Let's revive our high kingship
Tuesday November 10 2009
SCRAPPING the Seanad and the Presidency is a good idea. They are neither useful nor ennobling to the nation.
But since every society requires ceremony and symbolism, wouldn't it be a good idea to revive the high kingship? I am entirely serious.
The high king (or queen) would not have to be maintained in the splendour of the Windsors, or in any splendour at all. But once the role was hereditary, it would be put beyond the reach of politics.
Who would be king, or queen?
We could decide by referendum, or even lottery.
Perhaps genealogists could investigate which individual has the best claim to the throne. Ultimately, it doesn't matter very much.
What matters is that we would have a living symbol of the nation, somebody who is above the hurly-burly of partisan politics and who could act as the definitive face of Ireland to the world.
Maolsheachlann O Ceallaigh
Ballymun, Dublin 11
Irish Independent
