The race for the presidency

Sir, – Individually, all of the Dragons remind me of Donald Trump. Collectively, I am reminded of the Three Stooges. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK O’LEARY,

Galway.

Sir, –Regarding a suitable collective noun for a group of presidential wannabes, may I suggest an “Árastocracy”? – Yours, etc,

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PAUL DELANEY,

Dalkey,

Co Dublin.

A chara, – With three presidential hopefuls who have been associated with Dragons' Den, I wondered about the collective noun for such a group. Different sources suggest a "flight", a "weyr" or a "wing" of dragons. Since they are like lizards, perhaps a "lounge" would be better. However, I would suggest a "dread" of dragons. – Yours, etc,

MARK WHEELER,

Sutton,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – The Constitution sets out clearly the role, duties and responsibilities of the office of president. Nowhere is there any mention of direct responsibly for policy or its implementation. On the contrary, any entry into these or closely related areas is specifically circumscribed, addresses by the president to the nation or Oireachtas must receive prior approval of the government of the day.

In short the office was, and is, intended to be largely ceremonial. A former president, on being asked what were the qualifications for the office was alleged to have replied, “The ability to hold a knife and fork properly and keep your mouth shut.” – Yours, etc,

BRENDAN O’DONNELL,

Glenageary,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – With three “dragons” declaring for the presidential race, all we need now is for a well-known turkey from a rival den and with Eurovision experience to declare and give us all something to look forward to watching on television in the early autumn schedules. – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL STOREY,

Glencar,

Sligo.