Bernard O'Shea: Five things the President of Ireland can do that parents have to do all the time

The Irish President has surprising constitutional powers — but most of them look suspiciously like everyday parenting duties

Bernard O'Shea: "The parent can convene a special 8.30pm emergency family meeting in the kitchen, usually triggered by (a) a missing remote, (b) an empty biscuit tin, or (c) someone not flushing. These gatherings are high drama: chairs are dragged in, tears shed, and a motion is passed to 'find out who left the back door open again'."

1. Refer a bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality

When a bill has passed both Houses of the Oireachtas, the president has the discretion (after consulting the Council of State) to refer that bill (or parts of it) to the Supreme Court to ask whether it is compatible with the Constitution.