City Council backs Presidential voting rights

Larry O'Toole

Sinn Féin Councillor Larry O'Toole has welcomed the unanimous support of Dublin City Council for his motion calling for Presidential voting rights for Six-County residents. This follows the passing of a motion by Newry and Mourne District Council earlier this year, asking councils throughout the island to support the extension of the franchise.

Speaking after the motion was passed on Monday night, O'Toole said: "Following our successful Assembly election, Sinn Féin will continue to push for the full implementation of the Agreement. This will include getting An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to fulfill his commitments regarding all-Ireland representation.

"After the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Ahern instructed the All-Party Committee on the Oireachtas and the Constitution to consider how the people of the Six Counties might play a "more active part in national political life. The Committee recognised in their recommendations that the most obvious, immediately inclusive area, would be in extending voting rights in Presidential elections to all Irish citizens living on the island of Ireland, in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Good Friday Agreement as contained in the amended Article 2 of the 1937 Constitution.

"By passing this motion unanimously tonight, Dublin City Council has supported this most basic right. Now Sinn Féin is urging the government to fulfill its promise and support this right also."