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When Ideas Matter: Speeches for an Ethical Republic
The President of Ireland since 2011, when he was elected by a final tally of almost 57% of the votes, Michael D. Higgins has used his time in office to set out a vision of what he calls "an ethical Republic." In a series of remarkable and urgent speeches, which are anything but the bland commentaries of a ceremonial head of state, he has urged his fellow citizens to consider what makes the good life. He has asked how human rights, an active and empowered citizenry, women’s equality and the right to health and a life free of corrosive anxiety might be achieved. He has highlighted the plight of refugees, and he has criticized the ways in which work is becoming dehumanized.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2017
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About the author
Michael D. Higgins
27 books21 followersMichael D. Higgins
On 11 November 2011, Michael D. Higgins was inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland.
A passionate political voice, a poet and writer, academic and statesman, human rights advocate, promoter of inclusive citizenship and champion of creativity within Irish society, Michael D. Higgins has previously served at almost every level of public life in Ireland, including as Ireland’s first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
Michael D. Higgins was born on 18 April 1941 in Limerick city and was raised in County Clare. He was a factory worker and a clerk before becoming the first in his family to access higher education. He studied at the University College Galway, the University of Manchester, and the University of Indiana.
Michael D. Higgins is married to Sabina Higgins, and they have four children. Sabina Higgins attended the Stanislavsky Studio of acting in Dublin and was a founding member of the Focus Theatre.
As a lecturer in political science and sociology in National University of Ireland, Galway, and in the United States, Michael D. Higgins was a passionate proponent for the extension of access to third level education beyond the walls of established Universities. He was centrally involved in the development of extra-mural studies at National University of Ireland, Galway, and he travelled extensively across the West of Ireland to provide accessible evening classes for interested citizens.
A desire to work more directly for equality and justice led Michael D. Higgins to enter public life and he went on to serve as a public representative at many levels from Councillor and Mayor to 9 years in the Seanad and 25 in Dáil Éireann.
As Ireland’s first Minister for the Arts in 1993-97, Michael D. Higgins’s achievements include the reinvigoration of the Irish film industry, the establishment of Teilifís na Gaeilge, now TG4, and the repeal of censorship under Section 31 of the Broadcasting Acts. He also established a rich network of local arts and cultural venues which brought a crucial access to citizens across Ireland to these facilities. Moreover, he drove the revitalisation of Ireland’s canal network, resulting in over 1,000 kilometres of navigable waterways, supporting thousands of jobs, and creating wealth in many rural and economically-deprived areas of the State.
Michael D. Higgins has, like many in Ireland, seen generations of his family emigrate. He has a strong interest and solidarity with the Irish abroad and has been a regular visitor to Irish Centres in Britain.
Throughout his life, Michael D. Higgins has campaigned for human rights and for the promotion of peace and democracy in Ireland and in many other parts of the world, from Nicaragua and Chile to Cambodia, Iraq and Somalia. In 1992, Michael D. Higgins was the first recipient of the Seán MacBride Peace Prize from the International Peace Bureau in Helsinki, in recognition of his work for peace and justice in many parts of the world.
Michael D. Higgins is also a writer and poet, contributing to many books covering diverse aspects of Irish politics, sociology, history and and culture. He has published two collections of essays — ‘Causes for Concern — Irish Politics, Culture and Society’ and ‘Renewing the Republic’. He has also published four collections of poetry — ’The Betrayal; The Season of Fire; An Arid Season’ and ‘New and Selected Poems’.
Among the other appointments Michael D. Higgins has held are:
Member of Dáil Éireann for 25 years;
Member of Seanad Éireann (the Irish Senate) for 9 years;
Ireland’s first Cabinet Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht 1993-97;
As Minister, he had direct responsibility for the promotion of the Irish language and for the economic and social development of Irish-speaking areas in the State;
Labour Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs in the Irish Parliament and founder member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs;
Lord Mayor of Galway on
On 11 November 2011, Michael D. Higgins was inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland.
A passionate political voice, a poet and writer, academic and statesman, human rights advocate, promoter of inclusive citizenship and champion of creativity within Irish society, Michael D. Higgins has previously served at almost every level of public life in Ireland, including as Ireland’s first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
Michael D. Higgins was born on 18 April 1941 in Limerick city and was raised in County Clare. He was a factory worker and a clerk before becoming the first in his family to access higher education. He studied at the University College Galway, the University of Manchester, and the University of Indiana.
Michael D. Higgins is married to Sabina Higgins, and they have four children. Sabina Higgins attended the Stanislavsky Studio of acting in Dublin and was a founding member of the Focus Theatre.
As a lecturer in political science and sociology in National University of Ireland, Galway, and in the United States, Michael D. Higgins was a passionate proponent for the extension of access to third level education beyond the walls of established Universities. He was centrally involved in the development of extra-mural studies at National University of Ireland, Galway, and he travelled extensively across the West of Ireland to provide accessible evening classes for interested citizens.
A desire to work more directly for equality and justice led Michael D. Higgins to enter public life and he went on to serve as a public representative at many levels from Councillor and Mayor to 9 years in the Seanad and 25 in Dáil Éireann.
As Ireland’s first Minister for the Arts in 1993-97, Michael D. Higgins’s achievements include the reinvigoration of the Irish film industry, the establishment of Teilifís na Gaeilge, now TG4, and the repeal of censorship under Section 31 of the Broadcasting Acts. He also established a rich network of local arts and cultural venues which brought a crucial access to citizens across Ireland to these facilities. Moreover, he drove the revitalisation of Ireland’s canal network, resulting in over 1,000 kilometres of navigable waterways, supporting thousands of jobs, and creating wealth in many rural and economically-deprived areas of the State.
