Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the first speaker on behalf of the Independent group of Senators, I express our deep sympathy to the family of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick on their tragic loss and our warm support for the other families still awaiting news of loved ones also on the helicopter. I also express our condolences on the sudden and tragic loss of Derry footballer, Ryan McBride. I want also to express my personal condolences to the family of Martin McGuinness who played a major role in the Good Friday Agreement which led Sinn Féin to embracing the democratic process, thus ensuring that peace has prevailed on our island ever since. I express my sincere gratitude to Martin who died very tragically and suddenly.

On a more uplifting note, I warmly welcome the Taoiseach's announcement of plans for a referendum to allow millions of Irish citizens living abroad to vote in Irish presidential elections, which is something that I have personally campaigned for over a number of years, along with most of the immigrant community groups in the United States and United Kingdom. I recognise that there are many citizens residing in this State who are fearful of allowing such a large number of persons abroad to vote for a President of the country they love but do not live in. I call on those people and any other party that is not intending to support this referendum to give the Irish diaspora a chance. Second only to ensuring the undocumented Irish receive regularised status within the United States, this initiative means so much to the US diaspora with whom I spent the last number of days as part of the St. Patrick's week festivities, as in previous years. When the Taoiseach asked me if I would accept his nomination as a Member of this esteemed Seanad he promised this referendum and he has delivered on that promise. I can think of no better way to bring tangible meaning to Article 2 of the Constitution, which recognises that the Irish nation cherishes its special affinity with people of Irish ancestry living abroad who share its cultural identity and heritage. The Irish love being Irish abroad. We love the Irish when then return home. Like any other Irish man or woman residing in this State, they are entitled to a vote in regard to who should be the next Uachtarán na hÉireann. My only regret in respect of the Taoiseach's proposal is that the referendum will not take place in advance of the next presidential election.