Where are the electoral reform proposals? We know that proposals for emigrant voting rights in presidential elections have been promised as part of the Programme for Government. First we were told that electoral reform proposals would be presented before April, then before summer, and now with the Dail going off for its 12-weeks of summer… Continue reading Where are the electoral reform proposals?
Does emigration make us sympathetic to immigrants?
This editorial on emigration and immigration in the Irish Examiner is way off the mark. It starts off reasonably enough, noting that our “cyclical dependency on emigration is our greatest social failure since the foundation of the state”. It goes on to highlight some of the more painful aspects of emigration. And then it says:… Continue reading Does emigration make us sympathetic to immigrants?
Government pursues opportunities in Asia through expats
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin is in Asia this week, and has issued a press release focusing on several outgrowths of the Global Irish Economic Forum held at Farmleigh in September. Martin attended the first meeting of Asian-based members of the Global Irish Network at Expo Shanghai; the network was announced at the Global… Continue reading Government pursues opportunities in Asia through expats
Denial of MEP votes makes global Irish lesser EU citizens
The European Voice Newspaper published a letter I sent in regarding one of the effects of Ireland’s policy of disenfranchising its emigrants. In it I argued that Ireland’s denial of emigrant voting rights effectively leaves Irish citizens disadvantaged as European citizens of a lesser status. The letter is on the EuropeanVoice.com website as well as… Continue reading Denial of MEP votes makes global Irish lesser EU citizens
Ireland marks National Famine Commemoration Day on Sunday
Ireland’s second National Famine Commemoration day will take place this Sunday, 16 May, with a wide range of events marking the day. The main event in Ireland will be a formal State ceremony at the National Famine Memorial in Murrisk, Co. Mayo. The event will include the National flag and military honors, and wreath-laying ceremonies.… Continue reading Ireland marks National Famine Commemoration Day on Sunday
Is it our birthright to stay?
I happened upon some thought-provoking words this evening, as I read the blog of a man who has been trying to make a living for himself in Ireland. The blog is written by Alan Brophy of Wicklow, and it’s called, “Alan tries to start a business“. The domain name for the site, however is “alanandneiltrytostartabusiness.blogspot.com”… Continue reading Is it our birthright to stay?