Sir, – Prof Ray Kinsella (October 24th) suggests the Diaspora should have “at least one” seat reserved for it in the Seanad. He argues that it is opportune to make such a gesture now, due to the forthcoming celebration of the Diaspora in “The Gathering”. His suggestion is reasonable and eminently sensible.
Perhaps Prof Kinsella would also spare a thought for the hundreds of thousands of Irish citizens residing in Ireland, albeit in a different political jurisdiction, who receive little more than token recognition from the Dublin government. Northern nationalists have previously lobbied for some sort of presence at Leinster House, simply as observers, only to be rebuffed. The related issue of an extension of voting rights in the Presidential election to such Irish citizens has long been suggested, but with no discernible progress. Such a situation appears absurd given that the previous president is herself from Belfast.
The importance of the Diaspora should be recognised by the Irish Government, but it could perhaps also concern itself more with the many Irish citizens situated much closer to home. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – A seat in the Seanad for the Diaspora would be an example of one of the worst inventions of the 20th century: tokenism. – Yours, etc,