Poll: Has President Michael D Higgins crossed the line by criticising Europe?

Some believe the president has overstepped the remit of his office by criticising EU austerity policies in an interview with the Financial Times.

By Amy Croffey Sunday 5 May 2013, 10:55 AM

May 5th 2013, 10:55 AM 20,452 Views 125 Comments

http://jrnl.ie/896841

Image: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Image: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS has criticsed Europe and its austerity policies. He warned that the European Union must massively overhaul its economic model and reform the European Central Bank – or face the loss of its legitimacy.

The President has come under some criticism for the remarks he made in an interview with the Financial Times, as some people believe he has overstepped the remit of his office. However, he defends himself in The Sunday Independent by saying that he doesn’t “interfere on a matter of legislation”.

Ministers Pat Rabbitte and Leo Varadkar have come out in support of his stance on austerity, but what do you think?

Has President Michael D Higgins crossed the line by criticising Europe and its austerity policies?

Poll Results:

No (3615)

I don't know (3429)

Yes (290)

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Amy Croffey

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Poll: Has President Michael D Higgins crossed the line by criticising Europe?