The President of Ireland is one of the most recognisable figures in this state. They manage a busy diary of domestic and international engagements. A President also plays host to events in Áras an Uachtaráin and welcomes almost every head of state visiting the Emerald Isle. This position has been an accelerant of change but there are some elements of the office which need to be adjusted.
The Presidency must captivate the imagination of Irish people. Citizens cannot feel that ascension to the position is impossible. One critical reform is reducing the age at which a person can stand for this office. In 2015, there was a referendum to lower this age from thirty five to twenty one. The ballot was comprehensively rejected but I think we can revisit a similar poll again. The age should be reduced to twenty eight or thirty. This would open the Presidency to a new group of people. There are a significant number of individuals within this age bracket who would be ready to assume the role. Young Irish people are sought by Multinationals and other businesses. As a result, we must assist their ambition and determination to run for high office. I feel that this move would increase turnout at Presidential Elections and encourage greater interest in the position.
During the last Presidential Election in 2018, there were murmurs about reducing the term from seven to five years. This would reinvigorate interest in this office. It could make way for greater scope to debate the next steps for our country. In a general election, people have discussions about the future of the nation every five years or so. The Presidency does not receive the same level of coverage. I know about the power difference between a Taoiseach and President. However, the role of first citizen must be debated frequently to build efficiency and help broaden appeal.
Aside from reform of the Presidency, we need to examine campaigning. Any citizens willing to stand for the role must be tested. However, no candidate or their family should suffer irreversible damage. I worry that highly qualified people will be discouraged from running because of the sheer bitterness of campaigning. Standing for the office should be a test and not a trial for the individuals participating. Irish people are known around the world for kindness and this should be reflected in Presidential Elections.
The President of Ireland will continue to inspire people for years to come. When these reforms are implemented, future administrations will be enhanced. This article examines the immediate steps which must be taken to improve the role and broaden accessibility. If people lose interest in the Presidency, our nation will inevitably suffer the consequences.
By Cian Byrne.
On the 10th April this year, I had the honour of meeting the President of the European Council Donald Tusk. The chance to greet this pinnacle of European democracy occurred after his speech to the UCD Law Society. Mr Tusk, who was Poland’s longest serving Prime Minister, was in the University to receive a lifetime membership of the society. This is an honour which was bestowed on many people before him including Judge Judy Sheindlin and Former Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald.
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