Take President wage or you’ll demean office
Minister blasts candidate casey’s ‘no salary’ vow
ELECTION candidates who plan to reject a presidential salary demean the dignity of the office, the Justice Minister has claimed.
Charlie Flanagan’s comments come in response to new contender Peter Casey’s remark he would not take a wage should he be elected on October 26.
The Derry-born Dragons’ Den investor became the 11th potential candidate to challenge President Michael D Higgins.
Speaking on RTE Mr Casey said: “With all the expenses the president doesn’t need a salary at all.”
But at the opening of the new Kevin Street Garda station in Dublin, Justice Minister Flanagan said the notion of rejecting a salary was demeaning to the office of head of State.
He added: “I’ve been a long-time supporter of Michael D Higgins and I want to acknowledge his great performance as president.
“He is a great ambassador for Ireland and an inspiration to the young people at home.
“One of the candidates has said they would not take the salary – that demeans the office of president.
“I look forward to a robust presidential campaign but I and Fine Gael fully support Michael D Higgins and no other candidate in the contest.” Mr Casey’s fellow Dragons’ Den stars Sean Gallagher – who was runner-up to Mr Higgins in 2011 – and Gavin Duffy have already declared their intentions to seek a nomination.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s new President could be inaugurated at an earlier part of the day than usual to ensure it does not clash with the centenary of the end of the First World War, it was claimed yesterday.
November 11 marks Armistice Day, the day after Michael D Higgins’ term in office finishes and the fresh mandate begins.
Mr Flanagan said: “I believe it is possible to be inaugurated early in the day and the first role and function of the new president will be to engage on behalf of the State at the November 11 commemorations.”