Presidential Election: An irrelevancy

by countess mark o'spitz Wed Sep 22, 2004 23:16

Why didn't he come out with this BEFORE the 'socialist' parties pulled out of the competition?

by Michael Hennigan Wed Sep 22, 2004 23:56

This week 2 Irish Times columnists- Fintan O'Toole and Vincent Browne- bemoaned the failure to use the opportunity of a Pres. election to have a radical agenda discussed.

Of course it's always easier to be the hurler on the ditch and to dismiss the upcoming by-elections as 'inconsequential.' However, what would the reality of a Pres. campaign be over a few weeks.?

The runaway favourite could only respond to non-controversial issues while being whisked around the country in a State car. The mainstream media would use their usual database lists to provide bods for so-called debates on issues and the Irish Times would give over its Letters page to a balanced selection of views.

In the aftermath of the election, the media would turn attention to the final 2 wks of the US elections and the Irish Pres election would be rapidly forgotten. Doesn't it seem like a long time ago since the Olympics gripped a lot of our attention?

Rather than promoting the case for a Pres. election, the mainstream media would be better served by devoting staff and resources to investigating serious issues which afflict our society. That approach is likely to have a much greater impact than a brief 'national debate' during a Pres. election campaign.

by sean g Thu Sep 23, 2004 12:26

Joe,

I agree with you, but Vincent Salaffia needs your support - he does not need your endorsement, just your nomination so he can get the issues debated.

You could offer a small gesture for Irish democracy (and think less about your small irrelevent party for once) and give your nomination to Mr Salaffia.

an election that debates the issues is in the interests of democracy

-sg

by hs - sp Thu Sep 23, 2004 20:16

Well you've won us over sean g, tell me are you working for mary mac by any chance? Probably Vincent could do without your help. I can imagine your canvassing, "you stupid little person with your worthless house, the least you can do is vote for vincent!" Have fun out there (and remember to duck)

by Michelle Clarke - In search of Social Justice and Ethics Please Sun Sep 26, 2004 01:16

Joe

I am glad you wrote.

I would like to add some concepts.

First; let me re-iterate that the Island of Ireland has a Constitution and the said constitution is an indication of Nationhood. Our Constitution was the subject of a Review in 1996 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Thomas Whitaker.

It is the constitution that in fact codifies POLITICAL CULTURE. Our Constitution has evolved from Dail Eireann 1919; to the Constitution of the Free State and Bunreacht na hEireann 1937). Political culture is about identity formation.

Identity involves dimensions from philosophy i.e. the Sinn Fein philosphy that brought about the 1916 rising; to the 1930's focus on agriculture; to the Shannon Free development orchestrated by men like Dr. T.K. Whitaker, Minister Sean Lemass.........to the Celtic Tiger of the 1990's much assisted by European Funds.

The Constitution defines the power of public authorities. It imposes legal controls on government powers.

The President is our Head of State. The role stands apart from the executive. To extend the powers of the President to enable her to act in the area of the executive. It is clear that this would be in contravention of the Separation of Powers that forms the basis of our democracy. The President, after all, CAN REFER LEGISLATION TO THE SUPREME COURT (Refer Article 26). This ensures the most important reality: i.e.CHECKS AND BALANCES .........This is infrequently used but it exists.

The Separation of Powers (SOP) is about the separation of 'ORGANS of STATE'. The Supreme Court monitors the powers of the executive (the corruptions of the 1980's now outed by tribunals in 2004) provides one example.

There is a saying 'Justice needs to be seen to be done'.

In the light of the foregoing; surely the points outlined by people like Joe Higgins; Dana Scallon; Michael D. Higgins; E. Ryan and others who were brave enough to put themselves forward to contest against President McAleese's re-election.

Ireland is to move forward and this embraces challenge and change. We seek to move to area of 'Knowledge' . It is time for the Taoiseach to promote this 'Knowledge' and ensure that the Separation of Powers is treated with due respect.

Dana surely has gained experience as an MEP and is more credible than has been portrayed.

Michael D. Higgins - He speaks for himself in his 'hands on approach to Mr. Bigley' hostage in Iraq.

Quote from Michelle
Bertrand Russell
'Into every tidy scheme for arranging the pattern of human life, it is necessary to inject a certain dose of anarchism - enough to prevent immobility leading to decay, but not enough to bring about disruption'

Reminder:
The Peace Process - Outcome abeyance. We need to stave off immobility leading to decay.........surely we need change...........particularly in the Organs that supposedly ensure the Separation of Powers.

A thought: Recently there was a programme on President McAleese's term of office. It was most impressive but caused slight concern to me to see Mr. McAleese involved with a paramilitary group..........I question the timing.....


Michelle

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics - Please Tue Sep 28, 2004 01:07

At long last, Galway has made an impact and Dana Scallan has a mimimal amount of support.

We need to support those willing to contest what will be a fourteen year run for Presidency for President McAleese, if there is no contest.

Similar to Fianna Fail, the Presidency role appears to be the formation of an establishment approach of 'block booking' of power. Ireland moves towards new dimensions of a so called Knowledge economy and if this is so then people ought to embrace change.

Michael D. Higgins ought to have had the support of the Labour party and Fine Gael.

Likewise, where are Sinn Fein? The Constitution, demoracy, checks and balances ought to have left you more open minded to those willing to put themselves forward for the role of Presidency.

Likewise Dana Rosemary Scallan ought to have had the support also. After all, Dana has represented Ireland abroad as an MEP for the last 5 years. Surely, she must have gained a wealth of experience as an MEP. At least she has courage.

Has anyone a method of contact Dana Scallon via email. If so, I would appreciate her address?

Mr. Salafia appears to making inroads....Well done to him and his team. Let's ensure democracy and make it available to those willing to go forward.

A quote:

Gandhi
'You have to be the change you want to see'

This sums up Dana's single minded approach to ensure our constitutional rights.