Page "President of Ireland" Paragraph 20
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The President possesses the following powers exercised " in his absolute discretion " according to the English version of the Constitution.
The Irish version states that these powers are exercised as a chomhairle féin which is usually translated as " under his own counsel.
" In the event of a clash between the Irish and English versions of the constitution, the Irish one is given supremacy.
Lawyers have suggested that a clash may exist in this case between both versions of the constitution.
While " absolute discretion " appears to leave some freedom for manoeuvre for a president in deciding whether to initiate contact with the opposition, " own counsel " has been interpreted by some lawyers as suggesting that no contact whatsoever can take place.
As a result of this clash, it is considered controversial for the president to be contacted by the leaders of any political parties in an effort to influence a decision made using the discretionary powers.
It is required that, before exercising certain reserve powers, the President consult the Council of State.
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