Pearse would want to see us express confidence in our youth

In an interview with Michael Moynihan, former Kerry and Limerick manager, Mickey Ned O’Sullivan ponders "what would Padraig Pearse and his colleagues make of an Ireland like today’s? "

I believe that they would be quite disenchanted that, being considered old enough to sign a Proclamation that defined our country, and being old enough to fight and die for that country, in today’s world they (and doubtless many of their 1916 colleagues) would be deemed unsuitable to stand for the Presidency on the grounds of age.

Eamonn Ceannt, Sean McDermott, and Joseph Mary Plunkett of the signatories, and Mallin, Colbert, Daly and Heuston of the other 1916 leaders were all under 35 when they died.

Michael Collins and Wolfe Tone also left an significant imprint on Irish history, and neither saw their 35th birthday.

Bill Gates and Michael Dell both delivered colossal achievement on a global scale before they reached 30, and yet both would fail the age requirement at that time, had they been interested in an Irish political career.

The proposed 35th Amendment provides an opportunity for those of our bright young citizens in their twenties and early thirties to attain high office.

It benefits everyone, will not divide our people on any grounds, is a vote of confidence in our youth, and should receive an enthusiastic yes from all.

John Lynch

Douglas Road

Cork