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.

The experience of the most recent presidential election highlighted concerns about the availability of a sufficient number of candidates with adequately compelling credentials to become President, whether candidates fully understood what the function of Head of State is, and if they could persuade the electorate that the presidential office would be conducted with dignity, distinction and honour during their tenure.

There was little comment about the seven-year term of the incumbency.

The prospect of those outside the country being granted a vote begs the question of whether those who do not pay tax should have the privilege of voting.

Another topic for the Convention concerns the greater participation of women in public life.

If this really has the urgent priority with the political parties, why did they only need to spend €76,896 of the €4,805,258 of taxpayers’ money granted to them in 2011 under the Electoral Acts on the participation of women in public life?

Surely some solid credible background effort is necessary on their part before the electorate are asked to embrace profound constitutional change, or will the proposed Constitutional Convention be merely a Hall of Mirrors devoid of insight and relevance?

Myles Duffy

Bellevue Avenue

Glenageary

Co Dublin