Madam, – As your readers will be aware, the next presidential election is likely to take place in 2011.
The following information is available on the website of an tUachtarán na hÉireann: “The Office of President was established by the Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann). The President is elected directly by the people. To be a candidate a citizen must be over 35 years of age and must be nominated either by: a. Not less than 20 members of Dáil or Seanad Éireann, or b. Not less than four administrative counties (including county boroughs) Former or retiring presidents may become candidates on their own nomination.”
I believe this to be unfair to the many people who are old enough to vote from the age of 18 years and who may be candidates for other elections and pay taxes, yet are precluded on the basis of age from becoming candidates for the Irish presidency.
Would it not correctly be considered ageist if someone suggested a maximum age for prospective candidates? Why effectively bar any Irish citizen over the age of 18 years (but under 35) becoming a presidential candidate? Perhaps the time has come for our politicians to debate this issue with a view to an amendment to our Constitution – rather than discussing it a few weeks before the next presidential election. – Yours, etc,