People caring about who the next President will be

longhalloween · 25-10-2011 4:45pm #1

Has anyone realised yet that it doesn't MATTER who the next president will be?

All they have to do is meet the odd foreign dignitary, go to GAA games, turn a sod, cut a ribbon, meet old people and kiss babies.
THAT'S IT!

So it doesn't make a blind bit of difference who gets in. The president does what they're told, end of. Any decision they make has to be approved by the government, any real work* is done by the Taoiseach and ministers.

It's purely a symbolic office, the same as the monarchy in England, so to all those saying the Gallagher is going to bring jobs, McGuinness is going to unite Ireland, Norris is going to legalise gay marriage, it's all pure sh1te.

the term 'real work' may not actually refer to real work

Minstrel27 · 25-10-2011 4:46pm

I'd be unhappy to see some of the candidates getting that job.

Kasabian · 25-10-2011 4:47pm

Op are you aware we have a constitution?

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 4:47pm

longhalloween wrote: »

Has anyone realised yet that it doesn't MATTER who the next president will be?

All they have to do is meet the odd foreign dignitary, go to GAA games, turn a sod, cut a ribbon, meet old people and kiss babies.
THAT'S IT!

So it doesn't make a blind bit of difference who gets in. The president does what they're told, end of. Any decision they make has to be approved by the government, any real work* is done by the Taoiseach and ministers.

It's purely a symbolic office, the same as the monarchy in England, so to all those saying the Gallagher is going to bring jobs, McGuinness is going to unite Ireland, Norris is going to legalise gay marriage, it's all pure sh1te.

the term 'real work' may not actually refer to real work

No it isn't

hondasam · 25-10-2011 4:48pm

We still need a good person to represent Ireland.

DublinWriter · 25-10-2011 4:48pm

orourkeda wrote: »

No it is'nt

Only in so much as our President doesn't wear a crown.

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 4:49pm

longhalloween wrote: »

Has anyone realised yet that it doesn't MATTER who the next president will be?

All they have to do is meet the odd foreign dignitary, go to GAA games, turn a sod, cut a ribbon, meet old people and kiss babies.
THAT'S IT!

So it doesn't make a blind bit of difference who gets in. The president does what they're told, end of. Any decision they make has to be approved by the government, any real work* is done by the Taoiseach and ministers.

It's purely a symbolic office, the same as the monarchy in England, so to all those saying the Gallagher is going to bring jobs, McGuinness is going to unite Ireland, Norris is going to legalise gay marriage, it's all pure sh1te.

the term 'real work' may not actually refer to real work

Another well informed view on the presidency.

CiaranC · 25-10-2011 4:49pm

The really unfortunate thing is that simpletons like the OP get a vote just like the rest of us

--Kaiser-- · 25-10-2011 4:49pm

It's all about who will be the least embarrassing President

Orando Broom · 25-10-2011 4:50pm

OP is proof that Sean Gallagher voters exist!

Jesus, some serious heads out there.

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 4:50pm

DublinWriter wrote: »

Only in so much as our President doesn't wear a crown.

My word

Kasabian · 25-10-2011 4:52pm

hondasam wrote: »

We still need a good person to represent Ireland.

I'll do it.

Yakult · 25-10-2011 4:52pm

orourkeda wrote: »

Another well informed view on the presidency.

Inform us from up there oh mighty sirrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Chuck Stone · 25-10-2011 4:53pm

A.B.Dana.

Saila · 25-10-2011 4:53pm

just let the current one keep it for another term, I know shes had her time but she did a grand job

hondasam · 25-10-2011 4:54pm

Kasabian wrote: »

I'll do it.

Will you really, how much?

hondasam · 25-10-2011 4:54pm

Saila wrote: »

just let the current one keep it for another term, I know shes had her time but she did a grand job

No fcuking way, she has had enough all ready.

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 4:55pm

Yakult wrote: »

Inform us from up there oh mighty sirrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Sarcasm really is the lowest form of wit isn't it?

harrythehat · 25-10-2011 4:55pm

To a small extent I agree.

I think Fine Gael are laughing at the moment - They don't care about the fact that Mitchell isn't going to win because this election has gotten the economy off the headlines for weeks.

My vote would be going to MDH, but I think he, David Norris, Gay Mitchell or Mary Davis would be perfectly competent. I would not like to see McGuinness, Dana or Gallagher in the position.

Kasabian · 25-10-2011 4:56pm

hondasam wrote: »

Will you really, how much?

Are we still talking about representing Ireland?

I will do it for bed and board.

hondasam · 25-10-2011 5:04pm

Kasabian wrote: »

Are we still talking about representing Ireland?

I will do it for bed and board.

Bed and board it is

longhalloween · 25-10-2011 5:04pm

harrythehat wrote: »

To a small extent I agree.

I think Fine Gael are laughing at the moment - They don't care about the fact that Mitchell isn't going to win because this election has gotten the economy off the headlines for weeks.

