The men and women who fought in the Rising fought to create a Republic “elected by the suffrages of all her men and women” and made a commitment to cherish “all the children of the nation equally.”
This is an updated-for-2025 summary of what we believe should be included to begin to ensure Ireland’s emigrants are adequately represented in Ireland’s political process. Do you agree? Join us!
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Reform Agenda for a More Vibrant All-Ireland Democracy
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Expand Voting Rights
We call for the extension of voting rights to all Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland and abroad. Currently, these citizens are excluded from participating in national elections due to Article 16.1.2° of the Irish Constitution, which ties voting rights to residency. This restriction ignores the reality of modern Irish citizens who move freely for work, study, and family reasons. -
Reform and Expand the Seanad
We urge the government to introduce a new panel in a reformed Seanad to elect three Senators from Northern Ireland and two Senators to represent all Irish citizens living abroad. Despite frequent talk of Irish unity, a century after Partition, Northern Irish representation in the Seanad remains absent. -
Focus on Citizens, Not the “Diaspora”
The term “Diaspora” is often misused by government and media, causing unfounded fears about overwhelming the electorate. The vast majority of people with ancestral ties who emigrated over a century ago are not Irish citizens. The actual number of Irish passport-holding citizens over 18 living in Northern Ireland and abroad is under 2 million, and fewer would likely vote in any future Presidential election. -
Reestablish the Minister for Election Reform
We call for reinstating the Cabinet-level Minister for Election Reform position, which was previously held by Malcolm Noonan T.D. This role is vital to improving democratic mechanics, including establishing an all-Ireland electoral system aligned with international best practices, crucial for a new United Ireland. -
Extend and Modernize Postal Voting
The Irish Electoral Commission’s 2024-2026 research agenda highlights Ireland’s limited provisions for postal voting, lagging behind many other countries. Currently, only certain categories, such as diplomats, Defence Forces, and Garda Síochána on official duty, can vote from abroad. Many Irish citizens, even those temporarily overseas for holidays, work, or study, are unjustly excluded. Expanding postal voting access is essential for a truly inclusive democracy. -
Adhere to European Union Democratic Norms
Ireland is the only EU member state that does not allow citizens living in other EU countries to vote in European Parliamentary elections. As Ireland celebrates freedom of movement within the EU, it must also respect citizens’ voting rights across EU member states.
Conclusion
This is a critical moment to begin a national conversation on citizenship and voting rights. Ireland must abandon complacency and embrace a bold, inclusive vision that recognizes every Irish citizen—whether in Dublin, Derry, or Dubai—as a vital part of the national community.
Irish citizens abroad are central to Ireland’s global influence. They foster trade, investment, cultural ties, innovation, and promote Irish identity worldwide. As Ireland’s global connections grow, so must our concept of citizenship. Inclusion is not symbolic. It is a democratic imperative essential for the future of a modern, outward-looking Ireland.
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