Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A candidate needs the nomination of four county councils or 20 Oireachtas Members. There are two issues up for decision on this occasion. Two issues at a time is enough to deal with because it would be confusing and virtually impossible to decide five or six issues at one time. Seven or more issues were put forward previously. It would be virtually impossible for people to get through that number without the requisite skills.I firmly believe that the people of Ireland, when given the choice of a younger candidate on the ballot paper, will be able to decide for themselves whether that candidate has the required level of skill. Dr. Eoin O'Malley, in a 2011 article, said that the Presidential election in Ireland shows that candidates were persistently criticised if they did not have the requisite specific responsibilities or qualifications for the role and those criticisms helped people decide whether or not to vote for a particular candidate. The evidence suggests that in Irish presidential election campaigns voters take a candidate's experience and qualifications seriously and focus on a candidate's suitability for the post.

Honesty and the question of who is the best candidate to represent Ireland abroad were key criteria and our young people have represented us ably abroad on many occasions. They would not let us down as President but it will be up to the Irish people to decide. The constitutional convention will be discussed at a later date but I will support this Bill and hope it is supported throughout the House.