Voices of the Diaspora

A chara,

Your comrades in Argentina, sons and daughters or Ireland, support your bid for the Presidency.   A free Ireland for a free people; non-sectarian, democratic, and inclusive.

Best of luck Marty!  We support you and we support a free Ireland!

Jared Murphey, Argentina.

Recognizing his enormous contribution to peace in Ireland, Irish reunification and the building of a new republic, we the undersigned Irish Canadians support the candidacy of Martin McGuinness for President of Ireland.

Individuals

Alan Louthe, Toronto, Projects and Construction Manager, Planner

Alan McConnell, Toronto, Lawyer

Alex O’Donnell, Calgary, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Financial Sector Company

Alexandra Smith, Toronto, Administrative Assistant

Ann Toman-Torre, Kingston, Occupational Therapist

Anne Curran, Calgary, Joint Proprietor of the James Joyce Pub and Restaurant

Bob Gaucher, Ottawa, Professor, University of Ottawa

Brian Doherty, Halifax, Owner of The Old Triangle Pub & Restaurant

Brian Gordon Sinclair, Alliston, Playwright and Artistic Director “Hemingway On Stage”

Caolan Quinn – Toronto, Construction Estimator

Charlie Angus M.P., Timmins, Member of Parliament New Democratic Party

Siobhan Angus, Student

Chris Axworthy, Q.C., Kamloops, Founding Dean of Law, Faculty of Law, Thompson Rivers University and former Saskatchewan Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

Christopher Deehy, Montreal, Lawyer

Claire Delisle, Ottawa, Graduate Student

Conor Quinn, Toronto, Toronto Bricklayers’ Union

Conor O’Reilly, Vancouver, Irish Teacher

Daniel Meaney, Toronto, Retired. Past President Local 540, OPSEU

D’Arcy Pigott, Markham, Territory Manager

Dean Cronin, Oshawa, Teacher

Deirdre Dooley, Ottawa, Student

Dennis Reinsborough, Toronto, Treasurer Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade Society

Derry McKeever, Ontario, Chairperson of Friends of Farmworkers

Dora Keogh, Toronto, President, Dora Keogh Irish Pub

Eileen Watson, Toronto, Accountant

Garth Stevenson, Grimsby, Professor of Political Science

Geoffrey MacGiolla’earna, Toronto, UE Seminarian

Georges Beriault, Montreal, Teacher, Executive Member Laurier Teachers’ Union

Gerard Curran, Calgary, Joint Proprietor of the James Joyce Pub and Restaurant; past Chairman and current Director of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Assoc.; and Director National Restaurant Assoc., USA.

Guylaine Simard, Cookshire-Eaton, Natal Assistant

Helen Totton, Mississauga, Customer Service Lead

Hugh Fraser, Montreal, Sales Manager

Jack Ferns, Toronto, Past Chairman of the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade Society

Janet Sutherland, Hatley, Coordinator Shazamfest

Joe Tufenkdjian, Belleville, Pilot

John Barry, Toronto, Visual Artist

John Maxwell, Toronto, Secretary/Treasurer, the Irish Pub Group

John McCabe, Toronto, Vice Principal

John O’Flynn, North Vancouver, B.C. Teacher and Secretary of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Canada

Johnny Roberts, St. Catharines, Grocery Worker

Julie Donnelly, Ottawa, Executive Assistant

Kay O’Carroll, Mississauga, Past President Taca na hEireann, Mississauga Irish Club

Kevin Callaghan, Montreal, Faculty Lecturer, McGill University

Kevin Dooley, Ottawa, Author/Musician; Director of Celtic Cross Commemorative Committee

Larry Bradley, Ottawa, Heart & Crown Irish Pubs

Laura Sheridan, Toronto, Student

Leo Puddester, St. John’s, Former President of the Newfoundland Association of Public and Private Employees

Liam McKee, Brampton, Chairperson Lar na Gael/Brampton Irish Centre

Lori Bremner, Kamloops, Teacher

Marie Osborne, Brampton, Former Treasurer Lar na Gael/Brampton Irish Centre

Mark Billings, Montreal, Entrepreneur

Mary Ferns, Toronto, Past Secretary/Treasurer, Dublin Canadian Association

Matthew Ellis, Georgetown, Technical Sales Representative

Morag McMullan, Milton, Educational Assistant

Neil Doherty, Toronto, Retired Teacher and Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association Negotiator

