MANY potential first time voters do not know what political leaders stand for and do not trust them to deliver on their promises.

They are among the opinions of a group of young people the Star interviewed as the clock ticks down to the general election on May 7.

Twenty-two-year-old Paul Swift, who will be a first time voter in a general election, says he does take an interest in politics but says he can appreciate why young people would choose not to head for the ballot box.

“I'd say I'm somewhat engaged in politics seeing as I actually vote but don't bother getting really involved.

“It's understandable why so few people are engaged, because the parties often seem the same and don't understand ordinary people's needs.

“People will be especially disengaged around here because a Labour result is pretty much guaranteed, so voting can seem pointless.”

Meanwhile, David Hewitt, from Toll Bar, added: “It’s really hard nowadays to find the facts of things. The same piece of information is reported differently depending where you read it and statistics are twisted and selectively interpreted.

“It feels like a battle just to find the truth and I think that is why I don’t want to be engaged with politics most of the time.

“The thing that would influence me most to vote is which strategy the parties intend take to continue the economic growth.

“I think sometimes a little too much emphasis is put on the leaders. Obviously who the Prime Minister is will be important.

“I think the problem is none of them come across well and the only one who actually seems passionate about this country and would keep to his word is Farage.

“All the others act like children making snide comments at the other parties and saying it’s all the other parties fault. It’s hard to believe what they say about anything.”

A 23-year-old man from Eccleston, who preferred not to be named, is another switched off by negative campaigning

He said: .“I think the party leaders just try to discredit the other’s policies.

"It always seems their policies are just contrary to what the other party is saying and not for the benefit of the people. I’m not particularly fond of Ed Miliband for this reason.

“I suppose there’s a degree of apathy as I don’t feel compelled to vote one way or another.”