Sir, - During my years as a GP in England I found myself unable to vote in Irish elections with the exception of the already somewhat undemocratic Senate elections. Southern politicians are now presenting the transfer from territorial claims to birthplace rights as concessions to peace in Northern Ireland. It seems that now is as good a time as any to highlight the emigrant's loss of voting rights. While I accept that we have a large diaspora which could alter internal politics, I feel we should concentrate on the principle at stake and decide whether birthplace rights are really what we want to honour. Many thanks. - Yours, etc.,
Richard Ennis
Gerald Griffin Street, Blackpool, Cork.