Am I not Irish enough I wonder? Am I lacking in the spirit of the Gael nation? Sure don’t I enjoy Guinness as much as the next man and can sing along to The Sawdoctor’s N17 if I have to. And nevertheless I am being punished. Stripped of my democratic right because I am currently breathing in Dutch air instead of the good old country flavour of home. I am not deemed worthy enough to vote as I made the ludicrous choice of stepping outside the country’s border.
Now I don’t expect some FFers or Sinn Feiners to make the trip over to the Windmill Nation to wangle a vote from me although surely the Green Party could manage an e mail to try and persuade me in a moment of weakness. Sure why would they bother as this Irishman is not even allowed to vote. Not by post and not by proxy. My only option would be to hop on a plane and pay the extra charge to check in my bag and tear across the country to mark my X.
It wouldn’t be so bad if the Dutch took pity on me and allowed me to pick one of them instead. I’d be quite fine with that. They’re much better looking and generally more exciting anyways. But no, I am not Dutch enough in their eyes either.
I am vote-less.
So I don’t want to hear one complaint of election fatigue or annoying canvassers. People don’t know how lucky they have it. Bleedin’ luxury I tell ya.
I am seriously considering declaring my own sovereign nation so at least I’d get to vote somewhere. Conorland. It just might work. I’d have a brilliant flag and a mad funky anthem. Ah who needs democracy – I’d make a fabulous dictator.
I’ve the same problem living in Munich, Germany. The only elections I qualify to vote in are the European ones
They recently did a clearing up of the electoral register in Ireland and sent out letters to people saying reply in XX days or you will be removed from the register. I think they looked for people who haven’t made tax returns in recent years, as as far as I can remember that’s what the mentioned in their mailing.
So when I do go back to Ireland I will need to re-register and there isn’t any sign of me being able to vote here in Germany
paul
Yeah, I think in this day and age, with all this fancy smancy technology, there is no excuse for not being able to offer “distance voting” of some description.
In a sort of non-related matter, our constituency was one of the ones that tested e-voting. So it was press the button, and not mark the x. Which was novelty-tastic at the time, but I really wanted to know how I could go about spoiling my vote, should I wish… Not saying that I would, but ya know, if I wanted too…
Does it boil your blood then, Conor, when someone who has there votes wastes it by not using it?
Could be a solution? Or are there just too many paddies living outside Ireland?
oops, I guess that didn’t work. (just like internet voting perhaps)
I don’t see the problem, really – No representation without taxation, anyone?
Paul – Must check if I got one of those letters at home
Alan- Blood boil, moi? I am as passive as they come. Nothing unerves me except kiwis, paying to use toilets and royalty. As for electronic voting they have been using it here since before paper was invented so I cannot imagine why we can’t use it in Ireland.
Henry TH – Too many Paddies? Is there such a thing?
hidh – I wouldn’t know what you mean – but you see that is another advantage of having my own nation – I can set all the tax rules!
Conor, it’s an advanced version of the British “cash for honours” system: You pay, you get influence. But generally being nice to Dutch people may help too, of course (hint, hint).
I am always nice to the Dutch. Some of them I am especially nice to
Declare independence! I’ll vote for you! But please, republic, not monarchy. Europe has too many queens as it is.
Do you get to vote in Dutch elections? Or elections to the European Parliament? If so, the constituency where you live or where you’re from?
As for electronic voting they have been using it here since before paper was invented so I cannot imagine why we can’t use it in Ireland.
Not only since before paper was invented but even since the stone age, by the looks of this latest news on electronic voting in NL.
Weird though. The Dutch election system is about the simplest that exists – colour one box, any toddler slightly advanced for his age can do it. If any system is complicated enough to really need computerisation it’s the Irish one. But it’s cool and incredibly smart as well, so I am unbelievably jealous of the Irish.
So, promise me you will have STV elections in Conorland!
PS: great new look. Suits you, Sir!
Thanks Minge – this could be easier than I thought – one vote already and I haven’t even had to hold a baby and fake a sincere looking amiable smile. I am allowed only to vote in the european elections but they’re nowhere near as fun so it isn’t much of a consolation prize.
hidh – That’s not why you’re jealous of the Irish – go on admit it, it’s the sheep and rain really isn’t it
I have decided you can be my political adviser in this new career move of mine. I might also need you to check my spelling and find some handsome ministers for our cabinet.
Swish swoo. Lovin the new look!
Hey boss, you can vote in the municipal elections as well (even without Conorland)!
If I become your political advisor, will I get to wear a fancy uniform with lots of gold and a big cap, and dark sunglasses to match?
Thanks Alan
~
hihd – and it doesn’t get much more exciting that the municipals
Of course you will get a uniform. I love men in uniforms!
Conortje,
I live the opposite way. Being Dutch and living in Ireland. I’m able to vote for the dutch goverment, by internet or going over to the embassy. I do have to registrate for that. Unlike in the Netherlands where you just get a voting card. Isn’t that the same for Irish people living abroad?
Take a look at: http://www.irishembassy.nl/html/00_frame_000.html (www.irishembassy.nl is not working…)
Hoi Daniel – gaat het allemaal in ierland? We should swap tips on dealing with the natives
There is no such option for the Irish abroad I am afraid.