Pushing the boundaries and using the Office of President to encourage the emergence of a more caring, inclusive society has been the hallmark of Ireland's last three presidents: Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese and Michael D Higgins.
What began as a tentative, exploratory activity, following decades of self-imposed remoteness by previous incumbents – because of restrictions implied by the Constitution – has become a more confident assertion of values.
Comments by President Higgins concerning the failure to include reform of the direct provision system in negotiations for Government, along with his advocacy of greater local authority involvement in building social housing, has generated behind-the-scenes criticism. His predecessors received similar treatment when they offended against prevailing attitudes and conventions.
In supporting human rights, Mary Robinson ignored the government of the day and met with the Dalai Lama. She advocated a pluralist, outward-looking society and caused upset when she shook the hand of Gerry Adams in Belfast.
Mary McAleese reached out to the marginalised; championed the integration of immigrants and a sharing of wealth and expressed progressive views on homosexuality and the ordination of women. President Higgins has been a consistent critic of neo-liberal economic policy and its damaging impact on traditional social supports.
Constitutional lawyers disagree over whether the content of day-to-day interviews and speeches by a President should be subject to Government approval, as applies to formally sanctioned addresses to the Houses of the Oireachtas. Direct confrontation on policy matters is not, however, contemplated.
The President is not a mute figurehead. He or she has specific powers and, in certain circumstances, can exercise political judgment and discretion as a neutral arbiter.
The Constitutional Review Group commented: “From the President, the people seek a reflection of their highest values and aspirations”. In spite of complaints from certain quarters that boundaries have been crossed, they are getting that.