JAMES P. PHELAN,
Sir, - I have just been in contact with the Irish Embassy in Luxembourg and been informed that in order for me to exercise my vote in an Irish election, I am obliged to fly back to Ireland.
1. I am a resident of Luxembourg, but a citizen of Ireland. Under European law I am entitled to vote in the local elections in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg but not in general or European elections, as I am not a citizen of Luxembourg.
2. My colleagues at work (British, French and Danish) have the right to register at their embassy and vote in their relevant general and European elections.
3. One of the principles behind European integration is the freedom of movement of people to work all over the Union.
4. How can the Irish Government genuinely respect this if its own citizens are not given their democratic and constitutional right to vote because they are not resident in Ireland?
5. If it is at all possible I intend to travel home for the election, but I think this is an unfair expectation on all Irish citizens every time a general/European election or referendum is called.
6. Why are diplomatic and Army staff given the privilege to vote abroad while everybody else is discriminated against? Is this equality?
7. Have we completely forgotten one of the important themes of Mrs Robinson's Presidency and Dáil address, that there is a fifth forgotten province of Ireland, the Irish living abroad? - Yours, etc.,
JAMES P. PHELAN,
Rue Neil Arstrong,
Howald,
Luxembourg.