ST PATRICK’S Day 2012 finds Ireland in a national state of recovery from economic, political and social shock consequent on the collapse of the Celtic Tiger years and our rescue from financial excess by international institutions 16 months ago.
Recovery, yes – but a fitful, confused and contentious one. Rescue, yes – but one that remains deeply contested and widely resented. It is a period of transition in which all the available resources of solidarity and common identity should be mustered alongside the courage to renew institutions and explore ideas of change. St Patrick still offers an enduring symbolism for such recovery and renewal. The story of the boy-slave who first came to Ireland from Roman Britain to tend swine on Slieve Slemish and then returned as a bishop with a masterful ability to marry older Gaelic and druidic practices with the new religion continues to inspire Irish Christianity. The outreaching missionary effort from Ireland to the rest of Europe in the following centuries is remembered all over the Continent and is recalled here as a proud period in our early history. Since this is above all a religious tradition, the holiday offers an occasion to reflect on the renewal of institutional religion throughout Ireland and the frequently problematic relationship between that and the spiritual and ethical values which cannot find a satisfactory religious home because this has not been done.
Each generation finds a new way to value the St Patrick story. In coming to terms recently with immigration and now with renewed emigration this holiday weekend will weave a new twist on this ancient story. The remarkable efforts by State, official and civil society organisations to forge and reinforce contacts with the Irish abroad on what has become one of the world’s most well-known national holidays reminds us all how valuable are those links in a more interdependent and connected world. The Government’s proposal that emigrants should have a vote in the presidential elections is to be referred to the forthcoming constitutional convention. It is welcome, but too limited an acknowledgement of their continuing civic engagement with this State.
It is worthwhile building on these diasporic links from many points of view, including those of economic recovery which loom so large on this occasion. Seen from abroad Ireland is weathering rather than sinking in this storm. Many elements of recovery are now in place and the economy is in a much better position to respond to any international upturn. There are many reserves of goodwill and positive sentiment around the world for the efforts already made and a willingness to help out where possible. That applies also in Europe, where the level of solidarity extended to Ireland should not be underestimated here.
Renewing institutions and exploring new ideas of change should also be part of the national agenda on this holiday weekend. Economic recovery will not be achieved without enduring political reform to make our institutions more effective, democratic and in keeping with underlying national values.