There need be no risk of an undesirable politician turning president when Britain becomes a republic (Letters, April 13).
In Germany, the president is elected by all-party consensus based on the candidate's record of integrity, public esteem and democratic credentials.
As an extra safeguard, he has to seek re-election after five years and can only hold office for ten years.
Unlike the British monarch, in addition to carrying out official functions, the president identifies himself closely with his people, leading the debate on social problems, sometimes joining in television discussions with victims of homelessness, crime and unemployment and suggesting solutions to the country's politicians.
This is much more desirable than the British monarch's starchy handshakes, firm outings to Balmoral and ritual slaughter of wildlife on the killing fields of Sandringham.
-Dennis B Stuart, Brighton
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