You don't need to be playing 'Jeopardy' to know what suggestion might have sparked that reply. And it really is so very very very stupid. OK, so I am no fan of the monarchy. As it turns out, I am not alone. But this is typical of the response you might get if you raise the idea that the monarchy may have passed its sell-by date.
The idea that you have to replace the Queen as head of state with an unpopular political president is such a lame argument. But it is the only option considered by those who wish to keep the current dysfunctional family in their position of unbridled privilege. Just as they wouldn't wish to have President Blair as our head of state, well neither would I. Neither would I want President Brown, Mandelson, Major nor Thatcher.
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| President Blair - snort snort |
There are other options - and other countries have shown that you can have an elected head of state who is respected and admired at home and abroad. Our closest neighbour, Ireland, has had a succession of popular Presidents. The last two, in particular, have been a huge success and a model for any country wishing to off-load their expensive royal baubles.
Mary Robinson was elected the President of Ireland in 1990. She was Ireland's first female president and was elected despite not having been nominated by either of Ireland's two main political parties. An academic lawyer by profession, she served until 1997 after which she was appointed the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her presidency was judged to be hugely successful and she played her part in promoting equality for minorities and the Irish peace process.
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| Mary Robinson - respected across the world |
Her successor, Mary McAleese, was elected in 1997 & was again (unopposed) in 2004. Once again, she has proved to be a very popular president. She was a Belfast-born lawyer & journalist, and continued in the same manner as her predecessor. She has been the face of Ireland around the world, meeting leaders and representing Ireland's interests with so much popular support from her people. Later this year, she will host the Queen's first visit to Ireland - and will doubtless show her how it should be done.
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| Current President - hugely popular |
Both of these extremely popular presidents are an example of what is possible. Neither of them is tainted with an overtly political history. They are two bright and successful people, who have earned their place in society - on merit. They have been the head of state of their nation through the will of the people. They have set an example to any citizen growing up in Ireland - that one day, they too could become the head of state - something that can never be said of any subject in Britain. Unless, of course, you happen to be the Prince of Wales.
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| Sorry Britain - I'm afraid this is the best we could do |
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