Higgins protests lamentable but not an attack on Constitution

The expressions of indignation and condemnation from some in government at the heckling of President Michael D Higgins by anti-water charge protesters in Dublin smacks of double standards. (Water charges protest - Attack on President crossed a line, Editorial January 29).

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, while acknowledging the public right to protest, said the office of President is above party politics and the President has a constitutional duty to examine Bills that are passed through the Dáil before they are signed into law by him as President. Mr Kenny further stated that it is not warranted to pillory the President in this way simply because he carried out his duty and responsibility in an apolitical fashion.

In 1976 following the killing of the British Ambassador to Ireland Christopher Ewart-Biggs, the government announced its intention to declare a state of emergency. The then President of Ireland Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh exercised his power and duty and referred the government’s Emergency Powers Bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.