Old enough to fight and die for Ireland, but not run for President

By the age of 32, Michael Collins was old enough to lead the armed struggle against the British, old enough to participate in the subsequent treaty negotiations in London, old enough to serve as finance minister and acting head of Government, and old enough to die in uniform.

Yet, in the Ireland of today, he would not be old enough to stand in a Presidential election, let alone be President.

On May 22, the people of Ireland will be asked to extend eligibility for the office of President to those aged between 21 and 34.