The Irish Independent's View: The presidency should be about the next generation, not the next general election

Presidential coronations clash with the office's democratic nature because presidential elections recur every seven years and require citizens' choice rather than automatic elevation. The presidency should provide a representative, non-partisan societal voice focused on national identity and future generations rather than short-term electoral calculations. Modern presidents like Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins have injected dynamism, social energy and outspoken, principled commentary into the role. Public interest in presidential candidates signals democratic vitality and how attuned parties are to voters. Political parties should prioritize selecting the best national candidate quickly, looking beyond partisan advantage, and avoid delaying nominations.

In many ways, the race for the Áras is unique. Ordinarily, positions in public life are swayed by political expediency and partisanship, but the representative role of the presidency is less about the machinations of power and more about offering a relevant societal voice, reflecting our interests and identity. The office-holder is not burdened with concerns about the next general election, and ought therefore to have more of an eye for the next generation.

With all due respect to the six men who had previ­ously filled the office, it took the arrival of Mary Robinson, and Mary McAleese after her, to introduce real dynamism and social energy to the role. Michael D Higgins has maintained that vibrant pulse. He has spoken out freely - some might say too freely - on a number of difficult domestic and global issues. Whether one agreed with him or not, his positions were articulate, authoritative and authentic.

Interest in who fills the position is often a good indicator as to the vitality of the democratic process itself. It is also a measure of how in-touch individual parties truly are with the people. Parties must put their candidates before the public as soon as possible to let them make up their minds. That is why it was disappointing to see such non-committal attitudes to nominations until this week.

Read at Irish Independent