Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted the Government is not opposing this motion. I thank my party for bringing this motion to extend voting rights in presidential elections to all citizens on the island of Ireland and to progress that same right to our diaspora, often aptly referred to as the children of the far-flung, as in the book by Geraldine O'Connell. I believe citizenship should have no borders. Once a person holds an Irish passport, even if they do not reside in our country, they should be entitled to vote in a presidential election. The history of our country is far too blemished with stories of deportation, the stain of migration and forced emigration.

Times have changed since the 17th century. With modern technology, citizens abroad can now remain involved with their communities at home and are well versed in what is going on in the communities they were born into. They feel deeply connected to their place of birth and should be given the right to vote in presidential elections. In fact, the Northern Ireland Assembly recently passed a motion supporting that same principled right to be offered to all citizens on the island of Ireland, while the citizens' assembly’s fifth report on the Irish Constitution proposed to extend the presidential vote to our diaspora.

I believe citizens on this island and beyond deserve to be able to vote in the presidential election because, when it comes down to brass tacks, it is still their beloved homeland. To be denied that right is a denial of their identity and their birthright. What is often forgotten about and pushed aside is the global financial investment our diaspora pours back into our country. It is time to hold a referendum on presidential voting rights for citizens on this island, to up the discourse on Irish unity and to fulfil the terms of the Good Friday Agreement on holding a Border poll. I hope all Deputies will see the merits in this motion and support the voting rights of our citizens at home and abroad.

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