Candidates must accept searching scrutiny, given high level of office at stake

PRESIDENTIAL pay is one of the few aspects of the office that is publicly scrutable, and it’s only fair candidates face questions on it.

There are so many aspects of the presidency closed off to public scrutiny due to its exemption from Freedom of Information laws: expenses cannot be examined, travel costs cannot be inspected, and correspondence is private.

The emerging contenders for the Áras have learned the hard way this week that all of the warnings about a presidential campaign being a tough road are, if anything, understated.

Candidates for the highest office in the land face intense questions about all aspects of their life – from their business dealings to previous jobs and family ties.

It is often the first chance for the public to get to know the people vying for their votes – and nothing is off the table.

The victorious candidate will go on to serve seven years in the highest office in the State, on a considerable salary with attendant benefits including a residence, transport and access to a team of private staffers.

Given the responsibility of the role and the benefits it brings, it would be irresponsible of the media – and those supporting the nomination of a candidate – not to ask those questions.

Speaking after his first public pitch, businessman Gavin Duffy acknowledged that “sometimes when someone comes from the world of business as I do I think there are questions you do have to answer”.

“No question will be avoided,” he pledged.

He was speaking after being grilled by councillors in Waterford.

His contribution lasted more than 70 minutes, while Joan Freeman barely exceeded the allotted 30-minute timeslot.

Mr Duffy has pledged a transparent campaign and acknowledged that his particular background in media, business and consultancy, which has seen him circle the fringes of public life for decades, lends itself to particular scrutiny.

An interview with a Sunday newspaper saw him questioned on what work he carried out for businessman Denis O’Brien.

Speaking on Twitter, Mr Duffy said “it is alright for lawyers to advise clients but apparently not for media consultants”.

But nobody has questioned his right to work as a (successful) media consultant. Journalists are simply doing their job by asking about that work; what it entailed, who it was with and how much he earned.

The focus will remain on those looking for the public to trust them to represent Ireland at home and abroad as the campaign gets under way in earnest.

Given what’s at stake, we shouldn’t have it any other way.