Onagh Dooley, Ottawa, Retired, Social Justice Activist, Publicity Co-Ordinator Celtic Cross Commemorative Committee

Pat Canavan, Toronto, Former three term York City Councillor

Pat Kelly, Ottawa, Bradley Kelly Construction

Pat Rooney, Toronto, President of Emerald Isle Seniors’ Society

Pat Ryan, Pickering, Founding member of the Durham Irish Canadian Society

Patrick Doyle, Toronto, Past Chair of the Toronto Chapter, Ireland Fund of Canada

Patrick Teggart, Pickering, Past Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus

Patrick Toner, Terrebone, Engineer

Patrick Totton, Mississauga, Former Board Member Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, Toronto Branch

Phil Latourneau, Ottawa, Worker

Phoebe Mewse, Montreal, Actress and member of the Union des artistes

Ruairi Quinn, Toronto, Architect

Sean Adams, Toronto, Teacher

Sean Harte, Mississauga, Treasurer of the Toronto Gaelic Athletic Association

Sean Kinsella, Toronto, Canadian Autoworkers, Local 301, Health and Safety Representative

Sean O’Donnell, Toronto, Lawyer

Sean Pigott, Toronto, Lawyer (Retired)

Sean Rodden, Hamilton, President, Triumph Emerald Corporation

Seosamh Sean O’Brian, Winnipeg, Academic, University of Manitoba

Shaun Ruddy, Toronto, Owner Stocknet.com


Stephen Augustine, Ottawa, Hereditary Chief on the Mi’kmaq Grand Council

Stéphane Adam, Cookshire-Eaton, Teacher

Steve Carroll, Ottawa, National Director NGO

Steve Whalen, Toronto, Founder, Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade Society

Susan Haines, Ottawa, Executive Director, National Associations Active in Criminal Justice

Terry Maguire, Toronto, Teacher

Terry Maguire, Toronto, President, LiQuid Inc.

Treasa O’Driscoll, Barrie, Author “Celtic Woman, A Memoir of Life’s Poetic Journey”

Dr. Wade Deisman, Surrey, Chair, Criminology Department, Kwantlen University

Warren Allmand, PC, OC, Montreal, Former Solicitor General of Canada

Mark Anthony Reid, University Teacher, Yarmouth, Nova Scotis.

Andrew Laffey, Toronto, Restaurateur

Brian Farmer, Toronto, President of the Canadian Gaelic Athletic Association

Cindy Stone, Toronto, Author of “The Incidental Guru”

Fran Amis, Toronto, Social Worker

Frank Mallany, Oakville, FCM Productions

Hugo Straney, Toronto, Irish Community Radio Host

Kevin Matthews, Sarnia, Owner Kevin Matthews Consulting Inc. Captain Irish

Canadian Golfing Society Sarnia.

Kerry Knoll, Chairman, Canadian Lithium and Stonegate

Leon Sullivan, Rideout, Caledon

Ray Kilty, Whitby, Member Durham Committee for the Irish Unity Pledge

Sharon Sullivan, Rideout, Caledon

Pat Chessell, Irish Musician, Vancouver, BC Canada

As a proud Canadian and son of Irish descendants, I am excited to add my name to those supporting Martin McGuinness for President of Ireland. Martin represents hope for a better future for Ireland and it's people everywhere.

Brad West (McNulty)
City Councillor
Port Coquitlam, Canada

GROUPS

Coalition For Peace in Ireland, Montreal

Durham Committee for The Irish Unity Pledge, Durham

Friends of Sinn Fein (Canada) Inc.

Quebec Ireland Committee

Toronto Committee For Irish Unity

Toronto Teachers for Irish Unity

We are Irish citizens, and people of Irish descent living in Scotland who would like to add our voices to support the election of Martin McGuinees for President of Ireland.

