REMARKS MADE by President Michael D Higgins during a visit to London during the week have caused alarm in the Government, The Irish Times has learned.
The primary concern among Cabinet Ministers relates to the President’s comments about the possibility of summoning the Council of State if the Government proceeds to ratify the fiscal compact treaty by legislation rather than referendum.
There were also some raised eyebrows in the Labour Party at the President expressing opposition to privatisation in the week that the Government decided to sell off stakes in State companies worth €3 billion.
The primary concern is that Mr Higgins chose to comment publicly on his options relating to the fiscal compact treaty before the Government had even received the opinion of the Attorney General on the issue.
Speaking after delivering an address at the London School of Economics on Tuesday night, Mr Higgins gave a detailed account of the steps he would take if the Government decided not to hold a referendum on the treaty.
“My consideration is as to whether there is an issue of constitutional significance raised,” said Mr Higgins, adding that if there was, he would call a meeting of the Council of State.
The President added he was concerned that the concept of a shared union under the EU’s founding treaties had been lost.
