How would Ireland’s Greek diaspora vote in Sunday’s referendum?

There was little support for a Yes vote in next Sunday's referendum on the terms offered by Greece's creditors amongmembers of the Greek community in Ireland who spoke to The Irish Times on Monday.

Adam Kritidis moved to Ireland 20 years ago. He originally planned to move back to Greece but admits he is very happy here and has a secure job – something he isn't so sure he would have if he returned home.

Mr Kritidis admits that if he lived in Greece he would vote No in the referendum.

“Greece is definitely better off outside of the EU. We’ve tried austerity for five years and it hasn’t worked. Why keep trying it if it doesn’t work? The Greek people are a proud race. We’re proud of our history, our independence and our sovereignty,” he said.

He also said he understands why the Irish Government is urging Greece to follow in their footsteps in accepting the bailout package: “Ireland has been in a very similar situation to Greece and I understand why they took this view. I never expected them to speak out against the EU in favour of the Greek people.”

Evie Filea has lived in Dublin for a year and is studying a Masters in Education at Trinity College Dublin. She has no immediate plans to return to her home country.

“I want to stay here. It’s difficult to find a job in Greece – no matter what your profession is. I’m still not sure how I would vote if I lived in Greece. The mainstream media seem to be distorting the reality and I hope the Greek people can see this,” she said.

Ms Filea added that although Ireland was in a similar situation, Greece is far worse off than Ireland was and it’s a completely different situation.

“I really don’t know which way the vote will swing,”she said.

Eugenia Siapera has been living in Ireland for three years and admits she would vote against the referendum as well.

Ms Siapera, a lecturer at Dublin City University, said there’s a visible disconnect between the Irish Government and the plight of the Greek people.

“Although it’s a different situation, it’s still quite similar to what Ireland and Portugal went through not so long ago. There’s a complete disconnect between the Irish government and what Greece is going through,” she said.

“I think it’s unfair how the Greek people are being treated. Greece’s media are very clearly against left-wing politics and the way Syrzia is governing the country. There’s a lot at stake and the Greek people are scared. Hopefully the referendum will be defeated”.

The majority of Greeks who spoke to The Irish Times admitted that they would vote against Sunday's referendum. However Costas Avramidis, a Greek national who has lived in Ireland for 15 years, said that he hopes Greece stays in the EU.

"I believe in Europe. Greece has been doomed for a long time. The referendum is irrelevant," he said.

Mr Avramidis said that the Greek government isn’t taking expats into consideration.

“All of the Greeks living throughout Europe and beyond – if Greece exits the EU we will have to get a working visa and some might be forced to go home again. For me, going home is not an option. I came here for a holiday 15 years ago and after staying here for seven months I knew I would never return.”

The Greek voting system does not allow citizens living abroad to vote in elections or referendums. There are an estimated one million Greek citizens living abroad.