Sean McAvoy,

Sean Mac Lochlainn,

Paul Travers,

Kevin Foy,

Paul Croall,

Wallace Heaney,

John Logue,

Matthew Cassidy,

Georgie McQuade,

Colette McQuaid,

Sean Kiernan,

Jackie Kiernan,

Kevin Spence,

Mickey Mitchell,

Aidan Mitchell,

Steff Allen,

Mark O'Donnell,

Mark Allardyce,

John Paul O'Donnell,

John Broadley,

Stephen McCafferty,

Christopher McCafferty,

Hugh McFaulds,

Alan Holden,

Louise Thompson,

Willie Duffy,

Elizabeth McKenzie,

Michael Byrne,

Jack Duffy,

Thomas Bannatyne,

Stacie Maguire,

Chic O'Hagan,

Patrick McShane,

Elizabeth O'Hagan,

John McShane,

Nicola Kennedy,

Kevin Charnley,

Ciaran McAdam,

Mark Downey,

Jim Campbell,

Kevin McSherry,

Chris O'Hagan,

Willie Charnely,

Frank Harkin,

Thomas McKeown,

Michael Slavin,

Chris Treacy,

Gerry Croall,

Patrick Higgins,

Michael Traynor,

Thomas Peden,

Gerry Ferguson,

Jamie Gilmour,

Ellen Fraser,

John McCullagh,

Andy Brady,

Helen Corner,

Patrick Corner,

Richard Grogan,

David McKeown,

Robert Timpson,

Frannie McAdam.

I am an Irishman from Antrim but now living in Barbados. I want to wish Martin all the best in the election and now more than ever our island needs a President that represents true Irish Republican values and can bring a lasting unity to our people! Ár ádh mór ort!

Ryan Maxwell, Barbados.

Dear Martin McGuinness:

 Irish Americans in Ohio applaud your candidacy for President of Ireland.

 Your unrivaled status as a patriotic and visionary leader, diplomat, elected official, and peacemaker will help restore Ireland’s prestige in America and around the world .

 When the Irish people elect Martin McGuinness as President, we will celebrate your achievement as a victory for Irish men and women everywhere.

 Sincerely,

 Jack Kilroy, Attorney,  Avon Lake, Ohio

John Myers, Attorney. Cleveland, Ohio

Pat Kempton, Concord, Ohio

Corrinne Connor, R.N., Euclid, Ohio

Bonnie Weir , Cleveland, Ohio

Peg McCarthy, Cleveland, Ohio

Roger S. Weist, Radio Host, Cleveland, Ohio

Bryan Cummings, Columbus, Ohio

Anne M. Ezra, Cleveland, Ohio

Jeffrey M. Abood, Silver Lake, Ohio

Good luck to Martin McGuinness...1 people, 1 island, 1 Ireland...

Art O'Hagan, Phoenix, Arizona

Martin McGuinness is a natural leader who has grown boldly and gracefully as the peace process moved from an impossible task to become the envy of divided peoples everywhere.

He will make an outstanding President of Ireland and will undoubtedly inspire all on the island of Ireland, especially the young who want to believe they can be part of a progressive and positive world.

Lawrence Downes, President Friends Of Sinn Féin

Sean Downes,

Phelim Devlin,

Joseph Smith,

Sean Mackin.

We are recent immigrants, some of whom had to leave because of the economic recession in Ireland and the lack of jobs. We want a President who will use that position to raise the issues of real concern to people in Ireland and those of us who have had to leave. We believe that Martin McGuinness will speak for and act in the interests of all the Irish people, at home and abroad. If we could vote in this presidential election, we would vote for Martin McGuinness.

Deirdre Mac Dermott,

Ryan Canavan,

Michael Doherty,

Nicola McCusker,

Francine Kavanagh,

Thomas McConvey,

Sinead O'Connor,

Colm Donnelly,

Peter McCallan,

Sheila Keane.

Neil Gallagher, New York.

Martin McGuinness is not an economist, but he would not be intimidated by them.  Nor would he fail to recognize when regulators did not provide straight answers.  Ireland is now afflicted by an economic disaster that affects the middle class as much as the poor.  The national economic crisis happened in the wake of intimidated politicians agreeing to assume as public debt the product of private greed and incompetence.  Fraud was perpetrated on the Irish public by bankers and the banks’ European creditors.  The Irish people need, and deserve, better moral and political leadership to confront international fraud and hazards to its sovereignty.

Martin McGuinness is viewed with genuine admiration in countries that value real leadership.  President Mary McAleese has gained enormous respect for Ireland because of her energy, focus and effectiveness of her efforts, including bridge building in which she and her husband were so productively engaged in the North.  Ireland needs similar vitality and application in the years ahead.  Martin McGuinness can provide that vigor and vision.

