Sir, – Thomas Murphy (January 29th) believes that the only alternative to a parliamentary-appointed president for Australia is "a presidential republic, as in the United States or France". What about a directly elected president, with an essentially ceremonial role, along the lines of the system in place in Ireland? Such a system would give Australia a new head of state chosen by the people, with essentially the same role as the current one.
As for the 1999 referendum, it is true that a majority voted no. However, the margin was narrow, and there is an important difference between people voting against the idea of a parliamentary appointed president, and voting in favour of retaining the monarchy.
I am not sure if we will get another chance to vote on this issue again soon. However, if we do, I believe that the question put to the people should simply be whether to retain the monarchy or to become a republic. The procedure for determining a president could then be determined by a further referendum, if necessary. – Yours, etc,
PAT DIGNAM,
Marcus Beach,
Queensland, Australia.