And why would they even care who wins, anything the President says or does has to get the go ahead from Fine Gael/Labour first. It doesn't matter who gets in, if it is Mitchell it's just easier to pull his strings.

From citizensinformation.ie

The Government must approve all Presidential communications, messages or addresses, both to the Oireachtas (Irish houses of Parliament) and to the public.

Many of the powers of the President can only be exercised on the advice of the Government. This means that if the President wishes to exercise a power, he or she must first obtain the advice and agreement of the Government.

RubyRoss · 25-10-2011 5:09pm

Saila wrote: »

just let the current one keep it for another term, I know shes had her time but she did a grand job

This is a prevalent sentiment but people seem to forget that Mary McAleese has made some outrageous statments - comparing Unionists to Nazis was simply embarassing (bridge building?) and her stand-off with the heads of the Catholic and Protestant churches about taking communion was pretty undignified.

She did a great job during the Queen's visit but it's typical in Ireland to either idolise or demonise. She belongs in the middle.

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 5:14pm

RubyRoss wrote: »

This is a prevalent sentiment but people seem to forget that Mary McAleese has made some outrageous statments - comparing Unionists to Nazis was simply embarassing (bridge building?) and her stand-off with the heads of the Catholic and Protestant churches about taking communion was pretty undignified.

She did a great job during the Queen's visit but it's typical in Ireland to either idolise or demonise. She belongs in the middle.

There are very few politicians that can claim to have exemplary records in this manner. While one cant really condone comments like the ones you mention they were the exceptions rather than the rule.I thought she performed her duties with great dignity for the vast vast majority of her tenure in office.

foxyboxer · 25-10-2011 5:17pm

What exactly does the President do that a minister can't do?

Meet foreign dignitaries? Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Turn a Sod? Minister for Agriculture.
Kiss Babies? Minister for Children.
Create Employment? Department of Jobs, Enterpriseand Innovation, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment.

And what's the story with all the debates? The US only have 3 debates normally. Whereas we have had 5 FFS.
I guess, the whole thing fills the news and papers. When it's all over it's back to saving the euro etc etc.

KTRIC · 25-10-2011 5:20pm

longhalloween wrote: »

Has anyone realised yet that it doesn't MATTER who the next president will be?

All they have to do is meet the odd foreign dignitary, go to GAA games, turn a sod, cut a ribbon, meet old people and kiss babies.
THAT'S IT!

So it doesn't make a blind bit of difference who gets in. The president does what they're told, end of. Any decision they make has to be approved by the government, any real work* is done by the Taoiseach and ministers.

It's purely a symbolic office, the same as the monarchy in England, so to all those saying the Gallagher is going to bring jobs, McGuinness is going to unite Ireland, Norris is going to legalise gay marriage, it's all pure sh1te.

the term 'real work' may not actually refer to real work

Do you mean shoot the odd foreign dignitary, steal some sod and molest some babies ?? It'd fit in well with some of the candidates that are in the running.

foxyboxer · 25-10-2011 5:21pm

Kasabian wrote: »

Op are you aware we have a constitution?

A constitution can be amended.
Maybe they should have included an option of "I do not want a President" on the ballot paper. :pac:

Mint Sauce · 25-10-2011 5:24pm

foxyboxer wrote: »

A constitution can be amended.
Maybe they should have included an option of "I do not want a President" on the ballot paper. :pac:

Or make your own box, with none of the above written beside it.

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 5:36pm

KTRIC wrote: »

Do you mean shoot the odd foreign dignitary, steal some sod and molest some babies ?? It'd fit in well with some of the candidates that are in the running.

Do you think its really necessary to castigate some of the candidates as child molesters?

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 5:38pm

foxyboxer wrote: »

A constitution can be amended.
Maybe they should have included an option of "I do not want a President" on the ballot paper. :pac:

Why would you turn and vote for "I do not want a president" when staying at home or abstaining serves the same purpose

orourkeda · 25-10-2011 5:40pm

foxyboxer wrote: »

What exactly does the President do that a minister can't do?

Meet foreign dignitaries? Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Turn a Sod? Minister for Agriculture.
Kiss Babies? Minister for Children.
Create Employment? Department of Jobs, Enterpriseand Innovation, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment.

And what's the story with all the debates? The US only have 3 debates normally. Whereas we have had 5 FFS.
I guess, the whole thing fills the news and papers. When it's all over it's back to saving the euro etc etc.

They only have two candidates.

c_man · 25-10-2011 5:43pm

To demonstrate our 'smart economy' and display our commitment to it to businesses and other countries, I propose that our next President be a cyborg.

foxyboxer · 25-10-2011 5:50pm

orourkeda wrote: »

Why would you turn and vote for "I do not want a president" when staying at home or abstaining serves the same purpose

We should be given the option to dissolve the office of President and if that option won the day then the constitution would be amended. If Michael D say won out over the option to dissolve then well that's democracy and the president's role would stay but I'd still have exercised my right to vote.

foxyboxer · 25-10-2011 5:51pm

orourkeda wrote: »

They only have two candidates.

