Statement: Senator Bacik Speaks at Michael D. Higgins Press Conference on Emigrants

STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK

Labour Seanad Group Leader
Thursday 8th September, 2011

SENATOR BACIK SPEAKS AT MICHAEL D. HIGGINS PRESS CONFERENCE ON EMIGRANTS

Today at 11.30am in Buswells Hotel, Senator Ivana Bacik chaired a press conference where Michael D. Higgins, the Labour-nominated presidential candidate, spoke about his recent visit to the Irish community in London. In introducing Michael D. Higgins, Senator Bacik said :

“Michael D. Higgins has a long track record of campaigning on human rights issues, as well as an outstanding record of practical achievement as Arts Minister in the 1990s. He has promoted a strong view of an inclusive Irish society in which the important contribution of the Irish diaspora is recognised and supported.

“Michael D.'s own family has a long history of emigration – two of his sisters emigrated, and he has an aunt and uncle buried in Australia. In speaking at the London Irish Centre earlier this week, he highlighted the need for the Constitutional Convention to examine the question of votes for emigrants. As someone who emigrated to London after college but was lucky enough to be able to return, I really appreciate the importance of Michael D.'s emphasis on emigration and his advocacy of a more inclusive sense of Irish citizenship.”

ENDS