James P. Cullen, New York

Martin has shown a commitment to the people of Ireland over his lifetime. He has never taken the easy road and never has put himself before others. Ireland like the United States has had its challenges when addressing racism, sectarianism and discrimination in any form. Martin has had a steadfast commitment towards a unified Ireland, and not just the vanishing borders, but a true commitment to ensure that every citizen of Ireland (including the diaspora) have a say in the governance of the island. Martin has shown that he can be the voice of many and has broken down barriers along the way that no one thought would ever be possible. As a member of the legal community in New York, it is refreshing to see a candidate that comes from the people to represent the people if Ireland. The time is long overdue for a new voice and a new vision. Martin has exemplified both. As such, I would like to extend my fullest support to Martin in his most current endeavor to change the landscape of politics as usual.
 In Solidarity,

 Marty Glennon, New York.

Just a short note to show my support for Irish citizens living abroad being allowed to vote in the Irish presidential elections. I think Martin McGuinness would make a great president and would get my vote.

Kevin Diamond, New York

I support Martin McGuinness candidacy for President of Ireland. I think he is the best candidate.

Patrick Campbell, New York

I am an Irish citizen by foreign birth.  If I were permitted to vote, I would cast my ballot for Martin McGuinness.  I support his candidacy and Sinn Fein’s campaign for a New Ireland -- united, with liberty, justice, equality and opportunity for all.  

Patrick Clark, New York

Irish citizens abroad should have the right to vote.  If I lived in Ireland I would be able to vote for the US president via absentee ballot. Irish citizens should have the same right.

Were I able to vote I would stand with Martin McGuinness.  Each step on the road to peace and unity is strengthened by a sturdy shoe that smooths the rocks, clay,  and gravel for others on the journey.

Martin's steps continue to move forward and they make the road wider and even for all Irish citizens.Is Mise

Regina, New York.

As you know, in the North, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinnness has achieved world-wide recognition as a peace campaigner and negotiator, bringing all peoples together, both republican and loyalist alike. With Stormont now functioning,all sides agree that Martin is their most competent, effective, and popular executive in government, an achievement not to be taken lightly. The common goal of you and I in Irish America, as it is with most political parties in Ireland, (FF, F, SDLP, SF), is to achieve a united, sovereign, and independent Ireland. With all of us and all parties working together to elect Martin as President of the Republic of Ireland, we now have a major opportunity to move closer to achieving this goal. Think about it.  A united,sovereign Ireland. Achievable.

President Martin McGuinness of the Republic of Ireland.  YES!!

Jack Bermingham, Boston.

Dear Martin,
Just a note from one of your most enthusiastic American fans to say GOOD LUCK in the coming elections!

Rose Styron , Massachusetts.

Hi Martin,

Sending our heartfelt support to you for the presidential elections coming up.  I know the diaspora in the Boston area wish you all the best and know that you would make a great president of Ireland given the work that you have done in the Northern Assembly and the achievements you have made.
As an Irish citizen who grew up in Ireland, to see the contributions that you have made these past number of years has made a huge impact on our community and country and I believe that you truly are a leader that can make a difference in the country of Ireland.

Thanks and good luck

Orlatha Duffy, Boston.

We here in American have watched with dismay and disappointment as the economy in Ireland continues to deteriorate and flounder.  None of the present politicians seem to care or do anything about it.

There is no leadership and the politicians seem only interested in lining their own pockets, and not worrying about the people they were elected to represent. The greed of some of these people in office and sections of the private sector needs to be stopped now to allow Ireland to be returned to its rightful place in the world.

To accomplish this we need new leadership with a strong leader who is not afraid to make tough or unpopular decisions, have the proven ability to lead and bring people together, to create new jobs, bring back jobs which have been lost and attract new investment to put Ireland back on its feet.

That person is Martin McGuinness who will lead us as the next President of Ireland.

Seamus Boyle, Pennsylvania

Ned McGinley,Pennsylvania

I send my good wishes and support to Martin McGuinness .I and so many others here hope he is successful ,he would be a good and effective President and would truly be a President for all the Irish people.As a member of the Irish Diaspora I know that as President ,Martin would be inclusive of us all as we move into a new and better future ,a future that he has helped to shape. His work with the Unionist community has shown that he is a very strong and capable leader who has the ability to reach out to all communities and that he is a true and committed republican.

