Referendum to be held to allow Northern Irish people to vote in Irish presidential elections

People in Northern Ireland could be able to vote for President of Ireland in the near future after Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced a referendum was to be held on the issue.

The Taoiseach made the announcement today when speaking at an event in Philadelphia ahead of St Patrick's Day.

If the referendum is passed Irish people living abroad would also be able to vote in the elections.

Speaking today the Taoiseach said the proposed change would give 'historic recognition of the strong and enduring links between Ireland and all our citizens, wherever they are in the world'.

"Today’s announcement is a profound recognition of the importance that Ireland attaches to all of our citizens, wherever they may be. It is an opportunity for us to make our country stronger by allowing all of our citizens resident outside the State, including our emigrants, to vote in future presidential elections."

It is believed to be unlikely that if approved the changes will come into affect before the next Irish Presidential election in 2018.

The Irish government will publish a paper looking at the options of moving forward with the proposal at the end of the month.

The current President of Ireland is Michael D. Higgins.