Michael D. Higgins has, like many in Ireland, seen generations of his family emigrate. He has a strong interest and solidarity with the Irish abroad and has been a regular visitor to Irish Centres in Britain.
Throughout his life, Michael D. Higgins has campaigned for human rights and for the promotion of peace and democracy in Ireland and in many other parts of the world, from Nicaragua and Chile to Cambodia, Iraq and Somalia. In 1992, Michael D. Higgins was the first recipient of the Seán MacBride Peace Prize from the International Peace Bureau in Helsinki, in recognition of his work for peace and justice in many parts of the world.
Michael D. Higgins is also a writer and poet, contributing to many books covering diverse aspects of Irish politics, sociology, history and and culture. He has published two collections of essays — ‘Causes for Concern — Irish Politics, Culture and Society’ and ‘Renewing the Republic’. He has also published four collections of poetry — ’The Betrayal; The Season of Fire; An Arid Season’ and ‘New and Selected Poems’.
Among the other appointments Michael D. Higgins has held are:
Member of Dáil Éireann for 25 years;
Member of Seanad Éireann (the Irish Senate) for 9 years;
Ireland’s first Cabinet Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht 1993-97;
As Minister, he had direct responsibility for the promotion of the Irish language and for the economic and social development of Irish-speaking areas in the State;
Labour Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs in the Irish Parliament and founder member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs;
Lord Mayor of Galway on
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 20, 2018
President Higgins in his speeches shows his tolerance of all people regardless of colour, creed, sex, sexuality or kind. President Higgins is a paragon of virtue and kindness. So many people could learn from the selection of speeches that he made in this book. I modelled myself during difficult times on the positive approach for all people that is the basis of every word he wrote in this book.
What I loved about the book most is that before President Higgins became involved in Irish politics he fought peacefully for justice and spoke freely about the deplorable conditions people in poverty or those whose countries were torn apart by war. As I read these speeches I came to understand the apparent paradox of "When Ideas Matter". Words are not just a collection of symbols, people express the world through words or gestures to convey their meaning that describes how they perceive the world in their own way. Ideas often manifest into the material world and are often used in an attempt to navigate the afterlife.
There were some speeches where President Higgins really did figuratively put his head on the block as many speeches he made exposed the rot of corruption and the pain caused to so many people across the world. He had relations who took part in the Irish rebellion the Easter Rising in 1916 and to me he clearly he keeps that fire burning even as president.
There were speeches he made that I could feel the tension in his words as he cloaked his beliefs in words that were based on mutual respect, sometimes he spoke of love to those present at his speeches.
The book contains fine examples of President Higgins high quality skills of diplomacy while delivering truth. I believe he was genuine which is apparent particularly apparent in a speech to the Queen Of England and the dignatories present. He sought to express the desire of people living in Ireland for continued peace and co-operation but at the same time the need for equality between Britain and Ireland and tells a story about the Easter Rising as a warning as to what can happen if there is intolerance on either side.
President Higgins also attended state functions of those he would have viewed as dictators at one time but as time passed had acheived a democratic state would often end up listening to the words of President Higgins while themselves sometimes espousing democracy and justice.
There were times when President Higgins gave speeches to dictators he would have challenged in the past. Nevertheless President Higgins knows how to speak to those he was comfortable with and those he had challenged. President Higgins knows as is the title of his book "When Ideas Matter".
What I loved about the book most is that before President Higgins became involved in Irish politics he fought peacefully for justice and spoke freely about the deplorable conditions people in poverty or those whose countries were torn apart by war. As I read these speeches I came to understand the apparent paradox of "When Ideas Matter". Words are not just a collection of symbols, people express the world through words or gestures to convey their meaning that describes how they perceive the world in their own way. Ideas often manifest into the material world and are often used in an attempt to navigate the afterlife.
There were some speeches where President Higgins really did figuratively put his head on the block as many speeches he made exposed the rot of corruption and the pain caused to so many people across the world. He had relations who took part in the Irish rebellion the Easter Rising in 1916 and to me he clearly he keeps that fire burning even as president.
There were speeches he made that I could feel the tension in his words as he cloaked his beliefs in words that were based on mutual respect, sometimes he spoke of love to those present at his speeches.
The book contains fine examples of President Higgins high quality skills of diplomacy while delivering truth. I believe he was genuine which is apparent particularly apparent in a speech to the Queen Of England and the dignatories present. He sought to express the desire of people living in Ireland for continued peace and co-operation but at the same time the need for equality between Britain and Ireland and tells a story about the Easter Rising as a warning as to what can happen if there is intolerance on either side.
President Higgins also attended state functions of those he would have viewed as dictators at one time but as time passed had acheived a democratic state would often end up listening to the words of President Higgins while themselves sometimes espousing democracy and justice.
There were times when President Higgins gave speeches to dictators he would have challenged in the past. Nevertheless President Higgins knows how to speak to those he was comfortable with and those he had challenged. President Higgins knows as is the title of his book "When Ideas Matter".
January 28, 2018
A thoroughly engaging, inspirational read. Each argument is situated within an informed understanding of history, and its relevance for today. A spirit of inclusivity runs through each chapter. Higgins displays deep respect for all members of civil society, who are working tirelessly within their own context to move society forward. At times, I felt immense pride that Michael D. Higgins is the of president Ireland, whether you are an Irish citizen living on the island of Ireland, or within the diaspora.
November 1, 2018
"You're just a wanker stirring up fear" will always be the GOAT, but some of these come a close second. Speech in the European Parliament especially good.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews