The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently conducting a Foreign Policy Review, including a review of diaspora strategy. I submitted the following to the Review earlier this month, stressing the need for democratic engagement of Ireland’s citizens abroad and the effects of disenfranchisement on overseas citizens. ———— While Ireland seeks to be a… Continue reading Submission to DFAT’s Foreign Policy Review

At the Constitutional Convention in Dublin yesterday, international comparisons of voting were presented. One of the points raised was that in a 2007 study, there were 14 countries that allowed their expats  to vote only in presidential elections. Those countries were: Afghanistan Benin Bolivia Brazil Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dominican Republic Ecuador Honduras… Continue reading Which other countries allow their expats to vote only in presidential elections?

When I first started writing about emigrant voting rights back in 2006, a study had come out saying that there were 115 countries and territories around the world that allowed emigrant voting rights. The number would now be far higher – some of the countries that have introduced or are in the process of introducing… Continue reading 115 countries allow their expats to vote? Not anymore…

The Constitutional Convention has conducted a survey to accompany this weekend’s discussion on whether there should be voting rights for emigrants in presidential elections. At first I welcomed this outreach and the opportunity it provided  to gauge the opinion of the Irish abroad on this topic. Unfortunately however, my enthusiasm was replaced by extreme unease… Continue reading Constitutional Convention’s survey on emigrant voting rights disappoints

I have written previously about my first submission to the Constitutional Convention, which back in May was looking at the issue of electoral reform. This weekend the Convention will be looking at voting rights for emigrants in Presidential Elections. I have since made two additional submissions, which I’m posting up here for reference as well.… Continue reading What policies affect emigrants? A second submission to the Constitutional Convention

Ireland’s Constitutional Convention will be looking at the issue of votes for emigrants this weekend, as it examines the issue of electoral reform. Mary Hickman of the VICA campaign will speak. The public has been invited to make submissions on the Constitution.ie website. There are many people who have written in on the issue of… Continue reading The Constitutional Convention: have your say!