No Diaspora Irish need apply for Constitutional Convention in Ireland

I want to go back to Ireland, but it's not because of the Gathering. Give Irish citizens living abroad their right to vote!

Seanmor - I was going to comment at some length on this but after reading yours I decided to not do so. You said it well.

The 4th paragraph from the bottom is a very accurate description of who the leaders of the Southern Irish state have dealt with those of us who emigrated from there during the past hald century. We Irish in diaspora mean nothing whatsoever to those who rule - or should I say misrule - the 'independent' part of the homeland. Immigrants from the Third World, legal and illegal, are far more welcome in the Irish state than those of us who were forced to emigrate from there, especially if we regard the whole Irish nation as our homeland.

I am not surprised that Ireland isnot allowing emigrants of the diaspora to have a say in government. Ireland is a Catholic nation. There is a saying that the Church wants us to pray, pay and obey.

A new use for Duct Tape, I like it.

How will the Irish government explain 'The Gathering'? We want your dollars, not your opinion.

All Irish people should be able to vote , no matter were they are. Anything else is unacceptable.

RichardP: You don't want to vote in Irish elections. That's your prerogative--no one will compel you to vote. However, there are hundreds of thousands of Irish exiles who wish to vote. Get out of their way.

Well, Cluster, there is nothing emphatically wrong here. Some people have had a better experience than others but I guarantee you that I am much older than you and I know what I saw in the 50,s and 60's and it was a disgrace. I am glad (really) that you have experienced better in your own life but I have seen a great many (way too many) experience resentment, lack if welcome and an Irish government that was truly happy to see us go to make room for what little opportunity there was.

As an Irish resident, I can confirm that those who feel that Irish in Ireland don’t care about the diaspora abroad are emphatically wrong. My family lived for a few years in the Middle East, some of my best friends are currently in China or Australia and my sister is currently living stateside. Each of us are as much a part of a larger Irish nation when we are abroad as when we are at home. I can see why the gathering might be viewed in a cynical light but I also think that it could a focus for a lot of positive interactions and events over the next year. It is true, however, that it suits a conservative political establishment to reduce the voting influence of the younger generations, especially those who feel that they have been forced to leave.

Believe it or not, but NOBODY can apply to be part of the Constitutional Convention. Invitations were given to political parties, both North and South. Otherwise, it was done by a polling company with an emphasis on a balance of age, gender, profession, etc. and I suspect a lack of strong political views. I cannot be assured of this, as the questions that were asked of the contacted persons is not public. It would be extremely difficult to find examples of average emigrants. And really, pilib04, you wouldn't find it undemocratic for those who are currently citizens of another state and non-resident in this state to vote in Ireland's elections. That would be handy for a certain political party. All UK citizens resident in this state can vote in local, EU and general elections. I lived in San Francisco in the 80s and I never wanted the vote while abroad so just make the best of wherever you are and enjoy. Trust that some of us here are trying to make Ireland a better place to live.

Earlier this month, Ireland was elected to the UN's Human Rights Council. The right to vote is an important right that every citzen of any nation should have. The Irish government has failed in the past, and is currently failing its people. That is why Thousands leave Ireland every year.

Lucky me and all my brothers and sisters who had to leave on the 50's and 60's when there was absolutely nothing for us and the Irish government was very happ to let us go. Now we are part of a "diaspora" and invited to a "gathering" no less. It's a gathering of $€£¥ etc.

Irish, living on the island of Ireland should also get the vote. Seems to me there was mention of this in either GFA or St. Andrews.

They are only wanted for the Rip Off, sorry the gathering.