Citizenship vote – Referendum should be postponed

An opinion poll published in yesterday’s Sunday Business Post reflects the concern and unease that the majority of people feel towards the decision by the Government to hold a referendum on citizenship with next month’s elections.

The poll showed that 67% of people think the referendum should be postponed until there has been an opportunity for wider discussions on the issue of citizenship.

Even if it does go ahead, the signals are that only 55% of the electorate would support it, a disappointing percentage for the Government and an inadequate response on an issue which most people believe should be deferred for greater debate.

It is readily conceded that a referendum on citizenship is essential, but the issues involved carry huge implications for the long-term future of the country which, generally, are not readily appreciated at the moment.

It would be eminently more sensible were the Government to postpone it, as indeed several Government TDs have advocated, in order to afford the issue the proper consideration it demands.

The poll also presented bad news for both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, suggesting that both may face losses in the forthcoming local and European elections.

Both Labour and the Greens will be boosted by the prospect of gains at local level, but Sinn Féin is expected to be the overall winners, despite the campaign waged against them by the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.