Sinn Fein's Silence on Presidential Voting Rights for Northern Irish Citizens Sparks Frustration

Strategic Insights -

The Aontu party is calling on Sinn Fein to explain its failure to sign a bill in the Dail that would grant Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland the right to vote in the Republic's presidential election. Aontu deputy leader Gemma Brolly expressed her frustration, stating that Sinn Fein's inaction is in conflict with its public position in support of extending voting rights across the border. Brolly highlighted that Sinn Fein's bill, which has been sitting in the Dail, would lead to Irish citizens voting as one in the same election for the first time since 1918, transcending narrow political interests.

Key Takeaways:

  • Aontu has proposed a bill in the Dail to grant Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland the right to vote in the Republic's presidential election.
  • Sinn Fein has been contacted for comment, but has yet to respond to Aontu's correspondence on the issue.
  • The proposed legislation would be too late for this October's presidential election, but would extend the franchise to northerners for the 2032 election.
  • Aontu's leader, Peadar Toibin, has described the denial of democracy for Irish citizens in the North as a "stepping stone to unity".
  • The legislation would require the support of all party leaders in the Dail, including Sinn Fein, to pass the necessary legislative hurdles.
  • Sinn Fein's resolution in the Assembly calling for the extension of presidential voting rights is seen as a positive step, but Brolly argues that it will change nothing without the Dail taking action.

Statistics:

  • 1918: The last time Irish citizens across the border voted in the same election.
  • 2032: The first presidential election for which the franchise would be extended to Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland if the legislation passes.
  • 1: Sinn Fein's annual resolution in the Assembly calling for the extension of presidential voting rights.

Sources:

  • Brolly, G. (2023) Aontu deputy leader Gemma Brolly speaks out against Sinn Fein's silence on presidential voting rights. Belfast Telegraph.
  • Toibin, P. (2023) Aontu leader Peadar Toibin describes Sinn Fein's inaction on voting rights as a "denial of democracy". Belfast Telegraph.