Where a political resolution is in force in relation to the union, rules made by the union for the purpose of complying with Article 48 (political ballot rules) in relation to a proposed ballot may provide for overseas members of the union not to be accorded entitlement to vote in the ballot.

Accordingly, where provision is made in accordance with paragraph (1), the Certification Officer shall not on that ground withhold his approval of the rules.

An “overseas member” means a member of the trade union (other than a merchant seaman or offshore worker) who is outside Northern Ireland throughout the period during which votes may be cast.

For this purpose—

• “merchant seaman” means a person whose employment, or the greater part of it, is carried out on board sea-going ships; and

• “offshore worker” means a person in offshore employment within the meaning of section 287 of the Great Britain Act, other than one who is in such employment in an area where the law of Great Britain applies.