Has President Higgins overstepped the mark?

He’s been doing this for years without any complaints from the government.

It would be a bit rich if they started moaning now….

Yes.

And not for the 1st time.

He is the opposite of Zelensky.

Meh . . . Sone government politicians have less than 5000 first preference votes. Literally millions vored for MDH.

All of the usual FF/FG crazies will always get upset . . . .

Nobody gives a shyte about the baby blue shirts. Yer man is self promoting.

But he's not wrong. I think this an egregious overstep by the President. I think he must have known that it would be but said it anyway. And I think it's so bad that he may have to leave office over it.

I don't think people would get excited about it that much now, a reflection on the times rather than the context.

30 years ago there would be a chapter written about the fall out.

He is way outside his boundary and not for the first time, making pronouncements that will bewilder Kyiv and comfort the Kremlin.

He may see himself as a Socialist first and second but the role he is in has conditions, responsibilities and he is answerable to Ireland rather than Moscow.

Go on then, explain exactly how ending neutrality (which is not a legally binding policy and only decided by any given government in power at any given time here) is treasonous.

You may point to any legislation or otherwise that might point out same.....

Alternatively you may realise that Ireland's 'neutrality' policy has been fairly fluid depending on the needs of the country or scale of conflict surrounding us.

Ah jaysus.

By that logic, was voting for the GFA also treasonous?

The fact that, after the death of Cuba's communist dictator, Higgins flew out there to attend his funeral, says it all for me. Adios Michael D!

I'm no fan of Michael D but I suspect we'll arrive at the usual position once the initial outcry has subsided after one of his speeches...

From an article last time round.

"While the President’s remarks this week didn’t strictly break any rules, experts say, it may represent an “overstepping of the mark” and breaking with precedent."

Another Article by Eoin O'Malley at the time of the housing speech made reference to Articles 13.7.2 and 13.7.3 of the Constitution.

If he has breached those he should resign in my opinion. One would presume an interview with a newspaper would have to follow correct protocol whereas I can see how remarks at a charity event might escape from the rigours of protocol.

That should be the question. Has the government approved the message as per 13.7.3? If not why not and what to do they intend to do about it.

Higgins cannot hide his hatred for America, and NATO would be an American military enforcer in his eyes, his love for despotic murderous communist dictator's over the years, is plain to see, all of whom would have been at loggerheads with NATO

We should have a United Ireland, and then sell to the US and become the 51st state of American. Then we'd be safe from everyone 😎

Higgins has been overstepping the mark for years and the politicians say nothing , shuffle along, ignore him - he’s like the embarrassing senile auld uncle that everyone smiles and nods at.

The Sooner the original champagne socialist leaves the Aras, the better

I love to see FIne Gaelers nauseated. Wait until the next election! 😂

Apologies, I mixed you up with another fanboy. Perhaps you wanted the Dragons Den lad to become president?

Another reason to think Putin is an idiot.

Ireland joining NATO was a laughable suggestion only two years ago.

It won't happen unless there's something drastic like an invasion of an EU country or an attack on trans-atlantic communications cables. Territorial defence is something Irish people haven't had to think about for a long time.

Micheal D's opinion on NATO is still generally shared by most people but he might be the last head of state to stick their nose into the conversation.

It's still a laughable suggestion. We should cherish our neutrality and there is absolutely no credible threat to our territory from Putin or any other crazy leader.

I think any referendum would be completely rejected. 95%+.

I voted Independent for the past 2 elections. Catherine Connolly TD. I am 51. I have never given Labour a #1. Usually FFG folks hate Higgins. He robbed the FF bagman in the first election and FG have never won a presidential election.

Bertie is up next so he will behave himself and all will be good. Less intellectual.

The 2 Marys were well able to offer opinions but they had to be quiet about it because they were silly women...😉

He has quite overstepped and should have his wings severely clipped and/or be relieved of his position.