19th February 2003

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Ferris Calls For All-Ireland Franchise In Elections

Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday morning, Sinn Fein TD for Kerry North, Martin Ferris requested the Taoiseach to bring forward legislation to allow people living in the Six Counties the right to vote in Presidential elections. Deputy Ferris was speaking following the decision of Newry and Mourne District Council to request that Councils throughout the island support the extension of the franchise.

Deputy Ferris said;

``Every person of voting age on this island ought to be given the right to vote for the President and I would strongly urge that every Council in the country add its voice to that of Newry and Mourne. Sinn Fein in Leinster House will also continue to apply pressure on the current Government to give effect to this prior to the next scheduled elections.''

In reply to Deputy Ferris, The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that the proposal was still under scrutiny.

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