Sir, – As if our system of nominating presidential candidates by means of local council subscription wasn’t injurious enough to the idea of the putative “Republic” in which we live, the Mayor of Galway Hildegarde Naughton heaps insult upon that injury by refusing to even allow an aspirant presidential candidate address the council which she heads (Home News, July 12th). Leaving aside her speedy back-pedalling, what sort of system is this, that grants so much power to parish pumpers in their little fiefdoms, for what is after all a national election to choose our global representative?
Is there no end to the parochialism of Irish politics? The power to elect – and nominate – all candidates for any public office in a real Republic should rest with the citizens. High time our new Government got a move on with that much bruited constitutional convention so we can expunge this and other ridiculous elements from our Constitution. – Yours, etc,
OWEN CORRIGAN,
Thomas Street,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – I agree with your correspondent Martin Ford (July 11th) on two points.
First, the real question to be posed to the people is, do we need the office of president for this Republic? Aside from the “performances” of individual incumbents, good and bad, the stark reality is that the office itself is a remnant of a now outdated British colonial system. The roles of taoiseach and president could and should be merged.
Second, the issue of costs, although not a determining factor, is certainly relevant in these difficult times. With so many of our citizens being asked to bear excessive economic burdens for the foreseeable future, the office of the presidency may be seen legitimately as a luxury that we neither need nor can we afford. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK NOLAN,
Bray Road,
Loughlinstown, Dublin 18.
Sir, – Councillor Jimmy O’Shaughnessy of the Labour Party told a meeting of Wicklow County Council that all candidates for the presidency “should be given the opportunity to come before the people of Ireland” (Home News, July 5th). His party colleague, Councillor John Byrne said that the nomination process is “a restriction on democracy”.
Three cheers for both men and three cheers for democracy. Oh, and two cheers for Éamon Gilmore and Enda Kenny who are, in effect, trying to block the nomination of outstanding candidates such as David Norris and Mary Davis. – Yours, etc,
DENIS O’CALLAGHAN,
Oakdown Court,
Convent Avenue,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.