On Sun, May 01, 2011 at 09:55:15AM -0300, John Hudson wrote:
> Here, the GG appointment is but a 30 cent phone call ! The prime minister
> calls up one of his pals and offers the ultimate patronage appointment for a
> term of five years :-) The previous GG referred to herself as the head of
> state on numerous occasions; she was canned at the first opportunity when
> her term was up. Word has it that she has re-emigrated to Haiti !
>
> jh
Same deal in Australia, mainly. The cynical view is that the appointment
is often a cronyistic selection by the PM as a reward for something,
though it seems more recently it is a notably prominent & popular
Australian. Her Majesty is asked for her agreement - which is always
forthcoming - as the office is effectively one of the viceroy who gives
'royal assent' to all legislation passed by the government du jour.
This is where the problem arises: what happens if the GG refuses assent
or is a truculent busybody who should, heaven forbid, get involved in
affairs of state? They break the sound barrier being levered out of the
office! This is why I believe that if we are to be a republic, any
president should be elected for a fixed term by popular vote (say at a
lower house election)...
davidt
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