The presidency does us a greater service when it stays above politics

ANY day now, I expect the President to intervene on an issue of vital importance to the nation.

In a speech to some sporting organisation or other, she will praise the exploits of the Irish soccer team in the World Cup. And she will refer to all those Irish fans who sacrificed so much to make the journey to the Far East in order to support the team.

Then Mrs McAleese will turn her attention to the fans who watched on television in Ireland. "How wonderful," she will say, "that modern technology made it possible for fans at home, who perhaps could not afford to travel, to support the team at relatively little cost." And then the big statement: "The Government's discussions with the FAI will be pivotal in determining whether everyone can continue to follow the progress of the Irish soccer team."