Sir, – The vast majority of emigrants were forced to leave home because of political decisions – higher taxes, cuts to benefits and fewer jobs to name a few. Yet, when it comes to holding these same politicians to account, they have no vote and consequently no voice. At the moment, politicians are busy canvassing from door to door trying to win over the public’s ear but there’s been no mention of the emigrants who had to leave. They are the forgotten political group; they can’t vote at home or abroad. But there’s a simple way to ensure their democratic right is observed.
In Germany, for instance, they operate a simple postal voting system that allows all Germans who are abroad the chance to cast their vote. A few weeks before a German election is due to take place, anyone who is away simply has to register for a postal vote. Then, a few days before the election, they’ll get their voting card in the post, which they’ll fill out and return. It’s efficient and simple. Surely we can adopt something similar in Ireland without too much cost or hassle.
The naysayer will argue that those who left should have no vote; they don’t pay taxes any more and it was their own their decision to leave. But was it really their decision to leave? And didn’t they pay taxes before they took flight? Many children have one parent in Ireland and another working in North America. Surely, the parent should be allowed to decide what kind of Ireland they want for their children. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS CALLAGHAN,
Ardrummond,
Ramelton, Co Donegal.