A chara, – It is an intriguing suggestion from Hassard Stacpoole: to enable Irish citizens overseas to participate in Irish elections via a vote for the Presidency (March 17th).
The “no representation without taxation” argument is a powerful one, and difficult (but not impossible) to counter. Personally, as an emigrant of some years who has continued to follow developments at home and who travels back very frequently, I would be delighted to be able to vote in Irish elections, but I am conscious that since I am not living in Ireland I am not going to be directly affected by the day-to-day decisions regarding things such as taxes, benefits and the host of other powers exercised by the politicians I could be helping elect.
People often cite the example of US citizens overseas being able to vote in domestic elections in the States. With their worldwide income subject to US taxes regardless of their residency (subject to some exclusions or course), they find themselves in a different position to the typical Irish citizen living abroad.
Permitting all Irish citizens to vote in the presidential elections would be a simple yet meaningful way of permitting Irish citizens to continue to play a part in the civic life of Ireland. A great idea that should be explored. – Is mise,
CIARÁN McCAFFERTY,
Bethnal Green,
London,
England.