AN Taoiseach Simon Harris has told the MacGill Summer School that attending such an event is “an important rite of passage for any Irish politician”.
Speaking at the annual Glenties event, Mr Harris spoke of the importance of finding solutions in a ever challenging world.
“I remember coming here in 2016, shortly after becoming Minister for Health, and I recall a few jokes being made about my own political health and what was in store for me. I spoke then of the need for ‘energy, vision, hope and determination’ and also, crucially, ‘optimism’.
“Eight years later, back as Taoiseach, it seems to me these qualities are as essential as ever.
“I had already thought this year’s theme of ‘On the Brink’ was a particularly apt choice but one had only to pick up Monday’s Irish Times and see the headline ‘America looks into the abyss after attempted assassination of Trump’ to realise just how apposite it is to the times we are living in.
“We seem to be perpetually on the brink of some new global crisis, some new catastrophe or conflict. Visible and invisible threats to our society and democratic values appear to abound and the list of anxieties grows longer every year.
“However, going back to recent events in the US, the glimmer of hope represented by a more moderate and united initial response than we might have expected, tells us that the view from the brink does not always have to be the abyss.
“If the debates that have taken place in this summer school over the past 43 years have taught us anything it is that we are never too far from a crisis, but not are solutions ever too far out of reach.”
Mr Harris pointed to the positive progress made in this country over the years. He said key to this was meeting every obstacle with pragmatism.
“And let’s never forget the progress that is possible. Here is one, very important, measure. Life expectancy on this island in 1981 when MacGill started was 73 years of age at birth. Today that number is 83 and rising.
The greatest challenges of the past four decades have been met with energy, vision, hope, determination, and also, crucially, with optimism.
In these times, where we face multiple, overlapping challenges, a key quality I would add, and the one which defines my philosophy as Taoiseach, is pragmatism.
“Pragmatism means being equal to the moment before us, while preparing carefully for the next. Pragmatism is not defined by a label like ‘right’ or ‘left’ but the action taken in the moment to solve the problems in front of us.
“Pragmatism is knowing over what time scale actions need to be taken, and knowing you need to bring everyone with you as you act.”
Reflecting on former President of the United States, Barack O’Bama’s inaugural address in 2009, which was delivered as the global economic crisis worsened and millions found their futures imperilled, Mr Harris said that address has stuck with him.
With that crisis canvas as his backdrop, it would have been easy to argue for a larger state, or a smaller one.
“O’bama chose neither. O’bama argued: ‘The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.’
“This is the test my government, and the government I hope to lead after the coming election, will seek to pass for everyone in Ireland.
“Does the state deliver for you? Is your experience of Ireland in your youth, in your working life, in your life as a parent, in your community life, in your later years, getting better?
“We know that for many in our nation the answer today is a resounding yes. Fine Gael took office at a time of economic deficiency, we now govern in a time of economic abundance.
“We also know the answer for many is a heartfelt no. I hear the children, the parents, the workers, the communities, and our older citizens. I hear them every day as Taoiseach.
“I pledge to deliver for them, pragmatically.
“I pledge to pass the test of making their government work for them.”
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