Sir, – When I first began watching and listening to the pitches being made by some of the presidential candidates, I thought that they had simply not read the Constitution, or if they had, had not understood it.
Then I began to wonder if there is another possibility: that they have indeed understood it, but are banking on the majority of the voters never having read it. This leaves them free to make all sorts of claims about what they would do if elected despite the fact that the Constitution clearly sets out the role of the president and just what the president can, or cannot, do.
The only real surprise is that none of the aspiring presidents has yet promised that if elected they will most certainly drain the Shannon. – Yours, etc,
BILL MATTHEWS,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Sir, – Gavin Duffy is the only candidate who offers clear plan for young people during his presidency. He understands the important contribution we make to society and will do everything in his power to give people a voice.
By electing Mr Duffy, Ireland will thrive as a beacon of stability in a turbulent world. – Yours, etc,
CIAN BYRNE,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.
A chara, – This newspaper’s editorial of October 4th suggests that President Michael D Higgins should clear his diary as far as possible for the duration of the election. I disagree. We are paying Michael D to be a president not a candidate. If his performance of his presidential duties should happen to enhance, or indeed hinder, his campaign, so be it. – Is mise,
Rev PATRICK G BURKE,
Castlecomer,
Co Kilkenny.