There has been some controversy over the rescue efforts to evacuate dozens of Irish people from Libya this week. Some complaints have appeared in the press that the Department of Foreign Affairs was slow to respond; a DFA spokesperson highlighted the difficulties of organising a rescue, telling TheJournal.ie, “We don’t have an embassy in Libya… Continue reading Irish rescue effort in Libya highlights importance of consular protection
7 reasons this will be the last election Irish emigrants won’t be voting in
I’ve been writing about emigrant voting since about 2006. When I started, it seemed that any victory in the battle for the emigrant vote was a long way off. I don’t believe that anymore. In fact, I believe we’ll see emigrant voting by the next general election. Here’s why. We see them everywhere, still. Emigrants… Continue reading 7 reasons this will be the last election Irish emigrants won’t be voting in
Ireland’s Lost Wall: a reminder of our emigrants
An Irish social media designer has created a powerfully emotive project meant to remind Ireland of those who have emigrated. Colin Hart is a returned emigrant, back from four years in Canada. His project, Ireland’s Lost Wall, is a simple site with the names and current locations of dozens of Irish expats, along with the… Continue reading Ireland’s Lost Wall: a reminder of our emigrants
Ballotbox.ie allows Irish citizens abroad to cast symbolic ballot
Ballotbox.ie is now allowing Irish expats to cast a symbolic ballot in this year’s general election in Ireland. The site is aimed at the three million Irish passport holders living abroad. The site opened on Monday and will remain open until 12:00 GMT on Tuesday 22. Only those living outside of Ireland will be able… Continue reading Ballotbox.ie allows Irish citizens abroad to cast symbolic ballot
Emigrant voting rights: a party guide
The emigrant vote issue has proven to be a surprisingly popular issue with political parties this year. Here’s a rundown of proposals and party positions: Fianna Fáil: Fianna Fáil and the Greens had promised recommendations on the feasibility of extending the franchise for emigrants in presidential elections as part of their 2009 renewed programme for… Continue reading Emigrant voting rights: a party guide
Report tells of lonely deaths of elderly Irish
The Sunday Tribune has reported that there are hundreds of impoverished Irish people with no known family being buried in unmarked mass graves in London every year by local councils. The report says: In a case recently highlighted by the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain, working under the auspices of the Irish Bishops Council, Galway native… Continue reading Report tells of lonely deaths of elderly Irish