Government considers extending Dail vote to non-nationals

[forest]

the fact that the system exists doesn't mean its fair

[The Hard Left]

This situation is delicate, I believe that only those who have a long term social and/or economical interest in the country should have a say in constitutional politics.

Otherwise short term 'immigrant focused' issues could end up dominating the political agenda, and politicians would end up pandoring to them to stay in office.

A possible solution might be to have a proportion of senators dedicated to foreign national issues.

[geraghd]

the fact that the system exists doesn't mean its fair

What makes it unfair? A reciprocal agreement exists. That seems to be the most fair system that could be devised. No one allows us to vote in their parliamentary election that I know of, and neither do we allow anyone else. That also for the same reasons seems emminently fair.

[geraghd]

This situation is delicate, I believe that only those who have a long term social and/or economical interest in the country should have a say in constitutional politics.

Otherwise short term 'immigrant focused' issues could end up dominating the political agenda, and politicians would end up pandoring to them to stay in office.

A possible solution might be to have a proportion of senators dedicated to foreign national issues.

Or just allowing citizens (citizenship being open to anyone if they care about it) to vote in Dail elections. A situation we have now.

[forest]

thats why i say only give it people who have been living here for a certain amount of time
yes some one who comes here for 1yr to work shouldn't be allowed to vote but probably doesnt have any interest to either

[forest]

there is no reason why UK citizens should be allowd to vote and other foregin nationals not

[geraghd]

there is no reason why UK citizens should be allowd to vote and other foregin nationals not

The existance of a reciprocal arrangement would be reason enough in many people's view.

[The Hard Left]

This situation is delicate, I believe that only those who have a long term social and/or economical interest in the country should have a say in constitutional politics.

Otherwise short term 'immigrant focused' issues could end up dominating the political agenda, and politicians would end up pandoring to them to stay in office.

A possible solution might be to have a proportion of senators dedicated to foreign national issues.

Or just allowing citizens (citizenship being open to anyone if they care about it) to vote in Dail elections. A situation we have now.

Exactly, but with a couple extra senators for those here for the short term.

[The Collective.]

I feel so paisonately against this enought to protest out against it. Ireland for The Irish. I allow visitors to come to my house, but I decide the music.

[Twin Towers]

Apart from the sensible reciprocal arrangement with Britain, non citizens should not have voting rights. Mindful of the number of non-citizens currently resident here with loyalties (and votes) elsewhere and their disinterest in the long term good of this country. The fact that they pay tax is a red herring. Should non-citizens not pay tax on earnings?