Madam, – At this moment of unprecedented danger to the State, could the presidency help broker a way forward? Two points seem vital: the Oireachtas must quickly pass a severe budget and the country must soon mandate a new government.
Article 13, section 7 authorises the President to address the legislature and the people “on any matter of national or public importance”, subject to consultation with the Council of State and “the approval of the Government”. This need not mean acting as a mouthpiece.
Could this provision be used by President McAleese to appeal to the main Opposition parties to abstain on the December budget on condition that an election be held in January, so that the people may pass their judgment on this Government and its works?
Nobody will wish presidents to make routine interventions in political matters, and some may feel that incumbents have said too much in the past 20 years, but this is a moment of surpassing danger.
A president who attempts such an initiative and is either refused permission to speak or unable to secure agreement would, of course, have no option but to resign.
It is not an easy decision to make but, at a moment of desperate challenge, surely it would be a matter for regret if the head of state did not seek to act on behalf of Ireland? –