A letter to the President: We desperately need a politics that is more inclusive and responsive

Here’s your chance to insist that politics needs to change and that a published programme for government is a must, writes Fergus Finlay

DEAR President Higgins, You’re probably beginning to think already about what you should say to the Taoiseach when he comes to see you on March 10. And I’m probably one of the last people you want to hear from in advance of that visit. But I’m going to take my impertinence in my hand and offer you some advice anyway.

It hasn’t dawned on the pundits yet, although it will, but you will have an extraordinary and critical role to play after the Dáil meets. It happens very seldom in the life of a president, but it is going to happen to you. For a brief moment at least, and perhaps for longer, you’ll have the future of the country in your hands.