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.

On a day when it is expected that the people will make a statement in favour of equality on marriage, it seems unusual, yet possible, that the people may reject equality for those of a certain age, when it comes to matters of State.

The age range for joining the Irish defence forces is 18-34.

That is precisely the age cohort precluded from running run for the Presidency.

Therefore, our Constitution tells us that you can represent your country in military uniform, be it here or abroad.

You can pay the ultimate sacrifice to defend our Bunreacht — yet you are not deemed to be a significant enough human being to represent it as President.

I accept that people in the 21-34 age bracket may not have the life experience of their seniors.

This, however, seems to be the only coherent case that can be made against the proposition being put on May 22.

The path to receiving a nomination to beome a candidate for the Presidency in this country is complex and arduous.

Therefore, should anyone aged between 21 and 34 come through this process, they would have shown themselves to be an individual of some capacity and capability.

Even then, it would be the Irish people, at a presidential election, who would have the ultimate say on that individual’s capacity.

I do not believe that the people of Ireland would accept an upper age limit on eligibility for the Presidency.

Such a proposition would be met with robust opposition and derision, I suspect.

Therefore, it is regrettable that some level of passion hasn’t been exercised in this debate.

Political parties have turned their back on this matter.

Youth groups seem preoccupied with equality pertaining to other ‘isms’, but, ironically, not ageism.

There is still time for this discussion to be aired.

Jonathan Hoare

Baile Mhic Ire

Co Cork