I recall that a few years ago, there was an advertisement for a press officer in the Aras. One of the requirements which I found astonishing at the time was for the successful candidate to have a political outlook similar to that of the President (not the exact words, but that was the gist).the protocol is that every President gets their speeches cleared by the government.
Well you've got a few more years of this to suffer through. Plenty of time to prepare your (right wing?) campaign to replace MDH !! LOLHe’s not a politician. He’s the President. He’s meant to be above politics. He is meant to get his speeches cleared by the Government. He’s meant to be above his personal biases but he’s so arrogant and egotistical that he thinks his opinions are more important than the constitutional obligations of his office.
He's both the President and a politician.No, he'sa former politician. Now he's the President.
Now, now, Purple! That's a bit naughty of you. Not alone have you omitted the important and relevant words that precede your selective quote from the Constitution, you also woefully misinterpret it. The bit you quote ONLY applies in the context of the words that precede it, namely: "The powers and functions conferred on the President by this Constitution shall be exercisable and performable by him..."He is meant to represent all of the people of Ireland. He's required to carry out his function "only on the advice of the government, save where it is provided by this Constitution that he shall act in his absolute discretion or after consultation with or in relation to the Council of State, or on the advice or nomination of, or on receipt of any other communication from, any other person or body. In other words he shouldn't be making political statements without clearing it with the Government.
See above. Only required when it's an address to the Nation or to the Oireachtas as specifically set out in the Constitution. "Protocol" is nothing more than habit. Either getting clearance in all circumstances is a constitutional requirement or it isn't. And it isn't. It may be done (and often is) as a courtesy, but there's no requirement to do so.I didn't say it was. the protocol is that every President gets their speeches cleared by the government.
Yeah, to a point, I'll concede that to you.Yes, judges, sports referees and, usually, the President of this country.
We should go back to the days where it went to the guy ( now person) with the lowest golf handicap. They have to spend so much at golf no time for other mischief.Well you've got a few more years of this to suffer through. Plenty of time to prepare your (right wing?) campaign to replace MDH !! LOL
The Constitution specifies two political functions for the President, but only in those the specific circumstances.the President is given two very political functions which he exercises at his absolute discretion. One is the power to refuse a dissolution, and a general election, to a Taoiseach who has lost the confidence of the Dáil. That is the very essence of a highly political decision, and it is utter nonsense to suggest that it should (or even could) be exercised in a non-political manner. Thus the Constitution itself has baked in a political role for the President.
No, that's specious nonsense. The President cannot have an overtly political role as it will put him at odds with the Government. The people through their Parliament are sovereign. The President cannot adopt a role that undermines that. Every other president since the foundation of the State understood that and acted accordingly. Mickie D understands it too but he doesn't care because he thinks he's more important than his office.The idea that it's "above politics" is specious nonsense that's been given legs by lazy journalists wanting a controversy, and perhaps encouraged by lazy past Presidents more interested in their golf handicap than playing an active political role.
See above.ee above. Only required when it's an address to the Nation or to the Oireachtas as specifically set out in the Constitution. "Protocol" is nothing more than habit. Either getting clearance in all circumstances is a constitutional requirement or it isn't. And it isn't. It may be done (and often is) as a courtesy, but there's no requirement to do so.
Ok, progress of sorts. You accept the Presidency has at least two political functions. It can't, therefore, be "above politics" as is so often lazily claimed.The Constitution specifies two political functions for the President, but only in those the specific circumstances.
But wait. What about that political power to refuse a Taoiseach a dissolution? That would surely put him "at odds with the Government" yet that is precisely the power that the Constitution confers on him.No, that's specious nonsense. The President cannot have an overtly political role as it will put him at odds with the Government.
Careful now. The people's sovereignty is not exclusively given effect through Parliament (more correctly, the Oireachtas) but also through the other organs of State such as the Presidency, the Cabinet and the Supreme Court. It's called Separation of Powers. As we can readily see from the UK, the doctrine of Parliamentary Supremacy is far from a good thing.The people through their Parliament are sovereign.
Well, he can actually. Sometimes it is his duty to do so.The President cannot adopt a role that undermines that.
Mary Robinson often clashed with Government. Anyway, just because most past Presidents holed up in the Areas, and didn't do controversial stuff, doesn't compel their successors to do likewise.Every other president since the foundation of the State understood that and acted accordingly.
Well, yes, can't disagree with that!!Mickie D understands it too but he doesn't care because he thinks he's more important than his office.
I never claimed the President didn't have constitutional functions that have an impact on politics but that's not the same as being political. i.e. taking a position on political matters which are the bread and butter of our Parliament.Ok, progress of sorts. You accept the Presidency has at least two political functions. It can't, therefore, be "above politics" as is so often lazily claimed.
No, it doesn't. He has specific powers in relation when he can and can't dissolve the Dáil.But wait. What about that political power to refuse a Taoiseach a dissolution? That would surely put him "at odds with the Government" yet that is precisely the power that the Constitution confers on him.
So you accept the separation of powers. That's progress. It's more than Mickey D accepts.Careful now. The people's sovereignty is not exclusively given effect through Parliament (more correctly, the Oireachtas) but also through the other organs of State such as the Presidency, the Cabinet and the Supreme Court. It's called Separation of Powers. As we can readily see from the UK, the doctrine of Parliamentary Supremacy is far from a good thing.
No, he can't. He can refuse to sign legislation that he thinks is unconstitutional and he has specific powers in relation to ending a term of Parliament. That's it.Well, he can actually. Sometimes it is his duty to do so.
Yes, and she was wrong to do so.Mary Robinson often clashed with Government.
I agree completely. They should respect their office and stay our of politics though.Anyway, just because most past Presidents holed up in the Areas, and didn't do controversial stuff, doesn't compel their successors to do likewise.
Good.Well, yes, can't disagree with that!!
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