No to arbitrary exercise of power no matter how unpopular the cause

Free speech is upheld, but political caprice is unrestrained, in an Oireachtas where voluntary restraint is in short supply, writes Gerard Howlin.

Photo credit: Angela Kerins yesterday lost her action for damages over the Public Accounts Committee’s handling of a hearing over monies given to the Rehab organisation. Pic: Collins Courts

’YOUR Most Benign Highness’ was the form of address for George Washington, proposed by his vice president and ultimate successor, John Adams. Others suggested ‘His Elective Highness’. To Washington’s relief, a simpler ‘Mr President’ was decided on. The ‘elective highness’ syndrome remains a danger in democracy. In our parliamentary system, the president, by virtue of his right to refer legislation to the Supreme Court, is guarantor of the constitution. He is Commander in Chief, which reinforces constraint on the elected government. The flummery of protocol that attends him is as much a reminder to the executive of the limits to its pretensions, as embroidery for his office.