Theresa Reidy: Ireland unusual for not letting citizens abroad vote

The Constitutional Convention recommended holding a referendum on allowing diaspora citizens to vote, but it seems the political will for this is now gone, writes Theresa Reidy 

Polish people living in Ireland queue at the Polish Embassy in Dublin to vote in Poland's snap parliamentary election, 2007. Photo: Niall Carson PA

The appearance of Conor McGregor in the White House on St Patrick’s Day brought Ireland’s relationship with its diaspora community back onto the public agenda. 

McGregor’s declarations about becoming a presidential election candidate are disconnected from the constitutional realities of how someone becomes a candidate. McGregor will not secure the backing of 20 Oireachtas members or four councils, and that is the end of his presidential notions.