Should the Irish president be given more powers in an ever-changing modern Ireland?
Tipperary Live looks at the presidential powers our president holds before the upcoming presidential election on October 24.
In an ever changing world, Tipperary Live takes a look at the duties of the Irish president and compares them to other countries presidential duties.
The President of Ireland is a ceremonial head of state and holds a symbolic role in governing the country. However, the president does do some important things for the country.
For example, the president has important constitutional powers and plays an important role in safeguarding the Irish Constitution.
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The president currently has the duty of signing bills into law and can refer bills to the supreme court.
The President of Ireland also formally appoints the Taoiseach and Ministers, once they are first elected to the Dail.
Going back to the question above: Should the President of Ireland be given more powers?
Some Irish citizens believe that one reason our president should be given a more democratic role is that they are directly elected by the people of Ireland, unlike the Taoiseach.
The Taoiseach is appointed by the party with the largest majority in the government and while this is meant to reflect the majority of the country's wishes, they are still not directly chosen by the electorate like the president is.
If presidential powers were greater in Ireland, it could allow the president to act independently when intervening in government, in only very serious cases of course like rushed legislation or abuse of power in government.
The other side of the argument is that if one person holds so much power, it cannot be a good thing. Allowing for the president to expand some of their powers seems fine but when does it stop once it begins.
We need only look at history books to see that the thirst for power usually increases once a president is given more control.
Therefore, maybe keeping current duties is a better solution for a modern Ireland.