President can dissolve the Dáil at any time

The Irish people do not understand English, the reason is it is not our language passed from generation to generation.

De Valera did, and when he wrote the Constitution, he wanted to prevent a dictator taking over. He was president for 14 years and before him was a poet who did not understand much. It says in the bible, “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away”.

So when the president gives the seal of office to the taoiseach that does not mean he will be taoiseach until the next election.

The president can retrieve the seal of office at any time because it is his (the president’s). Otherwise ceremony would be a sham.

The president’s powers are listed in the Constitution. He can do certain things on the advice of the taoiseach.

Advice does not mean permission.

When you go to a solicitor for advice he will tell you the advantages of doing something. It is not the solicitor who decides what you do. After you have the advice of a solicitor, you take whatever action you decide best.

The president can dissolve the Dáil at any time he decides.

Maurice Walsh

Shepherds House

Doneraile

Co Cork