Billy Lawless (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, many Senators spoke about the outcome of Friday's referendum and about those within this House who helped to achieve it. I was struck by the words of my Independent colleague, Senator Boyhan, as he recognised the process itself and how fundamental the vote is to every citizen of the Republic. Once again, just like in the same-sex marriage referendum, "home to vote" was the rallying cry for many tens of thousands of people who stepped off aeroplanes and boats to vote in order to ensure that never again would women of this country have to get on an aeroplane or boat in some of the most tragic and personal circumstances imaginable. As they did during the same-sex marriage referendum campaign, the images on our television screens, the sounds on our radios and the videos on our news feeds of returning emigrants inspired us all not just to think about the question on which we were asked to vote but to actually get off the couch and vote in record numbers. The tens of thousands who came home care sufficiently about their country that they were willing to pay for a plane ticket or a boat ticket just to exercise their franchise. If ever there was a rallying cry for why all emigrants must be given a vote, then this is it and those to whom I refer are the messengers. In the context of the fearmongers who say that the emigrant community does not understand what makes this nation tick and that its values are not the same as ours, the "home to vote" movement - and it is a movement - has well and truly put that myth to bed.

Many are asking, "Where to next?" How can we maintain the energy and enthusiasm for participation in our democracy? How can the young and old remain inspired? I say very clearly and without any hesitation that the Irish emigrant community will play a role in answering these questions. It has proven its ability to inspire, so let us all formalise its right to vote. Emigration today is not permanent, it is temporary. Today's emigrants have every intention of returning home with new skills and vast experience. Of course they have a vested interest in having a say in the running of this country. The Taoiseach has already committed to a referendum to permit emigrant voters an opportunity to vote in the presidential election in 2019. It is my sincere hope that those of all parties and none will remember these special and rare days in our little republic and give our global community a permanent say on who should be our head of state.