Sinn Féin Seanad candidate Conor Murphy has called on the incoming government to end the denial of voting rights in presidential elections for Irish citizens outside the state, including those in the North of Ireland and the diaspora overseas.

Murphy said:

“In 2013, the Constitutional Convention recommended extending voting rights to Irish citizens outside the state. Despite commitments made by successive governments and widespread political support, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have repeatedly delayed action, driven by political self-interest.

“The draft Programme for Government, which will form the basis of the incoming administration, makes no mention of the issue. This denial of democratic rights is unacceptable and must end.

“A referendum to amend Article 12 of the Constitution was agreed upon by the government in 2017, yet no progress has been made.

“The time for excuses is over. It’s long past time to deliver on this important democratic right for all Irish citizens at home and abroad.”