Presidency must be poised

PRESIDENTIAL MOMENT  President Mary McAleese talking with US President Barack Obama in the Drawing Room of Áras an UachtarΡin in May 2011. Pic: Pete Souza, then Official White House Photographer

THE Presidential Election should not be about whipping up prejudice. Nor should it be about pitting one section of our society against another. Indeed, it should not be about candidates using the privilege of their wealth to cynically improve their profile.
During these final days of the Presidential campaign to elect the tenth UachtarΡn na hÉireann, the majority of citizens are breathing a sigh of relief.
It is no wonder. This campaign has truly reached a new low. So much so that Iar-UachtarΡn Mary Robinson’s symbolic candle in the window welcoming all the diaspora into the Áras could seem like a naïve otherworld that disappeared with the crash of the Celtic Tiger.
Wouldn’t that be a shame? That candle reflected an extraordinary presidency that saw Robinson bring her message of inclusiveness to isolated communities in rural Ireland, to deprived communities in town and country, and to Irish emigrant communities around the world.

Power
While the President’s role is often viewed as largely symbolic, it is also worth remembering that among his or her many duties is the power to formally appoint the Government and, indeed, dissolve it, on the advice of the Taoiseach. In these economically and politically precarious times – with the continued impasse over Brexit – this country needs to have absolute confidence in its First Citizen.
In this multimedia age, one could argue that our President is ‘Influencer-in-Chief’ on the world stage. There is no question about how well Michael D Higgins has acquitted himself during his many trips abroad over the last seven years as this country’s ‘Ambassador-in-Chief’. Indeed, he followed in the impressive footsteps of Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, both of whom elevated the role of the presidency to a new level. Their tenures were underpinned by intelligence, dignity, gravitas and inspiring and imaginative progressiveness.

Legacy  
Michael D Higgins has undoubtedly continued this legacy. Study the poetry of his speeches; the politics of fairness and equality always espoused in his addresses; the graciousness that he and the First Lady, Sabina, bring to every engagement, whether it is hosting foreign dignitaries such as Pope Francis or a multicultural group of Irish citizens.
His fluency in our native language is another important skill that must not be underestimated as we use our distinctive culture as a marketing tool around the globe. Liadh Ní Riada is the only other candidate who speaks Irish fluently.     
Clearly, it can be argued that his long apprenticeship as a Labour Party TD and Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (from 1994 to 1997) prepared and equipped him for this role.
But the cut and thrust of being a Government deputy does not automatically endow one with the qualities needed for such a role.
Michael D Higgins has categorically proven his suitability during the last seven years. The fact that he is 56 percent ahead of his nearest rival, SeΡn Gallagher, in this weekend’s Red C poll for The Sunday Business Post is compelling proof of the nation’s approval. This huge lead has been reflected in all the polls taken throughout the campaign to  date. The latest surveyed 1,000 voters from Thursday, October 11, to Wednesday, October 17. It leaves Mr Higgins at 68 percent, Mr Gallagher at 12 percent, Liadh Ní Riada at 9 percent, Joan Freeman at 6 percent, Gavin Duffy at 3 percent and Peter Casey at 2 percent.

Side shows
Of course, questions raised in recent weeks about the spending of taxpayers’ monies must be addressed. Of course, the President should be accountable to the people. But isn’t that up to the Government and its civil service to ensure such regulations are in place?
While welcoming an election, as voters, we should not be distracted by all the side shows. The role of our UachtarΡn may be largely a ceremonial one, but ceremony celebrates our rich culture and ensures our pride in ourselves as an island nation, as a country that likes to punch above its weight on the world stage.