Dr. Adrian Kavanagh:

Yes. That is why we would need an electoral commission. Such a commission is necessary for other aspects of the process, but extra support and infrastructure would definitely be necessary to move this process along.

An interesting question was asked on whether the Presidential election should be the first step. I was surprised that the Constitutional Convention was asked to focus on Presidential elections. In terms of voting rights, the most restrictive voting processes in Ireland are referenda and Presidential elections. Focusing on the latter was putting the cart before the horse. I would have preferred it had the Constitutional Convention been allowed last year to discuss general elections as well as Presidential ones. It was a missed opportunity.

On the other hand, I see a great deal of logic in applying this to Presidential elections. They do not have the same impact, although I am not using that word correctly. To all intents and purposes, the Presidency is a symbolic office. It is an interesting suggestion. I am not fully agreed on either position and can see the logic in both.

As to whether the diaspora should be required to register every year, it is important to ask members of the diaspora about their continuing interest in their home country and its policies. The same rules must apply. One must be able to facilitate registration, though. For example, there should be a form of online or postal registration. However, people should also be expected to register each year.