Charlie Bird was a true inspiration who enabled people to be heard and gave hope to many more
Time to show Irish abroad they are truly appreciated by extending voting rights
It is that time of year when we celebrate all things Irish through parades, flags and the wearing of green jerseys.
Our politicians have scattered to all parts of the globe to recognise the importance of Irishness abroad and the wonderful and disproportionate role the Irish diaspora plays on the world stage.
Let us take a moment to remember those Irish citizens abroad who, unlike their fellow expatriates from most other countries, are completely disenfranchised by their own country.
I contrast this situation with that of France – my adopted home – where French citizens living abroad enjoy full voting rights in presidential and parliamentary elections.
France even has a number of dedicated constituencies, formed to give parliamentary representation to French citizens overseas. Comparing this with the treatment of the Irish abroad is a sobering exercise.
The only time in recent memory the Irish abroad seemed to matter electorally was when we were encouraged to “come home to vote” in referendums.
These were occasions when the Government felt it needed the votes of the Irish abroad to carry the day (even if many of us shouldn’t have still been on the electoral register, but that’s another story).
I believe Ireland wishes to keep her citizens abroad engaged in Ireland, interested in her future and “wearing the green jersey”.
If it wishes for this continue into the future, the least that can be done is to give us a vote.
Conor Mooney
Name and address with editor
We keep hearing this is a wealthy country, so why all the dreadful deprivation?
There are 14,000 homeless people in Ireland accessing emergency accommodation. It is a staggering figure. At least one-third of these are children.
There are over 1,400 asylum-seekers sleeping rough, risking illness and death.
Nearly one million citizens, with one-third of these children, are experiencing severe deprivation in Ireland.
Through all of this, we are recognised as one of the richest countries in the world.
The Government pits citizens, refugees, asylum-seekers and others against one another with its policies and spending. The needs of a huge chunk of the population are shamefully ignored.
The emphatic rejection of the
We all feel we knew Charlie Bird. For some, it was through his dedication to reach the truth of every story he reported on in his outstanding career.
For others, it was in walking the roads or climbing the mountains of illness with him, both literally and metaphorically. He was truly inspirational.
To people on difficult life journeys, he was a beacon of light in the darkest moments. His positive outlook, his courage and determination made everything seem possible. These were wonderful gifts, and he willingly shared them.
My mother, Maureen Noone, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in December 2016. She quickly lost her speech and her ability to move.
This is such a debilitating and recent referendums demonstrated the disconnect between politicians and citizens.
Hugh McDermott Dromahair, Co Leitrim
‘Tent city’ tells us the land of a hundred thousand welcomes has changed
Our much-vaunted “céad míle fáilte” – a hundred thousand welcomes – goes into overdrive over St Patrick’s weekend.
However, this sentiment is shockingly contradicted by the sight of so many immigrants’ tents on Mount isolating illness for sufferers and their families. The work Charlie did in raising awareness of MND is immeasurable.
I recall watching Charlie and his wife Claire tell the story of his diagnosis to Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show. He spoke of his plans to “extend the hand of friendship” and raise awareness of the illness. At this moment, I knew I had to contribute.
I have always enjoyed songwriting, and it was a privilege to have written the lyrics of Shine a Light. The song was recorded by Michael English and formed part of Charlie’s fundraising campaign for the Irish MND Association and Pieta House in 2022.
Each lyric was written from my heart. Our family walks the rocky road of MND alongside our mother every day. In her, we see the same
Street in Dublin city centre. The situation is so grim that people are now referring to it as “tent city”.
How can our Catholic bishops and our millionaire countrymen allow the Government to betray our best instincts?
There are empty offices and churches all over the city that could house those in need.
If we cannot find a better way to welcome people fleeing the horrors of war and persecution, I will have to find a tent and join them next week.
Lelia Doolan
Kilcolgan, Co Galway spirit burning brightly that I saw in Charlie on The Late Late Show.
Through his selflessness and courage in going public with his diagnosis, he enabled the voiceless to be heard and he has helped countless people in the process.
My mother was so sad to learn of Charlie’s death, as we all were. On behalf of our family, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Claire, as well as Charlie’s daughters Orla and Neasa, his extended family, his friends, colleagues and, of course, his best pal Tiger.
It was an honour to have met Charlie and Claire at the recording of Shine a Light. His spirit will always shine brightly in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in peace. Sara Noone
Kilkerrin, Co Galway
Taoiseach says ‘this is our war too’ – a worrying claim for a peacekeeping nation
“This is our war too... The least we can do is to provide them with the tools they need to defend their country and their homes.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s words go against our obligation to be international peacemakers.
Real security in Ukraine and elsewhere is built on bridge-building and peace talks, not supplying weapons for an unwinnable war.
Elizabeth Cullen Kilcullen, Co Kildare