“To stretch, That was always the issue, Beyond the limit Of the prescribed Inevitable. To draw the spirit breath, That was the challenge, That made the big questions. The children with swollen stomachs,
The women excluded, The science distorted For war, The bombs preferred to bread, Are not inevitable. The child made homeless Learned from his mother, His father and a donkey That this was so,”
Michael D. Higgins Making a New Season from “An Arid Season”
“We have to reject the suggestion that war is the natural human condition, or indeed that xenophobia is a natural human condition, or that people of different religions or cultures cannot reconcile, live harmoniously. We have to pursue a new symmetry, our very species’ survival depends on that now, as does our relationship with other species.” “The Diplomacy of Globalisation from Below”, 2023 President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins
“Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarisation.” António Guterres - United Nations Secretary-General
Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi shonas With every good wish for a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year
UACHTARÁN NA hÉIREANN President of Ireland 2023
PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, D08E1W3. @PresidentIRL Front Cover Artwork featuring Peace Bell, Áras an Uachtaráin: Michael O’Dwyer
Áras an Uachtaráin, D08 E1W3
www.president.ie
@PresidentIRL