Madam, - I read Ronan McGreevy's report about the French community in Ireland participating in their country's presidential election with great interest and envy (The Irish Times, April 23rd).
French expatriates can vote in their national elections no matter where they live. Last weekend, I followed coverage of French citizens voting in places such as Berlin, Beijing, London, Montreal and Dublin. As one of thousands of Irish citizens living abroad, I will not enjoy a similar right in the coming general election.
When I was a student living in France before the 2004 European Parliament elections, Denis Naughten TD kindly raised this issue on my behalf with the then Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen. Given that the situation remains unchanged it is fair to deduce that this Government has done absolutely nothing to enfranchise the thousands of Irish people living abroad in an increasingly mobile world with a flexible labour market. This scandal has gone on for far too long and the next government should address this as a priority.
In the meantime, this emigrant is determined to overcome this disenfranchisement once again. As soon as the election is called, I will Ryanair.com myself a little democratic happiness all the way to the polling station. Needless to say, I already know which parties I will not vote for. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL J SCANLON, Dinsmore Road, London SW12.