‘it is time for our diaspora to re-connect with Ireland in a more formalised and forceful way and, in partnership with us here, to develop strategies which can bring tangible benefits to the economic and social fabric of the nation in the [...]]]> Michael D Higgins, Labour Party candidate for the Irish Presidency, 1st May 2011…

‘it is time for our diaspora to re-connect with Ireland in a more formalised and forceful way and, in partnership with us here, to develop strategies which can bring tangible benefits to the economic and social fabric of the nation in the immediate years ahead.‘

Emigration was a hot topic leading up to the last general election, and many politicians spoke with passion about its impact on families and their lives, and the lack of political representation for those who leave.

Here’s a reminder of Fine Gaels position on electoral reform from Simon Coveney (Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food) in February 2011…

 
Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore was also reported earlier this year to have put forward an amendment to the 1993 Presidential Act that would give emigrants the right to vote for up to 15 years in presidential elections.

Sinn Fein have recently repeated the call for presidential voting rights for all Irish citizens, and it’s hard to see the government resisting given their stated commitment and desire to implement it anyway. Failure to do so would be a withdrawal from the undertaking made to the ten hundred people that depart Ireland every week, and a reminder to their familes that once your loved ones go it remains a case of out of sight, out of mind.

So, let’s see that partnership develop, and let’s do it by involving our citizens abroad in the national discussion in a fair and equal way.

Heritage and culture, ingenuity and aspiration, goodwill, and a chance to show how, when things get wobbly, we shake off the dust and find new ways to do things, wherever we are.