Twelve offshore islands will cast their votes in the European and local elections just one day ahead of the rest of the State. Photograph: Cyril Byrne <\/p>\n
Twelve offshore islands will cast their votes in the European and local elections today, just one day ahead of the rest of the State. <\/p>\n
Residents of five islands in Donegal South-West, three in Mayo and four in Galway West will vote today, while those living on seven islands in the Cork South-West constituency will vote tomorrow. <\/p>\n
The registered electorate on some offshore islands had been required to vote up to three and four days ahead in previous plebiscites. Bone of contention This had been a bone of contention for Comhdhl Oilain na hireann (the Irish Islands Federation), given improved transport services and communications. <\/p>\n
The Department of the Environment, which had previously argued that returning officers need to provide for possible adverse weather conditions said there was no policy change yesterday. <\/p>\n
Rather, it said the timing of the European Parliament elections has influenced the dates, as voting must take place within a specified period. Under rule 48 of the Second Schedule of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997, returning officers are only given one days leeway in allowing for island residents. <\/p>\n
Former Fianna Fil minister amon Cuv, who held Cabinet responsibility for the islands, has tabled a Bill seeking to amend electoral law in line with this approach. <\/p>\n
His Electoral Amendment (number 2) Bill aims to abolish the provision allowing elections to be held on the offshore islands before the date on the mainland. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Islands vote just one day ahead in European and local elections<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Twelve offshore islands will cast their votes in the European and local elections just one day ahead of the rest of the State. Photograph: Cyril Byrne Twelve offshore islands will cast their votes in the European and local elections today, just one day ahead of the rest of the State. Continue reading