Different ID card for Irish nationals

Friday, July 31, 2009

People in Northern Ireland who identify themselves as Irish will receive a different ID card to those who identify themselves as British.

Following the unveiling of the ID card's design, it has been revealed that the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) must respect identity rights under the Belfast Agreement and issue a separate ID card for Irish nationals.

That means Irish nationals living in NI will be issued with a "personal ID card" rather than a national ID card. The personal card will not record an individual's nationality and so cannot be used as a travel document. Only the Irish Government can issue an official travel document to Irish citizens. However, cardholders will still be registered on the British National Identity Register (NIR) and so will be able to use the card to prove their identity.

There has also been a mixed reaction to the design of the card as the union flag has not been included. The Home Office said it wanted to avoid "symbols such as flags". Instead the design features the Royal Coat of Arms alongside a pattern made up of the shamrock, daffodil, thistle and rose to represent the four countries of the UK.