Sir, – David Burns of We're Coming Back asserts, "There is clear evidence that there is a desire, especially in the young emigrant population, to continue to vote after they leave Ireland" ("Irish emigrants may have voting rights extended to three years", June 4th).
Mr Burns mentions that the #HomeToVote hashtag was mentioned in 110,000 messages on Twitter over the course of three days.
The truth is that people had a strong desire to come home specifically to vote in the marriage equality referendum. If there is a desire among emigrants to continue to vote, surely we should have seen great numbers coming home to vote for the 2011 general election, given its significance?
It was refreshing and encouraging to witness the new-found enthusiasm for voting, canvassing and encouraging others to vote in this past referendum. Whether future referendums and elections give rise to a similar response is debatable. – Yours, etc,
Dr OLIVER JOYCE,
Sligo.