Presidential inauguration - Change date to honour war end

As businessman Sean Gallagher enters the race for the Áras for the second time, consideration should be given to changing the date of the presidential inauguration which has been set for Sunday, November 11. The date is determined by the fact that the the term in office of Michael D Higgins ends on November 10 and the ceremony for the new president is traditionally held the following day.

The problem is that November 11 clashes with the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. Unusually, Remembrance Sunday, which is traditionally the second Sunday in November, coincides with the anniversary this year.

The presidential inauguration is one of joyous celebration while the anniversary of the end of the First World War is one of reflection and remembrance. Both are important occasions and neither should impinge on the other.

It has been argued that the Government has no leeway on this matter but Article 12.7 of Bunreacht na hÉireann clearly states (gender exclusivity notwithstanding) that: “The President shall enter upon his office on the day following the expiration of the term of office of his predecessor or as soon as may be thereafter.”

Even if the new term in office begins on November 11, there is no reason why the inauguration cannot be postponed. Failure to do so would dishonour the 30,000 Irishmen who died in the war, many of whose remains still lie in Flanders fields.