The Man in the Park

Whether he likes it or not, the President of Ireland ("The Man in the Park" to his constituents) must stand aloof from the rough & tumble of partisan politics. For seven years, benign, learned Sean O'Kelly has held the $32,000-a-year job and his tongue as well. It came hard to a man who was once as outspoken ("We'll whip John Bull yet! . . .") in the cause of Irish freedom as any in the land. Last month, as his first seven-year term drew to a close, O'Kelly faced the privilege granted to all outgoing Irish Presidents of nominating himself for reelection. He confided to a friend that he would not do it.

"Suppose Dev [the Prime Minister] holds a gun to your head?" asked the friend. "No," said the President, "it would have to be loaded." "Suppose it were loaded," said the friend. "Well," said the President, "if it were loaded, I suppose I'd just have to lie down."

Eamon de Valera promptly went to work on his old friend. Last week, unopposed for the presidency, Sean O'Kelly was appointed to serve another seven years of dignity and tactful silence.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.