Referendum protest

by Righteous Pragmatist Tue Apr 20, 2004 18:10

Do you think the people are stupid?
If they don't like this they will vote against it.

If you don't like it why not tell the people why you don't and persuade them to reject the ammendment come election time?

I mean that's what democracy is all about?

You have nothing to fear from there being a referendum if your postion is the right one?
People will understand you if you tell them why its wrong to vote for this ammendment surely?

Not every referendum is passed.

Maybe this one won't be? Hmm?

Is there anybody stopping you from canvassing against it?

I don't think so.

why not pool your resources and buy some newspaper space or some air time?
Get on Pat Kenny's Late Late?

by Prim and Proper Tue Apr 20, 2004 18:36

Human rights are a matter of principle and not something to be put to the vote. There is nothing democratic about a referendum on whether minorities should have equal rights.

by Sir Pigwsill Tue Apr 20, 2004 19:13 oh, I'm not resident for tax purposes

for too long they have benefited, with little real interest in the country. their numbers are growing...

RICH TAX EXILES.


Got an offshore account?
Got a bank balance like an international telephone number?
Made a fortune from Eircom perhaps?
Friendly with the policitians?
Wouldn't know hard work if it bit you?
Haven't paid tax in years?

Don't worry, Bertie, McDowell and co. will NEVER raise you as an issue for popularity before an elction, and you will never be asked to leave, never mind be dragged out at some ungodly hour by the Garda Siochana.

There's plenty of poor people with funny names and faces, and funny customs - like not having their own newspapers or golf-chum barristers to fight their cases.

by righteous pragmatist Tue Apr 20, 2004 20:12

Illegal immigrants are getting intentionally pregnant and just days before the birth of the child both parents come to Ireland where the state grants immediate citizenship to their baby and therefore EU citizenship.
The parents then leave Ireland forever and can then remain living and working in Europe by bypassing the legal process.
Its a laughing stock.

The referendum does not erode the rights of illegals should be brought before the courts for crimes just as should a tourist commit a crime they will be threated by the law in exactly the same manner as an Irish citizen.

by R. Isible Tue Apr 20, 2004 20:20

I presume you have some hard evidence for this claim. I invite you to share it with us. If you can't then you know what your argument is worth don't you?

by Mark Tue Apr 20, 2004 20:27

Fair enough, there is an anomaly such as the one you have described.

However, the issue is a little more complex than this.... such as how it will affect the Good Friday Agreement, for one.

The government has produced plenty of figures about how many non-nationals give birth in Irish hospitals, but none, absolutely none, concerning how many of these are for the purposes of just obtaining an EU passport. A non national is not the same as someone who just wants to get an EU passport for their child.

An issue such as this needs to be discussed on its own, sensibly, and without the confusion that will inevitably ensue in the midst of the local elections. There is no need to have it on the same day as these elections, unless it is McD's intention to cloud the issue.

by R Isible Tue Apr 20, 2004 21:16

According to a piece of spin in the Irish Independent (Alison O'Connor Tue April 20th 2004)

CONCERN about high numbers of non-nationals coming to Ireland simply to give birth is not the primary reason for holding the citizenship referendum, Tanaiste Mary Harney indicated last night.

Defending the referendum and its timing, Ms Harney said the main concern is that part of the Constitution is being used in a way that was not envisaged.

"The issue is not primarily about the scale of the mis-use of citizenship, but the fact that our constitutional provisions are being used in a way we did not intend," she said.

by Jon Derrick Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:07

At the Ivana Bacik quiz last night, Ivana urged everyone present to attend this protest. She also made it clear that the Labour Party would be opposing this Racist Referendum.

by Mark Grehan Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:53

Speaking at todays protest will be Aengus O'Snodaigh from Sinn Fein, Michael D. Higgins from Labour, Dan Boyle from the Green Party, and Jerry Crowley Independent TD

by Mark Grehan Wed Apr 21, 2004 15:33

The Supreme court judgements in the L and O cases mean that if you have a irish child you are not entitled to citizenship or even residency, in fact McDowell has deported irish children with their parents already.