The Growth of Presidential Powers During the Incumbency of Mary Robinson

This thesis deals with changes in the presidential office in Ireland during the presidency of Mary Robinson between 1990-1997. The presidential office holds very few powers and it has been always perceived more as ceremonial and symbolic function. Robinson had been very active during her reign since the beginning, thus breaking the precedence given by former presidents. The goal of this thesis is to define both, particular tools and mechanisms which Robinson had used to transform the nature of the office. Moreover, the thesis aims to examine whether Robinson stayed within the constitutional boundaries. My hypothesis states, that main tools which Robinson used to transform the presidency, are the different forms of activism. The first part the research focuses on the analysis of the constitutional development of presidential office as well as the powers of president listed in the constitution. Further, in the thesis, I focused on Robinson's activity not only during her presidency but also on the prior period as the presidential campaign or Robinson's professional career. This is important to define particular tools and mechanisms which Robinson used to change the presidency. The main findings of my thesis reveal the tools which Robinson used to transform the office - activism and symbolism. Both of..