Sir, – It is intriguing to follow the debate on candidates for the presidential election.
As an Irish citizen, born in Derry and now living in Belfast, it will continue to be of practical interest. What remains regrettable, however, is that I will be unable to vote.
President McAleese has made a remarkable and enduring contribution to “building bridges” in these islands, with a particular impact in the North. In all the necessary talk of a “new republic” and a “new Ireland”, I hope voting rights for Irish citizens will attract further attention. It should surely be one element of a constitutional conversation about how we share our society on a democratic basis across this island. – Yours, etc,