A Letter from Ireland
a Chara,
It’s that time of the year when holidays seem like a distant memory, and planning is underway for the coming political term.
This week, the Irish Government set the date for the presidential election for October 24th. The incumbent, Michael D. Higgins, has termed out, so we will have a new Uachtarán na hÉireann (President of Ireland).
At present, no candidates have officially received nominations, but Heather Humphries TD from Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly TD with the backing of Labour, Social Democrats, and People Before Profit have the support to reach the threshold for nominations. Fianna Fáil is running a primary to agree on its candidate.
Sinn Féin will make known their approach of either endorsing an existing candidate or running a party representative before the close of nominations.
Several non-party-aligned candidates are seeking official nomination and will require the support of local councils or independent members of the parliament to get on the ballot paper.
The nomination process will be concluded by September 24th, at which point we will have a full list of candidates.
The role of Uachtarán na hÉireann is the official head of state and is charged with ensuring that Bills passed by the parliament are consistent with the constitution before being signed into law. The President is not seen only as the Head of State but of the Irish Nation.
Yet Irish Citizens in the North and abroad cannot vote in the election. A right that is provided by 122 other nations. U.S. citizens living in Ireland can vote in U.S. presidential elections, yet Irish Citizens living in the US cannot vote in Irish Presidential elections.
An Irish Citizen living in the North of Ireland can be a candidate and be elected as President, but cannot vote in the election!
The role of President, while operating within constitutional constraints, is shaped by the incumbent. For many years, the office was largely ceremonial, with most Presidents being former members of Fianna Fáil-led governments. The necessary constitutional tension between the Government and the President was absent.
Both Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese remoulded the Presidency to be an active and open office, not only protecting but promoting constitutional rights and aspirations while defining the Irish nation beyond the confines of the state.
The constitution makes clear that Irish Unity is the “firm will” of the Irish Nation. An incoming President must meet the challenges of the day and the aspirations of the nation. Building a new and united Ireland is a constitutional imperative. We are likely to see referendums on the issue within the term of the next President. The role of Uachtarán na hÉireann should be to lead that process and promote the cause of Irish Unity. We need a President who will be a President for all of Ireland and all it’s citizens.
Have a great weekend,
Is mise,
Ciarán
Ciarán Quinn is the Sinn Féin Representative to North America
