at the forefront of it's campaign. Perhaps the party can shed the image of old Thatcherite s in exile and move forward as a young, energized and enthusiastic party.
Young voters where always the domain of the Liberal Democrats, but since the coalition and the tuition fees fiasco this support has dried up even more rapidly than the parties support in other corners. This seems like an open opportunity for UKIP. Younger voters are naturally more libertarian inclined nowadays and the party finds itself in the bizarre position of being the most significant party not advocating tuition fees.
As Michael White pointed out in the Guardian last night, the defection of Alexandra Swann to the UKIP cause is arguably more significant than the defection of Roger Helmer MEP, because she represents the future and a different constituency than the party's traditional base. UKIP would be wise to put Swann and other articulate, young members at the forefront of it's campaign. Perhaps the party can shed the image of old Thatcherite s in exile and move forward as a young, energized and enthusiastic party.
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