You could start here if you're looking for an example of a Courageous politician.
Here's a man of belief who knows what he has to do as a result.
No wonder Michael D Higgins is now President of Ireland.
He makes me proud of my Irish nationality.
Hat tip: Carol Wilcox
Yes, I was really cheered by his election – a moral giant among European leaders. One of his election posters read – As President, I will continue to be progressive. As a feminist, a disability campaigner and a champion of human and social rights I will continue to stand up for what I believe in – the people of Ireland.
Legendary. A shame he’s not British!
Great stuff. Thanks for posting. I hope his recent greater fame helps create political space for others to be emerge and be heard in Ireland and further afield. I’ll post and tweet to add my little bit of momentum…
Superb, Richard, it’s lifted my spirits for the day listening to such a withering critique of greed, political self interest, and the lack of moral and ethical standing of the elite. And as you say, in both words and passion this is a clear example of belief.
Indeed – a great speech such as is heard rarely these days. Maybe someone should send it to Ed?
I do not agree with all that he said nor do I think it is as cut and dried as he makes out. However it was a great speech and IT SHOULD BE SAID. Both sides of the argument should be heard with such passion and belief, we need more of that in all Countries politics!
A stirring and uplifting performance which any fair-minded person can only support.
That was awesome speech. Thanks Carol Wilcox
At last a poet and a socialist.
We should take inspiration in our tangled times.
Thank you so much for posting this , I was greatly moved and relieved to hear a politician speak with passion and conviction.
What a brilliant, passionate speech…. how I wish to hear similar from our own house of shame. Thanks for posting.
Richard, I know that sometimes you like to include music in the comments, and after Michael Higgins’ dramatic performance, this song by Christy Moore seems to compliment the speech very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PySL__Kg33Y
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the IoM marches boldly on as a provider of services to help the world’s most wealthy (now known as the UHNW) amass even more wealth at the expense of the rest of humanity (while declaring itself not to be a tax haven).
Its less-than-courageous Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK goes to the City to address “key business people at the Funds Luncheon event which was organised by the Isle of Man Fund Management Association”
http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/bell_s_keynote_speech_to_city_1_3983544
while its Department of Economic Development joins forces with global fiduciary services provider the ILS Group on a spree to China “to showcase their services in a special half-day event entitled “The International Tool Kit: Achieve your wealth management goals through international offshore structures and investments”. Group marketing manager of the ILS Group, Kara McCabe, is reported as saying “… As Asia-Pacific prepares to welcome more members into the UHNW club, there are tremendous opportunities for wealth professionals in helping Asia’s future UHNW amass their wealth, grow their fortunes for future generations and their legacy. As such the ILS Group is committed to promoting its services and the Isle of Man as an established platform for business success and prosperity in Asia …”
The chameleon like activities of the Isle of Man government never fail to bewilder.
One minute it declares itself not to be providing succour to those involved in the tax dodging business .. And the next minute it is aligning itself with offshore marketing dogma such as “The International Tool Kit: Achieve your wealth management goals through international offshore structures and investments”.
But then the Isle of Man government is in the business of bewilderment and confusion: From the decent honest people living on the island to the international community in a vain and wretched attempt to disguise the fact that the island is rapidly going down the tube.