Safeguard ideals of our republic

ANTHONY WOODS (June 3) claims there is no need for a Presidential election as we already have the “creme de la creme” in office. Mr Woods also stated that “our beloved President should be offered the job for life”.

Like most people, I believe President McAleese has been a worthy office holder, despite the fact that I regard the invitation extended to Queen Elizabeth II to visit this state as premature. There are, however, constitutional impediments which would prevent President McAleese being offered the Presidency for life. And rightly so.

In 1949, all ties with the British monarchy were repudiated; caste politics and feudalism were rejected and we embraced a republican identity. Despite the fact that we are a sovereign republic we now have some people, like Anthony Woods, proposing the return of dynasties to high office in this state. Just look at other recent trends.