Catherine Connolly speaks out against war in her first St. Patrick's Day address as President
Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly recalled Saint Patrick’s journey to Ireland as a migrant as she declared: “The normalisation of war can never be accepted”.
In her first St Patrick’s Day address since she was elected last November, President Connolly said Ireland understands that “peace is not merely the absence of war but also the presence of justice”.
“Now, more than ever, we must renew our commitment to peace and diplomacy in line with the principles of international law as set out in the United Nations Charter,” she added.
President Connolly made the remarks in a bilingual statement issued on the eve of March 17.
“As a neutral, independent country, a post-colonial society, and a people marked by famine and forced migration, we are uniquely placed to offer a valuable perspective on the challenges facing our world, not least war and displacement.
“We are a people who have travelled our own path to peace in dealing with bitter conflict and its legacy,” President Connolly said.
The Shantalla native and former Galway West Independent TD said it was a testament to the country’s rich heritage and culture that St. Patrick’s Day has become such a vibrant and inclusive global celebration.
“It is embraced by an Irish global family of over 70 million people, many of whom have found new homes abroad and built communities over many years. That sense of home resonates so strongly with all of us, and yet today it is denied to so many,” she said.
“Beannachtaí agus Síocháin na Féile Pádraig oraibh uilig”
In her statement she recalled the foundational story upon which our national day is based.
“Patrick was trafficked across the Irish Sea from Britain as a young man in the 5th century only to return to Ireland as a missionary, giving voice and his life to fostering an awareness of the consequences of slavery.
“The story of Patrick’s life serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage of migrants, the invaluable contributions that they have made, and continue to make, to the countries they now call home, sometimes even in the face of great adversity.
“Patrick’s story invites us to respond with hospitality and kindness to those suffering the consequences of war and displacement, those fleeing their countries because of persecution or violence,” she said.
President Connolly sent best wishes to everyone celebration Ireland’s patron saint.
“Bainigí sult, spraoi agus tairbhe as imeachtaí an lae agus bainígí úsáid as an nGaeilge agus le chéile, déanfaidh muid cinnte go mbeidh sí mar ghnáthchuid den saol laethúil. Beannachtaí agus Síocháin na Féile Pádraig oraibh uilig,” she added.