The role of the President in Constitutional Convention

Both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste advise that the Constitutional Convention is to be the vanguard of profound social and institutional reform.

The immediate challenges of the 21st century they believe need to be addressed include curtailing the presidential term of office from seven to five years and giving citizens resident outside the State the right to vote at embassies overseas.

The length of the presidential term was not an impediment to the distinguished, illustrious and transformative presidencies of Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, each of whom heralded profound social change with widespread public support, but without histrionic fanfare.