Giving presidential votes to ‘global Irish’ is unjustifiable

Plans to extend the vote to millions eligible for Irish citizenship abroad, but with no stake in this country, devalue the office of President

Anyone with an Irish passport, or qualifying for one, will have the right to vote in Presidential elections, under plans being prepared by diaspora minister Ciarán Cannon - assuming the required referendum passes.

“If you are either an Irish citizen or have retained the right to be an Irish citizen,” said Cannon, interviewed in these pages by Hugh O’Connell, “you will be entitled to vote, no matter where you live in the world.”