Michael D Higgins re-elected - Masterclass undermines democracy

Take a bow, Ireland. At a moment when so many once reliable societies shy away from the never-ending challenge of sustaining progressive, tolerant, welcoming, largely decent societies, we re-elected a president whose half-century political career has been dedicated to the long and always democratic pursuit of those noble, uplifting ideals.

Michael D Higgins re-elected - Masterclass undermines democracy

Take a bow, Ireland. At a moment when so many once reliable societies shy away from the never-ending challenge of sustaining progressive, tolerant, welcoming, largely decent societies, we re-elected a president whose half-century political career has been dedicated to the long and always democratic pursuit of those noble, uplifting ideals.

As ever, context is everything. This weekend that is provided by Brazil where Jair Bolsonaro was expected to be elected president in a swing to the darkest, repressive right. An advocate of torture and a supporter of those who dangerously exploit finite natural resources, Bolsonaro seems a despot in waiting. He will join a lengthening list of trigger-happy autocrats all too happy to ignore legal and moral norms. He is the polar opposite of Michael D Higgins, who was re-elected on 56% of the vote — 822,566 backers. This is highest individual vote achieved in the eight elections since the office was established in 1938. That simple statistic tells many stories.

One underlines the masterclass in practical politics offered by Mr Higgins. It also underlines the advantage an incumbent has. He managed the agenda, he managed the timetable of events — presidential or campaigning — in a way that those who would usurp him could only follow. They, with one exception, accepted the terms he set. He did that so completely that there was never a doubt — despite an earlier one-term-only promise and his age — that he would be re-elected. His endorsement by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and swathes of Official Ireland ensured that. Despite that universal support, or maybe because of it, the choreography seemed too slick, far too close to a foregone conclusion to stand as a template for admirable democracy.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar hinted at this when he suggested it may be time to review the presidency. Indeed, it is not too hard to imagine that he and Micheál Martin may regret not using this election to better access the public mood.

Another lesson is the indifference to the united Ireland agenda. Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada came fourth on 6.37%. Despite Brexit, this seems a sea change. Is it possible that as we prepare to mark significant centenaries, this issue does not burn as ferociously as it did in the old gods’ time? It may be sacrilegious to ask that question but the evidence, even if incomplete, cannot be ignored.

Peter Casey’s contribution cannot be ignored either. His remarks about Travellers pushed him to 23% but they were widely excoriated. No one used Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” phrase about Mr Casey’s supporters, but it was the unspoken subtext of his critics. That Clintonesque hubris means this real issue remains dangerously off-limits. We must finally find a way to honestly and fairly address it.

All being well, Mr Higgins will be in office until 2025 and, despite minor misgivings, if he represents Ireland with the dignity and active conscience he has shown over the last seven years, he can take a bow. He was by far the best candidate even if in an unwisely limited field. Ironically, by showing a masterful understanding of the working of politics, he may have further undermined our democratic process

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