A Fine Gael politician has offered to relinquish his €64,000 a year Seanad seat if elected to the European Parliament.
Senator Jim Higgins said he would implement his promise provided the Government agreed to give the position to a representative of the Federation of Irish Societies, an umbrella organisation for emigrant welfare interests in Britain.
Senator Higgins, whose proposal has the backing of the party leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said the Government was being presented with an unprecedented opportunity to give a parliamentary voice to the country's "forgotten and neglected emigrants".
The Mayo-based senator, who will be contesting the North West constituency in the European election, denied at a press conference in Castlebar that his move was an election stunt.
Gardai in the Phoenix Park Headquarters confirmed last evening that immigrants will be able to use Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) Cards as proof of identity to vote in the local elections next month.
A spokesperson said a circular authorising the use of the cards will be sent to all garda stations around the country over the next few days.