Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan and Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs is encouraging British people living in Ireland to register to vote in the upcoming British referendum on EU membership. Deputy Smith pointed out that eligible people have until June 6th to register to vote in the referendum.

Deputy Smith said, “There needs to be greater awareness surrounding the fact that British people living in Ireland can register to vote for Irish Local and General elections, European elections and UK referenda. The registration process is straightforward and can be completed online. Once the registration process has been completed eligible voters can avail of a postal ballot to have their voice heard.

“The Brexit referendum will be held on June 23rd and the deadline for registering to vote is June 6th. Britons living in Ireland who are interested in registering to vote should note that they must have been registered in a UK constituency within the last 15 years. Votes can also be cast by proxy or by returning to the UK to vote in person. Fianna Fáil is also encouraging Irish people in Britain to register to vote for the referendum.

“According to the 2011 Census there are over 280,000 people living in the Republic of Ireland who indicated that they were born in the UK. The Brexit referendum has huge implications for Ireland and I’m sure British people living in Ireland will want to have their voices heard. Irish voters could play a key role in determining the outcome of the referendum.

“While the matter is for Britain alone to decide, a British exit from the EU would not serve the best interests of people living in Ireland,” said Deputy Smith.

21/04/2016