IT IS time to remind ourselves of our many strengths, President Mary McAleese said yesterday.
In her Christmas message, the President said: “Ireland and her people are worth much, much more than to be defined by the economic crisis.”
The traditional message was delivered in advance of a busy week for the President which will include visits to homelessness charities Focus Ireland and the Dublin Samaritans as well as St Patrick’s Institution, a prison for 16-21 year olds.
She will also host visits to Áras an Uachtaráin, including from families of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas at Christmas, as well as chairing a meeting of the Council of State to examine the constitutionality of the the Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill 2010 tomorrow.
Mrs McAleese said conversations among families this Christmas were likely to turn to Ireland’s economic problems, which were dominating the headlines everywhere and had brought “hardship and heartache into many a home”.
“Our people face a painful economic recovery and, understandably, ask questions about what led to our current difficulties,” she said. “They wonder how long it will take to get through this crisis and what must be done to prevent it from recurring.”
It was now important to muster the self-belief and determination that will reinvigorate the country psychologically and economically, she said.
“Ireland and her people are worth much, much more than to be defined by this economic crisis. Our history has given us resilience in the face of adversity and maybe it’s time to remind ourselves that we do indeed have many strengths to help us on the journey ahead.”
She highlighted the country’s dynamic community life which she said was sustained by a “modern meitheal of good neighbourliness, solidarity and volunteer generosity”.
“We are a people rich in imagination, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills,” Mrs McAleese said.
The country had a strong business sector, she said, including world-class companies that choose to locate in Ireland and indigenous enterprises that were doing very well in export markets. It also had “the gift of peace” that had “already transformed life on our shared island”.
There was also an extraordinarily loyal global Irish family whose goodwill and experience is an extensive and enduring resource, the President said.
There were men and women of great ability across the arts, humanities, sciences, technologies, sports and development aid sectors, “whose genius enhances Irish life and Ireland’s international reputation”, she said.
Above all, there was a talented and ambitious cohort of young people who deserved the gifts of confidence in their future and pride in their country.
“That confidence and pride will be generated by what we choose to do today and tomorrow to make Ireland the successful, forward looking and egalitarian country it has the desire and the capacity to be,” the President said.
“I wish each and every one of you a peaceful and happy Christmas and a new year of renewed hope and faith in Ireland’s future.”
