THE PRESIDENCY remains one of a small number of trusted institutions in Irish life. That has not happened by accident but as a result of the hard work and dedication of successive presidents, most significantly by Mary Robinson and by the present incumbent Mary McAleese. Their contributions at national and international levels have raised the profile and the status of the office to where it generates a quiet public pride. It would be intolerable if that good work is damaged in any way by party political machinations.
Agreement now exists between the major parties that the Seanad should be abolished and a referendum is likely to be put to the people next year. At a time when the Oireachtas is being restructured in such a fundamental fashion, the role of the presidency in articulating the aims and aspirations of the Irish people and in encouraging social solidarity is likely to become more important. In spite of that, a planned constitutional commission will only be asked to consider reducing the term in office from seven to five years. It should also review existing constraints. Under the Constitution the Government may confer additional functions by law.
During previous presidential election campaigns, candidates spoke of a need to expand the role of the office and to bring it closer to the people. As with Seanad reform, however, governments did not agree and declined to take legislative action. In spite of that reluctance, Mrs Robinson and Mrs McAleese reinvigorated the presidency through their personal commitment and imagination. Next week, President McAleese will host the first visit of a British monarch since the foundation of the State. That is appropriate in view of her dedication – and that of her husband, Martin – to the promotion of peace and reconciliation on this island and the normalisation of relations with Britain. In addition to high-profile support for the peace process in Northern Ireland, she has also championed community development and offered support to self-help groups and young activists.
The announcement by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin that party councillors will be free to nominate Independent candidates, in order to provide the electorate with the widest possible choice, flatters to deceive. The reality is that Fianna Fáil no longer controls a sufficient number of councils to ensure a nomination. The initiative may have been designed to embarrass Fine Gael, which has attempted to block the nomination of Senator David Norris and to prepare the ground for an unprecedented situation where Fianna Fáil may not put forward a candidate.
Whatever about Mr Martin’s motivation, few would argue against the benefits of offering the electorate a wide choice of substantial candidates, irrespective of their political affiliations. Fine Gael and the Labour Party are committed to contesting the election. So should Fianna Fáil. It is, arguably, more important now that Ireland has a Head of State of national standing to represent us among the nations of the world than at any other time in history.