What really matters in a President
Perhaps he is confusing the concepts of cost and values and the fact that the election is about choosing a head of state, not the head of a cloistered and insular enclave. If the average industrial wage was to become the critical benchmark when choosing a head of state, the electorate would ask candidates for quotations and consider the merits of the lowest bidder. But the qualities required to safeguard Bunreacht na hÉireann and the heritage and aspirations of a proud nation are priceless.
A presidential election is fundamentally about values and, specifically, which candidates are best qualified to safeguard the Constitution and reflect the values, spirit, prestige and dignity of our nation.
Irish people, as a whole, have been outraged at the brutal campaign of terrorism in which McGuinness played such a prominent and protracted role; a campaign that retarded the development of society for decades leaving Northern Ireland economically paralysed with a much lower level of prosperity, self-sufficiency and economic vitality than its neighbours.
They abhorred the menacing threats to the security, stability and integrity of the institutions of our State. They were incandescent and outraged each time a member of the gardaí was callously slaughtered and they were appalled at the contemptuous disregard for the exclusive authority of our military forces to defend us.
Therefore, the first and major priority for candidate McGuinness is to demonstrate the credibility of his credentials to become President and commander-and-chief of the military. He needs to persuade the electorate that our sense of nationhood would be diminished were he not to prevail and how he would handle potential conflicts of interest between north and south.
The salary/cost of the Presidency is secondary to the stature, calibre and overall suitability of the successful incumbent.
Myles Duffy
Bellevue Avenue
Glenageary
Co Dublin
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