I am strongly opposed to any suggestion that people living in Northern Ireland should be granted a vote in the Irish Presidential election. The Irish President holds office in the Republic of Ireland and has absolutely no constitutional role or authority in Northern Ireland, which remains firmly and democratically part of the United Kingdom.
If individuals wish to vote in Irish Presidential elections, then they should move to the Republic of Ireland and take up residency there. That is the proper and lawful route. This has nothing to do with the constitutional framework of Northern Ireland, and any attempt to impose such voting rights here would be an affront to our sovereignty and the principle of democratic consent.
Northern Ireland’s constitutional status is not a matter for the Irish government or its institutions, and we must resist any effort to blur the lines between our two jurisdictions. It is entirely inappropriate for a foreign state to try and involve the people of Northern Ireland in its internal electoral processes, particularly when that state has no authority here.
I will continue to stand up for Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom and oppose any attempt—no matter how symbolic—to interfere in our democratic and constitutional arrangements.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
