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.