Do we really want an activist President?

Robinson reimagined the role as one that could push the boundaries of constitutional convention — but worked within its formal limitations

In reinterpreting the presidency as a platform for symbolic and moral leadership, former president Mary Robinson laid the groundwork for successors to continue shaping the office in more outspoken and public-facing ways. File picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

The modern presidency in Ireland has evolved, and while the public may no longer accept a bland or purely ceremonial presidency, we must be cautious about allowing the office to drift into politicised activism.

Given the political turmoil in Europe in 1937, it’s no surprise that opposition politicians accused Éamon de Valera of attempting to create a dictatorship with the introduction of the presidency under the new Constitution. Earlier drafts of the Constitution had included stronger powers for the office, but by the time of publication, it was clear that the presidency was to be a largely ceremonial role with few substantive powers.