More than 30,000 Latvians in Ireland to vote on country's referendum
Thousands of Latvians living in Ireland have the chance to exercise their democratic right today and vote for a referendum on their country's future.
The Baltic state's president has called a vote on the dissolution of parliament over a corruption row.
Around 30,000 Latvians live in the Republic of Ireland and up to 4,000 in the North.
Their home country's president Valdis Zatlers has called for the dissolution of parliament after a dispute over corruption, sparking this referendum, which is the first of its kind.
The dispute involves the parliament's refusal to allow prosecutors to search the home of a rich businessman who is also a member of the legislature.
Latvia's most recent election was held in October last year.
The country is recovering from the European Union's toughest recession, partly inspired by widespread budget cuts similar to those now being carried out in euro zone countries.
Today's referendum centre - in Drumalane Mill, Newry - has been organised by Latvian honorary consul and businessman Gerard O'Hare.
