The Franchise in Irish Unification Referendums

Abstract

The Belfast / Good Friday Agreement provides that it is for the people of the island of Ireland alone, by agreement between the two parts respectively and without external impediment, to exercise their right of self-determination on the basis of consent, freely and concurrently given, north and south. Assuming a referendum in each jurisdiction, who should be allowed to vote? Whether a constitutional amendment or replacement referendum is used in the south, the franchise is likely to be that already stipulated in the existing Constitution. The franchise for the referendum in the north is far less