Setting the bar for next president

ARE the cautious, nuanced signals emanating from several individuals who might have an interest in becoming a candidate in the 2011 presidential election an acknowledgement that the electorate will have very high expectations when they decide whom to elect as the next President of Ireland?

The scope and impact of the presidency has grown enormously throughout the past two decades. The resourcefulness, stature and far-sightedness of our presidents enabled them to win trust and carry weight throughout all corners of the nation but, most importantly, not to be a hostage of particular interest groups or vested interests.

The presidency is not “a job” – but it does require a capacity to discern the spirit that defines the nation, our heritage, our concerns, our foibles and ambitions and communicate these clearly within and beyond our shores.