Paul Doris, Pennsylvania.

Martin McGuinness has demonstrated that he is a man of vision and courage. His persistant work in the peace process and establishing the power sharing govt in the north of Ireland highlights his political skills and his ability to forge relations with those of opposing views. We, as recent immigrants and decendents of immigrants in San Francisco send our support to him in this presidential election, he would truly be the voice of the people of all of Ireland and the Diaspora around the world including here in the US. We believe people with Irish Citizenship should be able to vote in this election.

Ciarán Scally

Seamus Canning

James Reid

Mandy Corry

Pat Burke

Paddy White

Pat Uniack

Mike Carthy

Madeleine White

Louise Martin

Nora Scally

Meabh Scally

Seán Murphy

Gilbert Coyle

Rosie Collins

Larry McAuley

Walter Finnerty

Matt Lonnigan

Regina Costa

Tony Reid

Bobby O'Malley-Daly

Denise Hickey

Maureen Hickey

Gerry Boyle

Charlie McAuley

Maeve McAuley

Ronan Mulholland

Conlaith Mulholland

Gerard Connor

George Trainor, San Francisco

“I spent my childhood in Galway and I have a deep love and admiration for Ireland- for her culture, her history, her humour and not least for the resilience of her people. In these difficult economic times for Ireland, a compassionate, vibrant, courageous leadership which understands how to bring opposing groups together to ensure the protection of the Constitution for all the citizens of Ireland, a leadership known and respected abroad which can restore faith in Ireland’s growth and attract robust foreign investment is surely needed. I feel that Martin McGuinness fits the bill and would be an excellent choice for President.” 

Anjelica Huston.

I heartily endorse Martin McGuinness –I have known him for years and  I believe he would be a brilliant choice as President of Ireland. Martin has smarts, he has balls, and he has vision for the whole of Ireland. He certainly earned his political stripes in his skillful behind-the-scenes work on bringing about a cease-fire to the war in the North, making the Good Friday Agreement possible. As Minister for Education, and more recently as First Deputy of the North of Ireland, he has demonstrated his exceptional political talent in working successfully and productively, under enormous pressure , with  an array of oppositional parties mostly made up of people who would prefer that he be murdered.   No mean achievement. I guess most of the other candidates in the Presidential race might be able to claim the enormousl pressure of exercising their political chops while being snubbed by their enemies in the Dail bar.

Fionnula Flanagan
Los Angeles, California,

I have known Martin Mc Guinness for many years and have always found him to be a man of his word who has demonstrated his brilliance and effectiveness as a skilful leader in a variety of different circumstances and positions.

Since the beginning of the Peace Process in the North of Ireland Martin’s unrivalled talent in working with culturally and historically opposed groups to reach consensus has been a critical factor in bringing the Peace Process to a constructive conclusion, and there is widespread support for his accomplishments in government as Deputy First Minister.

Despite his global recognition as a politician, revolutionary and peacemaker, Martin has always remained loyal to his roots as a family man in Derry and Donegal, wherein lies the source of his stability and constancy of purpose.

Martin Mc Guinness is widely admired and respected in the United States where I have often heard him compared to Menachim Begin and Nelson Mandela.

In my opinion, Martin Mc Guinness’ background, coupled with his passionate and abiding love of all the people in Ireland - for which he was prepared to die - make him an ideal candidate for President of the Republic of Ireland and Ambassador to the World.

Garrett O’Connor, M.D.
President, The Betty Ford Institute
California. USA

"Martin's Victory will be a Ireland's Victory" "Since the early 1920's we have waited for him and now we can help Martin bind us together as a People and as a Nation"

Jerry O'Keefe Anaheim, California, past National Director, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America

Irish Americans have watched almost hopelessly as Ireland continues to endure an historic economic downturn.  This was brought about through greed and through a complicit government.  Ireland needs someone who can bring a new and positive vision to rebuilding the Republic, someone who knows how to create jobs and attract investment.  That person is Martin McGuinness.  He knows how to bring people together and he knows how to lead.  All Ireland and everyone in the diaspora can rightly be proud to have Mr. McGuinness as President of Ireland.

Mark Guilfoyle, Crestview Hills, Kentucky, USA