President Higgins should not sign the Water Services Bill, says Sinn Féin – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

President Higgins should not sign the Water Services Bill, says Sinn Féin




President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins should not sign the Water Services Bill, according to Sinn Féin. The opposition party will ask the president not to sign the bill into law and will seek signatures for a formal petition.

If Sinn Féin can convince one third of the Dáil membership or a majority of the senate to sign a petition, the president would be constitutionally required to consult the Council of State before signing the bill. The president must sign all bills passed by the Dáil and Seanad before they can formally become law.

The constitution gives the president very little discretion when it comes to refusing to sign bills. Mr Higgins may call a meeting of the Council of State, which consists of senior former politicians and other important figures. He can also refer the bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality, but that course of action would not be applicable in the case of the Water Services Bill.

The Seanad is due to resume discussing the Water Services Bill on Monday, meaning the bill may land on the president’s desk before Christmas.

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