Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Therefore, this measure could have a very limiting effect on the number of candidates who might present themselves in a presidential election. It is inherently unfair, particularly in light of the efforts being made to bring the Presidency closer to the people, to make it more involved and more open and to ensure it is part and parcel of everyday life. In that context, surely the President should have a legitimate mandate from the people. It is critically important for that mandate to be given in a healthy democratic contest. It gives the President legitimacy and brings him or her closer to the people. This amendment is worthy in that context. It seems that in sweeping the Seanad aside, the Government is not willing to tell us what will replace the current process in order to ensure healthy presidential contests continue to take place. At the moment, many candidates can be facilitated by Members of the Oireachtas, which is critically important. If the Minister has a proposal, we would like to hear it.

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