One dog, one vote: Now Charlie's a ballot boxer
Wednesday March 06 2002
But that did not stop him getting a polling card bearing his name.
His mystified owner, Michael Walton, did a double take when Charlie's very own polling card arrived at their Dublin home. "Someone must be barking mad," said Mr Walton at his home in St Agnes Park, Crumlin.
Charlie will be six years old in May, but an amused Mr Walton (35) feels that, because in dog years his age is seven times that of a human, to exclude him on the grounds of age would be ruff justice.
"I don't think he has any view on abortion, and he hates politicians. He always sleeps through political discussions, and he shreds their literature," said Mr Walton.
Despite getting the card, Charlie will not be exercising his franchise.
"I don't think you can even bring dogs into the polling station," said Mr Walton.
A low turnout is expected at today's referendum vote. Some 2.8m people are entitled to vote, and the polling booths will open for 12 hours from 9 this morning.
- Eugene Moloney
