Oh, for a Proper Head of State

Once again, WfaAR sees an excellent example of a properly functioning Head of State, engaged with the interests of his people. Our attention was caught by a statement made by Michael D Higgins, President of the Republic of Ireland who was invited by The New York Times to make a contribution to the annual Athens Democracy Forum gathering in Greece during the week. Higgins addressed the subject: What does a new form of European unity look like going into the third decade of the century? Speaking personally but authoritatively Higgins discusses “the urgent need in both scholarship and a diplomacy that, at present, is trapped in a narrow theory of interests to change by making new connections between economics, ecology and ethics, thus forging a new path on which we can travel together”. He concludes by writing, ” We must do this not just for our benefit, but for the future generations to whom, we, surely, have a responsibility to create a peaceful, harmonious world that is supported by a sustainable vision of economy and society, and enriched by a diversity of cultures.” Heard anything like that from the Queen or the Governor-General lately? [“Seeking an Inclusive European Unity” by Michael D Higgins, The New York Times International Edition, 10 October 2019]