FG takes the wrong option

FINE Gael apparently intends to propose at their árd fheis that as a component of their “new politics” policy to reform the entire electoral system, the term of office of the President is reduced to five years; that the minimum age of candidates is reduced from 35 to 18 years and presidential elections would take place at the same time as local and European elections so as to achieve “massive cost-saving”.

Perhaps FG would be wiser now to embrace the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and to focus on issues that are rupturing the welfare and wellbeing of society.

The one office of state that has worked effectively in this country for several decades is the presidency and this is demonstrated by the consistently high approval ratings of incumbents.

The US, Iceland, India, Portugal and Austria, for example, also require candidates for the office of presidency to be at least 35 years old.

Germany, Greece and the Philippines require candidates to be at least 40 years old, while the minimum age of presidential candidates in Italy is 50.

It is impossible to envisage younger candidates having the maturity, experience, stability, eminence and skills necessary successfully to execute the office of head of state in a republic, notwithstanding the ambition or talent of an aspirant. The rationale for cost-saving is also illusory. There have been 12 occasions since 1938 when the nation had to decide on an incumbent for the presidency.

The office was uncontested on six occasions so the scope for “massive-savings” on election costs is not, in fact, massive in practice.

It would be preferable therefore if FG were to focus on the many issues that are in need of urgent and radical remediation. The efficient prosecution of bankers in the criminal courts and the discontinuation of the practice of venerating those tainted with catastrophic banking and regulatory failure and incompetence with incestuous political patronage might indicate to voters that the standards necessary to achieve recovery and confidence are indeed high, robust and formidable.

Myles Duffy

Bellevue Avenue

Glenageary

Co Dublin