Council backs extending voting rights in future Presidential elections to all Irish citizens

Derry City and Strabane District Council's support for extending voting rights in future Irish Presidential elections to all Irish citizens, has been welcomed by Sinn Fein MLA Maolissa McHugh. Speaking after a motion brought by Sinn Féin was passed at yesterday’s monthly meeting of the Council, councillor McHugh said his party had “long called2 for voting rights in the Presidential elections to be extended to all Irish citizens, regardless of where they live. He added "The Constitutional Convention held in Dublin recently also recommended extending the franchise to all Irish citizens as well. "I welcome the fact that Derry City and Strabane Council has now given its support for the campaign following my motion. "This follows a similar endorsement from Mid Ulster Council this week.” Mr McHugh added: "There is a growing demand across the country for the extension of voting rights in Presidential elections and we are calling on the Taoiseach to change his position on this issue."

Photo shows Irish President Michael D Higgins at the funeral of the late Bishop of Derry Edward Daly at St Eugene’s Cathedral in August last.