Irish passport holders in NI could get vote in Republic's presidential elections

The Irish government is to press ahead with a referendum on extending presidential voting rights to citizens living outside the state, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaks at an event at the Irish Famine memorial in PhiladelphiaTaoiseach Enda Kenny speaks at an event at the Irish Famine memorial in Philadelphia
Taoiseach Enda Kenny speaks at an event at the Irish Famine memorial in Philadelphia

At the start of his annual St Patrick’s trip to the United States, Mr Kenny outlined plans for a public vote on what was a key recommendation made by members of a constitutional convention four years ago.

If the change to the Constitution is approved, voting rights would be extended to Irish citizens worldwide, perhaps most notably those living in Northern Ireland.

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The referendum is unlikely to be held in time to affect next year’s presidential election. Any changes would therefore come into operation for the 2025 vote.

In a speech at an Irish Famine memorial in Philadelphia, Mr Kenny said a detailed government options paper would be published later this month.

“Today’s announcement is a profound recognition of the importance that Ireland attaches to all of our citizens, wherever they may be,” he said.

“It is an opportunity for us to make our country stronger by allowing all of our citizens resident outside the state, including our emigrants, to vote in future presidential elections.

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“I am especially pleased to be making this announcement as we prepare for our worldwide celebration of St Patrick’s Day and of all that is Irish.”

Earlier, Mr Kenny took part in a colourful St Patrick’s parade in Philadelphia.

The taoiseach is on his final major foreign tour before he is due to announce his retirement plans.

The Convention On The Constitution brings together Irish citizens and parliamentarians to debate potential changes to the state’s legal framework and make recommendations to government.

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The forum previously recommended the introduction of gay marriage – a move that was endorsed in a historic referendum.

Mr Kenny said extending the franchise in presidential elections gave rise to a range of “legal, policy and practical issues”.

He said in order to have an informed public debate, the forthcoming government paper would set out the range of options available to give effect to the convention’s recommendation.

On Saturday night, in his first engagement Stateside, Mr Kenny vowed to press President Donald Trump to help the country’s thousands of “undocumented” Irish.

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Highlighting the case of the estimated 50,000 Irish who reside in the United States illegally, the taoiseach said those “living in the shadows” harboured a strong desire to remain and continue to contribute to society.

Addressing an Irish American dinner in Philadelphia, the Fine Gael leader said the “plight” of the undocumented would be an “absolute priority” in his planned engagements with the administration in Washington.