We need a referendum on votes for Irish citizens abroad in Presidential elections – Harmon
Labour’s Senator Laura Harmon today called for action from the Government to hold a referendum on extending the voting rights for Presidential elections to citizens living abroad.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Harmon said
“In 2013 the Constitutional Convention voted by 78% to allow for votes for Irish citizens abroad in Presidential elections. This was more than 10 years ago and we’ve had no action from Government. We have seen promises and lip-service over the years, but zero concrete action.
“Over 115 countries world-wide facilitate their citizens abroad to vote. It’s high-time that we followed international best practice and saw a real commitment from Government on this issue.
“The President of Ireland represents all Irish people, regardless of where they live. We need to hold a referendum, and if passed, legislate for a fairer voting system. It’s unusual that Senators on the NUI and Trinity panels are elected through a worldwide franchise of graduate voters but that no other elections have this applied to them.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the development of the new diaspora strategy, but I’m calling on Government to go further and commit to holding a referendum on extending the vote for presidential elections for Irish citizens abroad.”