Fearon calls for voting rights for northern citizens
Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon has welcomed the commitment made by Minister Joe McHugh that a referendum is to be held on granting voting rights to Irish citizens abroad for the purpose of Presidential elections.
Fearon also called on the government to commit to a referendum on extending voting rights to those who have reached 16 years of age, as advised by the Constitutional Convention three years ago.
“I welcome the commitment made by Minister Joe McHugh that a referendum is to be held on granting voting rights to Irish citizens not living in the southern state, for the purpose of Presidential elections,” she said.
“Obviously, it is long overdue that Irish citizens in the north were afforded the right to vote for their president. It is, however, hugely disappointing, that despite the Constitutional Convention recommending a lowered voting age of 16, no commitment has been made with regards a referendum on the issue since 2013.
“Too often, young people are excluded from a conversation and narrative that concerns their lives. Voting rights for those who have reached the age of 16 will increase the likelihood of greater political representation and the legislative protection of their rights.
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“I’m calling on the Government to commit to a referendum on extending voting rights to those who have reached 16 years of age.
Fearon added, “I would also like reiterate the call of Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams TD, that any referendum concerning voting rights for citizens resident outside of the 26 county state, must include those living in the six counties.”
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