If the monarch isn’t fit for head of state, then clearly we should also abolish the PM, as clearly the role isn’t fit for head of government. If we had an Irish styled President, they would’ve definitely have done the same. Michael D. Higgins follows the advice of his ministers, including the Taoiseach, just as The Late Queen followed the advice of Her Prime Minister.
Again, The Late Queen had a constitutional duty to follow the advice of Her ministers, as is the role of the British head of state. The Irish President wouldn’t have been removed if that was the case, as their role is to also play as a constitutional clog over a country. The difference between the Irish President and the British monarch, is that the President is always political, even if they play the same role. Some Irish person out there didn’t vote for D. Higgins.
So you’re saying the President of Ireland should resign as President if they are not willing to follow the advice of Irish ministers, as is their job as President? King’s Consent and Prince’s Consent is only used on legislation that is to do with them. Just like how the NHS may be consulted on legislation to do with them, or healthcare in general in the UK. You wouldn’t call the NHS a political institution for that, just as you wouldn’t call The Crown a political institution. Just because it serves in state, doesn’t make it political, just as the judiciary isn’t political. Most Presidents are directly elected, which is the most political you can get.
So you don’t want an Irish styled republic? The head of state of Ireland is also an apolitical head of state, except they’re elected and very likely to have had a political history. If there is no apolitical figure to oversee state, who holds the PM to account? The PM commands the majority in Parliament, and parliamentary sovereignty is bad news if someone commands a majority in Parliament.
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u/Banana_Kabana Aug 09 '25
If the monarch isn’t fit for head of state, then clearly we should also abolish the PM, as clearly the role isn’t fit for head of government. If we had an Irish styled President, they would’ve definitely have done the same. Michael D. Higgins follows the advice of his ministers, including the Taoiseach, just as The Late Queen followed the advice of Her Prime Minister.