Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Coffey, to the House and offer my condolences to him. I have not had the opportunity privately to do so. As he will be aware, I served with his father for many years on the then General Council of County Councils and we were good friends. I sympathise with him on his bereavement.

All parties are supporting this amendment of the Constitution. A bit like the other amendment, it is almost as if political parties are afraid to say "No" anymore. I can see some reasons, for example, that it was proposed by the Constitutional Convention.

It raises some questions. Why is it a good idea to have somebody in his or her 20s? When he or she is probably at university or other education, and out enjoying life, why would it be appropriate for us to lock him or her up in Áras an Uachtaráin? I can think of a whole lot of things I would rather be doing in my 20s than being in Áras an Uachtaráin and making the occasional statement with all the inhibitions which are on it, but perhaps there are persons who would like to do that. The other point I would make, which has been said by some of my colleagues, is that democracy means positions should be open and maybe there should be no impediment to those in their 20s to put themselves forward if they are interested in attaining these positions.

There is a high regard, as my colleague, Senator Mooney, stated, among the Irish people for the position of Uachtaráin na hÉireann. There is a long tradition where that position is seen to be above politics and is well respected. It is interesting that in the current climate, when politicians, regardless of their hue or political party, are to put it mildly not looked up to and are not the flavour of the month, the Presidency rises above that. There is a great deal of respect for the current incumbent, as there was for his predecessors. I knew the past number of Presidents. I probably would have know the late President Hillery best. He was a very fine gentleman who impressed all who met him.He did not project himself or seek the limelight but he was highly impressive in the role of President. He did a lot to resurrect respect for the Presidency following the disasters of the 1970s where the position was ridiculed by a senior Minister and an incumbent had to resign. All those who have held the office have distinguished themselves and provided leadership.

A common thread that can be identified in regard to all the occupants is that they had significant life experience which they were able to bring to bear on their position as President, on the areas they prioritised and in their statements and public pronouncements. Oratory can be used to provide leadership and it certainly provides an outlet for people, particularly in difficult times. Our current President has been exemplary in that regard, making several very good speeches with which many members of the public have empathised. A young person might be able to do the same but his or her perspective would probably be a little different.

Will the Minister of State indicate why this proposal from the Constitutional Convention was selected to accompany the referendum on the redefinition of marriage, which will take place on the same day? Moving forward with another of the convention's proposals relating to the Presidency, namely, the proposal to extend the franchise to all people resident on this island, North and South, and to all members of the diaspora who hold Irish citizenship, would, in my view, have represented a progressive step towards inclusiveness as we approach the centenary next year of the Easter Rising. It would have sent an important signal to people.

We have had debates in this House on many occasions about the plight of those people who are endeavouring to buy their own houses and those who are in negative equity and paying exorbitant rates simply because the banks have not been tackled on their decisions to increase the margin they apply over the cost of funds. People who are struggling to make ends meet are suffering because of this and some are struggling to avoid repossessions. Against that background, the decision to hold a referendum on the proposal we are discussing today is perhaps indicative of a Government whose priorities are somewhat skewed. It would be far better to direct our energies towards dealing with the fallout from the economic collapse and striving to assist people.

It comes down to a question of choices. I had a discussion with a gay man at the weekend about the referendum to redefine marriage. This man noted that it will cost €21 million to run the two referenda. In his opinion, this money could be so much better spent. If, he said, the money were used to provide HIV testing to people who are homosexual, among whom there is an increase in the numbers affected by HIV, it would be a far better expenditure of the money.