There has always been an overwhelming case for allowing all Irish citizens, regardless of where they live, to play a full role in selecting their president.
The debate has taken a number of twists and turns along the way but it is entirely appropriate that it is finally to be resolved by a referendum which is expected to be staged in May.
It will hopefully reach a decisive outcome which will extend the right to vote in presidential elections to both sides of the border as well as to the Irish diaspora.
Similar arrangements for choosing first citizens are already in place in many other countries, and it will be a good day for democracy when Ireland is added to the list.
