John Gilroy (Labour)

Yes. Second, whoever wrote the motion might not be fully familiar with the terms and conditions set out in the Good Friday Agreement. On closer inspection, it appears that whoever wrote the motion has not read the Agreement at all. The principles underlying the Good Friday Agreement are those of reconciliation, trust and mutual tolerance without an agreed idea of what the nation is. The motion fails to address this concept. Instead of supporting the terms of the Agreement, the motion might even undermine it. Section 5 of the declaration of support states that its signatories will "strive in every practical way towards reconciliation and rapprochement within the framework of democratic and agreed arrangements". For this to happen, it seems odd that a motion proposing changes to a constitutional position should be tabled in the House before being referred to any of the bodies established under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement to consider and deal with such constitutional issues.

Strand 2 of the Good Friday Agreement addresses the establishment of relationships and bringing together those with executive responsibilities in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government. Under part 5 of strand 2, signatories are to use their best endeavours to reach agreement on the adoption of common policies in areas where there is a mutual cross-Border and all-island benefit. The proposal in the motion would benefit from being referred to the forum for discussion before being returned to the House for further consideration.

Given the precedent set by other countries, there is merit in proposing that Irish citizens living abroad be entitled to vote in presidential elections, but our unique experience of our recently troubled past makes this proposal more complicated than it might otherwise prove to be, a fact the motion fails to recognise.

In the programme for Government, our Government has proposed the establishment of a constitutional convention, which will take submissions and consider the ongoing reform of political systems. A review of the process surrounding presidential elections will form part of the latter. As evidence of our commitment to political reform, we can point to the two upcoming constitutional referenda. More locally, I am glad that our commitment extends to allowing Sinn Féin Private Members' time in the House. In previous Seanaid, it would not have been allowed.