Irish abroad move closer to presidential vote

Up to 3m Irish passport holders living abroad could have the right to vote in the next presidential election if proposals approved yesterday by the Convention on the Constitution are accepted by Government and approved in a referendum.

Following a weekend convention in Malahide, in north Dublin, the 100-strong body of parliamentarians and citizens, voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing Irish citizens living outside the Republic and the North to cast their votes in any futures presidential elections.

A majority of 78% said those abroad should be given the vote while 73% agreed residents in the North should also be allowed to have their say.