activist elected
president: reaction
Six tips for President Higgins! On November 11th, Michael D Higgins was sworn in as President of Ireland. He has a record in fighting for human rights and social inclusion. So what tips would you give him? ‘Changing Ireland’s CONOR HOGAN caught up with various people in the Community and Voluntary Sector and asked them for their views on our new poet President.
Trevor Quinn, SIPTU, Cork
Manus Bree, Community Worker Ballymunwhitehall Area Partnership What kind of a President do you think Michael D will make? An inspiring one, I think. He’s very much concerned with the marginalised in society. The keystone of his Presidency will be giving them a voice. What piece of advice would you give him, now that he’s President? Reach out to parts of communities that aren’t being listened to or included, for instance the poor and the mentally and physically disabled. I’m sure he’ll do that. He’s in his 70s now and we too often dismiss the contributions elderly people can make. He can provide a model for older people. Also, I’d tell him to enjoy it. Is there anything that strikes you about Michael D? He’s a very genuine man and a great listener. He’s passionate and wears his strong beliefs on his sleeve. His academic background also gives him an ability to see the macro, and put policies into context. It’ll be great for the volunteering sector having a man like that as our President.
VOLUNTEER… to become an activist.
What kind of President do you think Micheal D will make? I think he’ll make an excellent president. He’s a fair man, a straight talker and he understands the needs of people. He’s not one of those politicians in an ivory tower. What advice would you give him? To follow through with his policies of social inclusion. Work to protect communities, whose heart is being ripped out at the moment. What is your favourite Michael D speech? My favourite Michael D speech is one of his last ones, where he spoke out against the government lowering the minimum wage. It was a fantastic oration and it came from the heart. It showed what kind of man he is, that it pains him when Irish people are hurting.
Rachel Mullen – Coordinator, Equality Rights Alliance What kind of President do you think Michael D will make? It’s a time of unprecedented crisis and he’s the President that Ireland needs right now. I believe he’ll inspire hope and empower a
Michael D Higgins, now President, in Boyle this summer. Photo courtesy realboyle.com
country where people are uncertain and fearful about the future. I’m certain that the values he has always lived by- inclusivity, equality and respect for others, will be emphasised throughout his seven years. What’s your favourite Michael D poem? His poem ‘When Will My time Come’ is beautiful. There is a great line in it: ‘When my time comes, I will have made my journey.’ If you were to give one piece of advice to Michael D, now that he’s president, what would it be? To enjoy the journey. He deserves it.
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Pat Walshe – Radio Manager, Connemara FM
What kind of President do you think Michael D will make? He’ll make a wonderful President. He has it all, the personality, and the cultural aspect, while his experience international will stand us in great stead. His values are ones that we can all share.