Vote In The Presidential Election

Tomorrow is a big day! We are being given the opportunity to vote in the presidential election, and in the referendum on blasphemy – with polling booths opening at 7am.

There were political parties in Ireland who operated according to the old maxim: “Vote early and vote often!” We would not, of course, endorse the second part of that injunction. However, we really do want to encourage Hot Press readers and members of hotpress.com to get out and make their voices heard – and their votes count.

• So let us start with blasphemy.

For some it is as simple as this: Ronan Mullen is campaigning for a ‘No’ vote – therefore the right thing to do is to vote ‘Yes'. This, in truth, is excellent thinking.

The choice can also be looked at in this way also: if you voted ‘Yes’ in the referendum to repeal the 8th amendment, then vote ‘Yes', to remove blasphemy from the Constitution. This too makes sense. And here’s why...

For years, Ireland lived under the pernicious yoke of a dominant Roman Catholic Church. The special position which the Catholic Church occupied here was abused terribly. In particular women were treated as second class citizens as a result of the influence of religion. And indeed in many ways they still are.

Children also were badly abused and silenced.

This referendum is, in part at least, about taking a further step away from the dominance exerted historically by the Roman Catholic Church and the clergy here in Ireland.

The reality is that there is absolutely no need for any reference, at all, to blasphemy in the Constitution. Any issues that relate to incitement to violence, or hatred, or libel can and should be dealt with in legislation.

In fact, the reference to blasphemy in the Constitution of Ireland is completely anachronistic. It also runs contrary to the principle of equality which is enshrined elsewhere in the Constitution, and which is – or should be – the ultimate guiding principle of what is the cornerstone document of our democracy.

To retain the concept of blasphemy in the constitution explicitly discriminates against those of no religion. There is no justification for it. Whatsoever.

We must not forget: Ireland was a theocracy, with the Roman Catholic Church afforded a special position in the constitution. Over the past few decades the country has gradually loosened the chains of Catholic dominance. We have been moving towards the full separation of Church and State. And also towards the establishment of a genuinely pluralistic, open republic of equals. But that has been resisted all the way by the same vested interests. We should not allow them to win on this occasion.

As our readers will know, Hot Press has always campaigned for greater freedom of expression – and that is a very important aspect of what this referendum is about. But it is about more than that too. It is about equality. It is about our collective dignity. And it is about freedom from the old tyrannies.

We support the removal of the reference to blasphemy from the Constitution of Ireland. Vote ‘Yes’...

• On to the Presidential election.

We are already on the record as supporting Michael D. Higgins to be the next President of Ireland.

For the past seven years, he has done a brilliant job. Irish people know him and what he stands for. If he is given the mandate, he will continue to give his all in the service of the people. It is what he has done all of his political life.

The important thing now is for people who like and support him not to allow complacency to affect them. The opinion polls suggest that he will win handsomely. But only if his supporters get out and vote; only if his supporters turn out in the requisite numbers.

During the course of the Presidential campaign, the gulf between Michael D. Higgins and his opponents became more obvious at every turn. Indeed, it is fair to say that not one of the other candidates is even remotely qualified to be President.

That makes it all the more important to get out there and make your voice heard. Complacency is the enemy. Make sure you vote in the Presidential election. And vote for Michael D. Higgins. A resounding victory for him on the first count will make a powerful statement about Ireland, and about where we want to take this country over the next seven years.

See you all at the polling station!