Menu
15/01/2015
Sinn Féin Accuse Govt Of 'Complete Failure To Deliver Political Reform'
Sinn Féin has accused the government of a "complete failure to deliver political reform" following an announcement that plans for a referendum on lowering the voting age have been abandoned.
Chris Andrews from Sinn Féin said that government's "climb down" was completely unacceptable.
He added: "The latest abandonment by the government of holding a referendum on a measure with the potential to introduce much needed positive change to our political system is just further evidence of the Fine Gael/Labour government's complete failure to deliver in any respect on the major issues of political reform.
"The government has instead proposed a referendum on lowering the age at which people can stand for the office of President from 35 to 21, which due to the over cumbersome nomination process required to stand in Presidential elections is an issue which is likely to have no impact of any substance, particularly if a large cohort of young people are not afforded the opportunity to vote for a young candidate.
"Reducing the voting age to sixteen was recommended by the Constitutional Convention and the government gave a clear commitment in July 2013 to hold a referendum on the matter prior to the end of 2015.
"Its climb down is on the issue is completely unacceptable and a referendum on the issue should be held on the matter on the same day in May as other proposed referenda - there is no logical reason why it should not."
(MH/JP)
Chris Andrews from Sinn Féin said that government's "climb down" was completely unacceptable.
He added: "The latest abandonment by the government of holding a referendum on a measure with the potential to introduce much needed positive change to our political system is just further evidence of the Fine Gael/Labour government's complete failure to deliver in any respect on the major issues of political reform.
"The government has instead proposed a referendum on lowering the age at which people can stand for the office of President from 35 to 21, which due to the over cumbersome nomination process required to stand in Presidential elections is an issue which is likely to have no impact of any substance, particularly if a large cohort of young people are not afforded the opportunity to vote for a young candidate.
"Reducing the voting age to sixteen was recommended by the Constitutional Convention and the government gave a clear commitment in July 2013 to hold a referendum on the matter prior to the end of 2015.
"Its climb down is on the issue is completely unacceptable and a referendum on the issue should be held on the matter on the same day in May as other proposed referenda - there is no logical reason why it should not."
(MH/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 February 2008
Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
The Ombudsman for Children has said she is opposed to holding a limited referendum dealing only with child protection, which may run on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty referendum. Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
The Ombudsman for Children has said she is opposed to holding a limited referendum dealing only with child protection, which may run on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty referendum. Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
26 July 2013
Referendum To Be Held On Seanad Abolition
A referendum is to be held on October 4 over the proposal to abolish the Seanad. Sinn Féin has come out in favour of a yes vote in the debate.
Referendum To Be Held On Seanad Abolition
A referendum is to be held on October 4 over the proposal to abolish the Seanad. Sinn Féin has come out in favour of a yes vote in the debate.
16 December 2014
Sinn Féin Call For Referendum On Voting Age
Sinn Féin has called for a referendum to be held on lowering the voting age. The party's spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government made the call following an earlier announcement that the government would hold a referendum to lower the age at which someone can stand for the Presidency, from 35 to 21.
Sinn Féin Call For Referendum On Voting Age
Sinn Féin has called for a referendum to be held on lowering the voting age. The party's spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government made the call following an earlier announcement that the government would hold a referendum to lower the age at which someone can stand for the Presidency, from 35 to 21.
27 June 2016
Sinn Féin Urge 'Maximum Cooperation' Between Govt And NI Executive
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has called on the Irish government to "think nationally" and for the "maximum cooperation between the (Northern Ireland) Executive". The Sinn Féin leader said: "Sinn Féin has a consistent position of opposition to the unacceptable and undemocratic aspects of the European Union.
Sinn Féin Urge 'Maximum Cooperation' Between Govt And NI Executive
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has called on the Irish government to "think nationally" and for the "maximum cooperation between the (Northern Ireland) Executive". The Sinn Féin leader said: "Sinn Féin has a consistent position of opposition to the unacceptable and undemocratic aspects of the European Union.
24 October 2014
Sinn Féin Launch Bill To Lower Voting Age To 16
Sinn Féin has proposed lowering the voting age for Dáil, European, Local Elections and constitutional referendums, to 16. Party spokesperson on Local Government, Brian Stanley, introduced the Bill, which would require a referendum to be held to alter the current constitutional provision.
Sinn Féin Launch Bill To Lower Voting Age To 16
Sinn Féin has proposed lowering the voting age for Dáil, European, Local Elections and constitutional referendums, to 16. Party spokesperson on Local Government, Brian Stanley, introduced the Bill, which would require a referendum to be held to alter the current constitutional provision.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
