Sinn Féin hails Dáil speaking rights plan

A Government move to allow Northern Ireland MPs and MEPs to debate in the Dáil would be a welcome recognition of the rights of Irish citizens north of the border, Sinn Féin claimed today.

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, who would be among 21 politicians who would qualify, welcomed reports that Bertie Ahern’s Government will embark on plans in the autumn to allow 18 MPs and three MEPs from Northern Ireland to take part in Dáil debates on issues affecting their region.