To ask Irish people what they think of having a President?

[PersimmonTree]

Just that. Curious to know, not a journalist!!

Well, I’m Australian Irish but was there for Mary Robinson’s election. Bloody good show, that. That whole experience was why I voted for our status quo in our republic referendum. We were not being offered what Ireland has.

I admit that Fianna Fáil lost rather than Mary Robinson won it but the experience changed the country forever and it was impressive to see.

Its grand. Think he could have a bit more input but he is quiet and keeps to himself.
Liked the women that were president. I think they were a bit more involved and visible.

I’ve loved all 3 presidents in my lifetime! The two Mary’s and now Michael D. I had the privilege of meeting Mary Robinson at my university graduation and she is such an intelligent and inspiring woman.

While not as inspiring as the two before him, Michael D seems like a genuinely lovely man and I did vote for him. My friend got to meet him and said he was lovely and welcoming.

It’s largely a ceremonial role - they greet foreign dignitaries and have a chat with them and they do lots of events like having disabled children to the Aras.

I do think it’s nice to have a president so I don’t mind the money spent on the presidency. It was around €30 million for a 7 year term. But includes all the catering for guests.

They're usually good Ambassadors for the country - which is what the role is for. I think it's necessary to have someone not (openly) politically aligned to represent the country and once they're democratically elected it's all good.

EUR 30 million in 7 years, about GBP 25.7 million, at today's exchange rate.

That would be rather better value for money than the 69.2 million spent on our family of scoundrels last year alone, then.

@PersimmonTree I suppose if your thinking is abolishing the monarchy in favour of a president who would only need one residence that wouldn’t even need to be as grand as Buckingham palace, the income from opening up royal residences to the public would likely easily be able to pay for any presidency thus removing it from tax payers completely.

It's largely ceremonial unlike the US president. He can really only delay legislation. However the 3 presidents in my lifetime have been a particular success and I feel represent the country excellently. I like that I have a say in who they are.
And I have a real soft spot for miggeldy.