The role of the presidency has changed dramatically in the last three decades, and what had previously been considered fairly dull elections have been enlivened in recent years with a range of different candidates and visions for the office.
Under international law, it can only be a temporary arrangement – and this must be put in explicit, legally binding, terms.
There is plenty of reason to check that the Government’s ones have been giving sound legal advice to ministers. Too often, it has been wrong.
Dublin is in danger of setting conditions that Westminster cannot meet. Instead, we must return to our historic willingness to navigate difficulties together.
The problems that change throwns up for the two countries are formidable but not insoluble.
“David was not cold and uncaring. He cared more, loved more, than any politician I have ever known, but critically, like his religious faith, he rarely showed it.”