NEWTON'S OPTIC:THERE MUST never be a presidential election like this again. The time has come to consider other ways of appointing a head of state.
Hereditary monarchy
Despite its British associations, kingship has an ancient Irish pedigree and a new royal line was even proposed by some of the 1916 traitors. The founder of this new line could be chosen at random, but history shows some initial seizure of power helps establish authority. Whoever wins tomorrow could be crowned and told to pass the title to their heirs. Of course, if David Norris wins he will have to adopt an heir, which could add a minor complication.
Multiple heads of state
Gay Mitchell has suggested a dual monarchy-presidency for Northern Ireland, modelled on Andorra. For the Republic he may be more interested in the Swiss model, where everyone in the seven-member Federal Council gets to be head of state for a year. With seven candidates in this election and seven years in an Irish presidential term, now would be the perfect time to try it.
South African model
In South Africa the president is elected by parliament. Applied to the current crop of candidates, not only would this give us Gay Mitchell but it would be Mitchell who could compare himself to Nelson Mandela.
Vatican model
Technically a head of state, the pope is elected by a conclave of cardinals. Applying this approach to the current candidates would give us Dana, who is no worse than all the rest of them.
Libyan model (former)
Contrary to popular belief Col Gadafy had not been Libya’s president since 1979, when he officially transferred this role to the speaker of the people’s congress. He retained only the ceremonial title of “Guide of the Revolution”. There is one day left for President McAleese to seize the initiative and transfer her powers to the Ceann Comhairle, before declaring herself “Guide of the Rising”.
Putin two-step
Before his two-term limit expired, Russian president Vladimir Putin struck a deal with his successor to become prime minister. It is expected the two men will swap roles again at a future date, perhaps more than once. In Ireland the prime minister often appoints the president but the same idea of endlessly swapping heads of state and government could still apply. Or at least, it could have applied while Fianna Fáil was still in charge.
President for life
A common and straightforward approach, especially favoured in Africa, quietly favoured in Latin America and even more quietly favoured in Sinn Féin, especially when Gerry Adams is in Cuba. Declaring tomorrow’s winner president for life would deliver all the efficiencies of a monarchy without the embarrassments of hereditary succession, unless the president for life later declared themselves emperor, as admittedly they sometimes do.
North Korean model
Kim Il-sung remains the president of North Korea despite having died in 1994. It is a common misconception that his son Kim Jong-il inherited the title. In fact, Kim Jong-il is merely head of the ruling party, serving under his “eternal president” father. Ireland could adopt this model by making Éamon de Valera eternal president. But would that mean making Éamon Ó Cuív taoiseach?