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    Is the government forgetting its promise on presidential voting rights for emigrants?

    By Noreen Bowden | October 14, 2010

    Is it possible that the government’s promise relating to presidential voting rights for overseas citizens may have been forgotten? An exchange in the Dail seems to indicate that the government’s commitment to movement on the issue of presidential voting rights for the Irish abroad may not be at the forefront of Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s mind.

    The renewed programme for government, published in October 2009, made this promise to the Irish nation:

    Within 12 months, the Electoral Commission will also propose reforms to the electoral system, including:

    • Make recommendations on the feasibility of extending the franchise for Presidential Elections to the Irish abroad.

    I, for one, have been eagerly awaiting these recommendations. But this exchange suggests that the government is backing away from such proposals:

    _____________________________

    Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

    No, we are not running into difficulty here; we are going directly to a specific question. The point is that the Taoiseach has reflected on the important role and the potential of involving the diaspora more in problems currently besetting us. Is any consideration being given at this point in time to a constitutional referendum on extending the rights of participation to Irish citizens living overseas – with more and more of them in that situation over the past 12 to 18 months by virtue of forced emigration – so that people would have the opportunity, as is the case in many other states at least for a defined period of time, to participate in the electoral process in their home country? Is the Government giving any consideration to such a proposal, one that I would very much welcome.

    Brian Cowen (Taoiseach; Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

    In a specific reply to the question raised by the Deputy, I am not aware of any proposal in gestation at present to provide for such an arrangement for those outside the country who hold citizenship to have votes in general elections or any other elections here. On the issue generally—–

    Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

    Does the Taoiseach have any interest in it?

    Brian Cowen (Taoiseach; Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
    I think—–

    Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

    You are the Taoiseach.

    Brian Cowen (Taoiseach; Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

    I am indeed and the Deputy has asked me without notice to take a considered view on an issue that obviously has very far reaching implications, and I do not engage in that type of arrangement where it is then used against me that I stated I would be this, that or the other on an issue. I like to consider a matter when those who propose it put all of the issues in front of me. If people have a view that it should be done, perhaps they will put the case—–

    Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

    Will the Taoiseach initiate a consideration?

    Brian Cowen (Taoiseach; Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

    No, I will not initiate any consideration. Deputy Ó Caoláin is proposing that this is an issue which has validity and merit.

    Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

    The Taoiseach’s predecessor actually—–

    Brian Cowen (Taoiseach; Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

    I am saying the onus is on those who propose it to come forward with some case for consideration. It is not for me to build their case.

    _____________________________

    I am confused by this – in the case of voting rights for presidential elections, it is the government itself that has not only proposed, but promised “recommendations on the feasibility of extending the franchise”.

    Contrast the Taoiseach’s response to the statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin in January, in response to a written question:

    However the renewed Programme for Government, agreed in October 2009, mandates that recommendations should be made on the feasibility of extending the franchise for Presidential Elections to the Irish abroad. It will be the responsibility of the Department of Environment to progress this issue.

    I will make an inquiry to the Department of Environment and report back.

    Topics: Latest News | 2 Comments »

    2 Responses to “Is the government forgetting its promise on presidential voting rights for emigrants?”

    1. Is the government forgetting its promise on presidential voting … Says:
      October 16th, 2010 at 9:25 pm

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    2. jank Says:
      November 25th, 2010 at 8:26 am

      Did you ever get a response back from the Dept. of Environment? With the economic and political turmoil in Ireland at the moment I think now would be a good time to be putting pressure on a future government as I believe there is a huge appetite for electoral reform in the coming years.

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