On Tue, 08 Mar 2005 12:54:20 +0000, actionforum(a)comcast.net <actionforum(a)comcast.net> wrote: I'm sorry to jump into the midst of this argument, but I wonder are the parties in this debate aware of Ireland's previous situation, between 1937 when we approved a new constitution (one with no reference to the monarch) and 1949 (when we passed a law to officially become a Republic). The monarch represented Ireland internationally until 1949, despite our having a president. The question of who was head of state is not clear cut (though I think people outside Ireland tend to see it as the monarch who was head of state). In other words, I think it's fair to say Australia isn't a Republic, but probably, like Ireland, they would become one simply by passing law, rather than the customary new constitution. I think Ireland is the only country to date that has become a Republic in this fashion. We do have articles on Wikipedia on the Irish historical situation (which I probably should have double-checked before writing all this) which you may find interesting. A good starting point is probably [[President of Ireland]]. Zoney -- ~()____) This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds...