How we can stop the Áras becoming a Dragons’ Den

THE powerful Public Accounts Committee is to scrutinise expenditure at Áras An Úachtaráin, despite fears that highlighting the lavish Presidential budget might derail the sitting incumbent’s campaign. It’s certainly the case that from Michael D’s perspective, raking over his use of the government jet, his stays in swanky hotels and the other trappings of the office might not be ideal, given his unshakeable socialist principles. But arguably a far greater hazard of airing in public the high life enjoyed by Irish Presidents for seven years is that it may tempt more attention-seeking eccentrics and wannabes into the field in future. The hijacking by Norma Burke, aka Bunty Twuntingdon McFluff, of Dublin City Council comically exposed the self-seeking farce that this Presidential race has become. All that is asked of those seeking the highest office in the land is that they are Irish and over 35 years of age. Even Love Island hopefuls face more rigorous quality control. With one or two exceptions, none of the current candidates has any record of public service and their lives seem devoted entirely to making money or courting publicity. The three Dragons view the Presidency as a platform whereby they can flex their entrepreneurial muscles for the good of the nation. They might not be so eager to imbue the Áras with their absurd Dragons’ Den ethos if they were doing so on the clippings of tin. The PAC might serve the national interest better if it strenuously downplayed the life of luxury that awaits the next President.