Timing of citizenship referendum hits debate

UNLIKE the divisive referendum on abortion, the wording of the proposed 27th amendment to the Constitution is simplicity itself.

At its heart is a bald statement the defines citizenship. Even when presented in its full form, the gist is clear.

“A person born on the island of Ireland, who does not have, at the time of the birth of that person, at least one parent who is an Irish citizen or entitled to be an Irish citizen is not entitled to Irish citizenship or nationality, unless provided for by law.”