YOUNG TELL LABOUR AND TORIES TO END THE PUNCH AND JUDY SHOW

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 13th Apr 2005

Commenting on the latest poll showing that 42% of 18-24 year olds have already decided they will not vote, Liberal Democrat Sam Potts said:

"This is deeply depressing and should give all politicians pause for thought.

"Many young people have been turned off by the aggressive ya boo style politics between Tony Blair and Michael Howard.

"However, politicians should not assume that young people are not interested in politics. Young people have said that what they want is a positive campaign fought on policies and issues that concern them, such as tuition fees, the environment and Iraq.

"Only the Liberal Democrats are focusing on the issues that really matter and this is borne out by the figures showing the youngest age group are more likely to vote Liberal Democrat

ENDS