The President of Ireland has delivered his Christmas and New Year’s message this morning.
And you’ll be happy to know that Bród and Síoda also make an appearance – as both the opening and closing shots of the video.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6aK2OTnqOt/
Honing in on pertinent issues such as climate change and emigration, Michael D reiterated the message that: “If we are to succeed in meeting this greatest challenge, we must all act as a global community”.
He began the address by saying that: “Christmas signals a time of light and hope, a time when we move beyond the winter solstice…and perhaps begin to anticipate the longer days of light to come.”
Later speaking on the country’s “long history of emigration, of movement, of journeys, of leavings and exile”, he encouraged the public to remember the Irish diaspora abroad – not just at Christmas time, but year-round.
He also touched on the many challenges that we face and the need for collective action against climate change.
“Throughout 2019 the need for collective action against climate change and biodiversity loss became ever more evident. The year has ended with a clear message from scientists – that we must do much more to avoid catastrophe.
It was uplifting to witness our younger generation demonstrate their willingness to play their part in the collective action that is necessary.”
Small individual movements, when combined, can, in fact, create great progress.
Concluding the message with warm wishes Michael D said: “I wish each and every one of you a peaceful and happy Christmas and a New Year of hope and possibility.”
(Header image: @presidentirl on Instagram)
