Seanad debates
Wednesday, 27 November 2002
Report on Immigration Policy: Statements.
The Seanad played a role in this area a number of years ago when it examined the issue of votes for emigrants. The task force also examined this issue but did not reach a conclusion. Every citizen who is living abroad should have an automatic right to vote in the presidential election. Under the Articles of the Constitution relating to the President, his or her role is more than territorial or judicial. It is a role for the nation. The idea is that the President represents the nation abroad. Our last two Presidents have certainly attempted to represent and reflect the diaspora.
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