2 candidates have 3 debates. Not like our little island, with the Late Late, Vincent Brown, Frontline etc etc

mickrock · 25-10-2011 5:56pm

The next president should at least be from this country.

Having someone from the UK as president for 14 years is queer!

mikom · 25-10-2011 7:01pm

longhalloween wrote: »

Has anyone realised yet that it doesn't MATTER who the next president will be?

So it doesn't make a blind bit of difference who gets in. The president does what they're told, end of. Any decision they make has to be approved by the government, any real work* is done by the Taoiseach and ministers.

You wouldn't mind if Larry Murphy got the gig so.

randylonghorn · 25-10-2011 7:41pm

harrythehat wrote: »

I think Fine Gael are laughing at the moment - They don't care about the fact that Mitchell isn't going to win because this election has gotten the economy off the headlines for weeks.

I do think there's probably a fair bit of truth in this.

It's also meant that very little public attention has been given to the two referenda, the second of which (inquiries one) is seriously dodgy IMHO.

hondasam · 25-10-2011 8:06pm

randylonghorn wrote: »

I do think there's probably a fair bit of truth in this.

It's also meant that very little public attention has been given to the two referenda, the second of which (inquiries one) is seriously dodgy IMHO.

I'm having a read of these later to see what we are voting to change.
At the moment I have not got a clue about them.

languagenerd · 25-10-2011 11:33pm

--Kaiser-- wrote: »

It's all about who will be the least embarrassing President

Nah, it's all about which one we think is most deserving of a fancy house, €325000 a year and several all-expenses-paid trips abroad :pac:. Sure tis practically a reality show! :P

Pherekydes · 26-10-2011 12:17am

mickrock wrote: »

The next president should at least be from this country.

Having someone from the UK as president for 14 years is queer!

When did this happen?

All presidents are citizens of Ireland.

nibtrix · 26-10-2011 12:32am

orourkeda wrote: »

foxyboxer wrote: »

The US only have 3 debates normally. Whereas we have had 5 FFS.

They only have two candidates.

To be fair, they usually have a no-hoper third candidate as well, we just never hear about them...

Gee Bag · 26-10-2011 12:33am

nibtrix wrote: »

To be fair, they usually have a no-hoper third candidate as well, we just never hear about them...

Is Dana going to run in America as well? Is that why she became a US citizen?

mickrock · 26-10-2011 12:45am

Pherekydes wrote: »

When did this happen?

All presidents are citizens of Ireland.

In 1997.

She couldn't vote in the election herself, though.

seanbmc · 26-10-2011 1:15am

Is the President in charge of the army?

Mal-Adjusted · 26-10-2011 1:30am

KTRIC wrote: »

Do you mean shoot the odd foreign dignitary, steal some sod and molest some babies ?? It'd fit in well with some of the candidates that are in the running.

My word! I assure you my monocle has fallen into my glass of brandy in shock! Which president did that? I trust you have some sort of proof?

longhalloween · 26-10-2011 2:14am

seanbmc wrote: »

Is the President in charge of the army?

Technically the President is Supreme Commander but the responsibility and real power lies with the Minister for Defence and the government.

Pherekydes · 26-10-2011 5:14am

mickrock wrote: »

In 1997.

She couldn't vote in the election herself, though.

Mary McAleese is an Irish citizen, and was so in 1997. If you think an accident of a person's birth defines a person's nationality for the rest of their life you are so wrong.

mickrock · 26-10-2011 12:44pm

Pherekydes wrote: »

Mary McAleese is an Irish citizen, and was so in 1997. If you think an accident of a person's birth defines a person's nationality for the rest of their life you are so wrong.

I'd love if a staunch Unionist ran for president, for a laugh, and got in.

Badgermonkey · 26-10-2011 2:02pm

seanbmc wrote: »

Is the President in charge of the army?

Yes.

It's the Presidents job to whistle for them at night and let them out for a pee first thing in the morning.

Ellis Dee · 26-10-2011 2:18pm

Of course it matters to all of us who represents us on the international stage. Naturally, the President has to act within the parameters of his or her constitutional powers, but there is always some room for manoeuvre and style plays a big part. I certainly don't want a religious fundi or a former bagman for a failed political party embarrassing us in the world media. That's why I could live with McGuinness, Michael D, Norris (all of proven ability), but would be very worried about the others.:cool:

Ellis Dee · 26-10-2011 2:21pm

Badgermonkey wrote: »

Yes.

It's the Presidents job to whistle for them at night ...

What's the point of doing that? Aren't they all deaf?:rolleyes::rolleyes:

People caring about who the next President will be

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