President Michael D Higgins spoke at an event last night in relation to the Defence Forces.

He of course, as President, is the Supreme Commander.

He said that “serving men and women should have conditions including an income and prospects that are sufficient to provide for themselves and their families”.

That is in context of an ongoing campaign by RACO and PD Fora, to get an increase in army pay. 

So the question is...is it appropriate for the President to get in a matter, albeit in the context of something he has responsibility for, but in respect of a pay issue for public servants?

David Kenny is assistant Professor of Law at the School of Law in Trinity College, and he joined Ivan on the Hard Shoulder to discuss whether the President went too far.