'Strange' being an Irish citizen who can't vote in presidential election
7 minutes ago Share Save Barry O'Connor BBC News NI Share Save
Alan Flanagan Alan Flanagan, pictured next to outgoing president Michael D Higgins, said the Irish president "represents Irish people all over the world"
The Republic of Ireland goes to the polls on Friday to elect its next president. Only Irish citizens who normally reside in the Republic of Ireland are eligible to vote, meaning those living abroad or in Northern Ireland cannot cast a ballot. There are a few exceptions for Defence Forces personnel or diplomatic staff serving overseas. Some Irish citizens have been telling BBC News NI they think the current system is "strange". Changing the rules "could be a really positive thing", according to Alan Flanagan from County Longford, who now lives in London. But extending voting rights to those living abroad is far from straight forward.
Can the rules be changed?
In 2013 a constitut
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