Democratically elected president for the EU

THE presidency of the European Union certainly needs to be revised (’Blair pushes for full-time EU President’, The Irish Examiner, April 16). If the current format is maintained after next January, there would be a 12½ year wait between each member nation’s six-month term.

To enhance a connection between the people of Europe and the political structure of the EU, the official serving as President should be elected by direct popular vote.

But to avoid a few large nations from dominating the process, a candidate should be required to obtain not only an overall popular vote majority but also a popular vote majority in a majority of the member nations.

If three or more candidates were contesting the election, a proportional representation ballot could be used. An alternative would be to hold a run-off election between the top two candidates if no-one obtained the required majority.

The success of the European Union greatly depends on its becoming a true joining of the peoples of Europe in beneficial partnership for all. A popularly elected President would help achieve this goal.

Dan Donovan,

Dungarvan,

Co Waterford.