Referendum: No campaignA group of Irish artists and writers have called for a No vote in the referendum saying that the right to citizenship through birthplace is a "beautiful concept" which should be kept.
In a letter published today, leading Irish writers, artists and film directors said more time is needed to "define the rights and duties of citizenship".
The letter is signed by Robert Ballagh, Maeve Binchy, Paddy Breathnach, Marina Carr, Hugo Hamilton, James Hanley, Pauline McLynn, Tom Murphy, Joe O'Connor, Jim Sheridan, Peter Sheridan and Gerard Stembridge.
In opposing the referendum, they said that a No vote would force the Government "to listen to the people, and find out what we really think, not simply ignore us and then present us with its own shallow, divisive, unimaginative 'solution'.
"What our Government proposes means that in future, a baby born in this country must depend on the exact circumstances of its parents, before he or she can be deemed to be Irish. The beautiful idea will be gone forever."
Speaking to The Irish Times last night, author Joe O'Connor said he was not persuaded of the need for the referendum and said it "trashes" the Good Friday agreement.
He said he could not understand why so many US citizens can get citizenship in Ireland because of their Irish ancestry while a child born in Cork cannot.
"I think there has been a certain amount of manipulation of the facts by officialdom and there is much confusion.
"The referendum is a major insult to the non-nationals living here in Ireland at the moment, many of whom are propping up our health service as opposed to abusing it."
Writer/director Gerard Stembridge said the group felt that the debate surrounding the referendum has been very complicated and very negative to date.
The positive side to what is contained in the Constitution needs to be highlighted, he said.
"What we have at the moment is very good. It is a very worthwhile and beautiful thing, but the Government is trying to dismiss it casually. We all remember where we are born, it is a highly significant and sacred thing. A child can no more choose that than choose their parents."
Film director and author Peter Sheridan said Ireland needed to decide how we want to treat those people who "come to our shore for a break" and not look for a "quick fix solution".
To bring in this constitutional change without any other changes is irresponsible," Mr Sheridan said.