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All €300,000 allocated from autism fund spent in Reilly’s north Dublin heartland
Minister approved funding for Beechpark Services because of waiting list problems read full article
irishtimes.comIrish public to vote on same sex marriage in 2014
The Daily Shift
The topic of gay marriage has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, and with several US states and the UK having passed laws to allow gay marriage, the Irish public will now have a chance to vote on the subject. The Constitutional Convention – a …
See all stories on this topic »
Minister pledges to address ‘crisis’ in mental health services in Roscommon area
Nurses say understaffing and lack of investment has resulted in serious incidents read full article
Catholic Bishops ratchet up pressure on Government over abortion legislation
Leaflets assert that lives of both mother and unborn baby are sacred read full article
Coveney in Luxembourg for key negotiations to secure EU farm deal
Irish delegation hoping to secure sign-off on biggest reform of Common Agricultural Policy in a decaderead full article
Proposed law not sufficient, say Savita Halappanavar’s parents
‘They must change the law to save women’s health, not just her life’ read full article
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No Diaspora Irish need apply for constitutional convention in Ireland
The Constitutional Convention in Dublin will meet shortly to consider changes to the Irish Constitution.
The lack of an emigrant representative among the 100 strong members is an unfortunate reality that will lead to a perception abroad that once again the Irish government is making clear that the emigrant voice is not important, even though the emigrant dollar clearly is.
The convention is taking place against a backdrop of harsh economic times and increased efforts to bring the Irish abroad back into the fold. The emigrant vote would be a perfect place to start.
One of the issues to be discussed is the emigrant vote, and there was good news in an Irish Times poll this week, with 68 percent of those surveyed believing that emigrants should be allowed to vote in Irish presidential elections.
Only 17 percent believed that emigrants should be denied a vote. The finding is clearly a green light for the government and the constitutional convention to grab this issue.
Clearly there is a mindset in Ireland that the emigrant vote, under limited conditions, is a good step for this government. It will now depend on government willpower and determination to make it happen.
Currently, 115 countries worldwide allow their citizens abroad to vote. Even high emigration countries such as Mexico and Poland have the provision.
Read more news on Irish immigration here
Ireland badly needs to get in line with international consensus and provide its emigrants with a means of taking part in elections in the country of their citizenship.
Of the 115 countries, many impose restrictions on their citizens abroad. That is fair and reasonable. A time limit, such as five years after an emigrant has left home, would be a fair compromise.
Equally, presidential elections are far less likely to be impacted by emigrant votes than small rural constituencies in Dail (Irish Parliament) elections, which can swing on a handful of votes.
It is the symbolic rather than the actual impact that emigrants seek, the acknowledgement so often given when investment and funding is required that the diaspora is a vital part of the Irish identity.
Successive Irish governments have always maintained a healthy distance from the diaspora, never fully comprehending its priorities, its perceived foibles or its intent.
The result has been many missed opportunities to build the links that are so vital to Ireland at a time of maximum distress in the old country.
The Constitutional Convention is about managed change to ensure that all aspects of Irish identity are given full expression.
There is arguably no more important part of that equation than the Irish abroad, especially at a time when thousands are once again voting with their feet and leaving.
via No Diaspora Irish need apply for constitutional convention in Ireland | Irish News | IrishCentral.
via No Diaspora Irish need apply for constitutional convention in Ireland | Irish News | IrishCentral.
Sinn Fein seeks constitution change –
Northern Ireland deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is among Sinn Fein‘s nominations for the body set to review the Irish constitution.
The Derry politician was nominated to represent the party on the Republic‘s Constitutional Convention alongside his leader Gerry Adams and deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald.
Mr Adams has previously said the scope of the convention should be widened, and after a meeting of Sinn Fein’s ruling council he repeated calls for it to be an opportunity for major reform.
via Sinn Fein seeks constitution change – Northern Ireland, Local & National – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
via Sinn Fein seeks constitution change – Northern Ireland, Local & National – Belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
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