PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins used his final St Patrick’s Day message to thank the people of Ireland for “the trust you have placed in me over these past 14 years”.
The president said it had been “the greatest honour and privilege” serving as head of state, ahead of his Aras exit in November.
In his last Paddy’s Day message, the 83-year-old called for a “renewed sense of solidarity” as he reflected on his two terms in office.
Higgins said: “To the people of Ireland, muintir na hÉireann, may I thank you for the trust you have placed in me over these past 14 years.
“It remains the greatest honour and privilege to serve you, to meet so many of you in your communities, to witness your compassion, empathy and kindness in so many different ways.
“It is something that I will always cherish – what you offered to Sabina, my partner in all that I have sought to achieve and myself – and we both appreciated and will always recall the warmth and support that you offered us, and the joy of your company.”
Higgins said he wanted to reflect on the “themes” of his time as prez.
He continued: “They were themes that included the need to think of the economy in an embedded if instrumental way within a set of values that sought equality, inclusion, the fullest capacity to participate and share creativity, and that we would seek to achieve this by doing so beyond any borders other than the best instincts of our shared humanity.
“That, I suggested, is the best expression and achievement of our Irishness.”
Higgins added: “I am convinced beyond any doubt that, in spite of all the challenges we face, there remains within the Irish people a profound and unyielding commitment to seeing beyond the self, to seeing the other as a friend, the principles of generosity, decency and care for one another.
“On this St. Patrick’s Day 2025, let us invoke the spirit of Saint Patrick by acknowledging our shared responsibilities to each other, to our global family.
“Let us resolve to forge together a renewed sense of solidarity, reaffirming our commitment to the dignity and well-being of all, in building a just and compassionate world, one which reflects the best instincts of our humanity.”
‘HOPE AND LIGHT’
Higgins also reflected on the story of St Patrick, sharing how the Irish people can “take encouragement” in choosing understanding.
He added that this story can serve as “hope and light” in modern day Ireland.
He said: “We can take encouragement in the story of Patrick, one of choosing the path of understanding, the path of shared responsibility, where our differences are not exploited as threats, but embraced as the richness of our human condition.
“It offers an emancipatory alternative story of ethical courage, emerging as a symbol of hope and light in our present circumstances.”
NEXT ELECTION
Higgins’ comments mark his last ever address for St Patrick’s Day before his second term as president finishes in November.
Higgins began his second term as president on November 11, 2018, meaning the next presidential election must take place on or 60 days before November 11 of this year.
Following the election, the new president will take office the day after the outgoing president finishes his term.
While no presidential candidates have been announced yet, the new president is set to take office on November 12, 2025.
