Presidential term of office

Time to reduce the term limit?

Sir, – I disagree with Claire Kennedy (Letters, February 25th). Fourteen years is not too long to have the same person in “The Park”, when that person is Michael D Higgins. – Yours, etc,

MATTIE LENNON,

Blessington,

Co Wicklow.

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Sir, – Claire Kennedy advocates reducing the term of office of president from seven to four years on the basis that “14 years is just too long to have the same person in the Park”.

The unintended consequences of that constitutional change could lead to an election every four years, which would be an extravagant waste of time and money for the taxpayer.

We have been fortunate that all our presidents have served the people with great distinction and honour, no matter what length of time they have served. – Yours, etc,

AIDAN RODDY,

Dublin 18.

Sir, – Shorter presidential terms would mean more presidential elections and more former presidents. The temptation for former office holders to stick their oar in on matters of public controversy would be close to irresistible.

Plus there’s the question of more pensions.

All in all, we should leave well alone. – Yours, etc,

MARY BYRNE,

Dublin 8.