"Her route from councillor to lord mayor, TD to leas-cheann comhairle and finally to President, the highest office in the State, gives her a unique, outsider voice. At her inauguration, she passionately vowed to use it to make sure "all are heard and valued". She recalled how the change began with a small group facing what appeared to be insurmountable challenges."
"The President has set down a marker as an authentic and independent speaker, shorn of institutional echoes. For, she believed: "The people have spoken and have given their President a powerful mandate to articulate their vision for a new republic." Her role, she said, would be to make it a republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued. A home is a fundamental human right."
"Diversity would be cherished, sustainable solutions would be delivered and, critically, it would be where "a home is a fundamental human right". From today on, her challenge will be whether she can bring sway to the "say" she believes she has been given by the people. Articulating what she perceives as a silent scream, and advocating for such change, is a big ask."
A political trajectory from councillor to President via lord mayor, TD and leas-cheann comhairle provides an outsider voice committed to ensuring all are heard and valued. Change began with a small group facing obstacles and beliefs that ideas were too radical, yet nationwide engagement showed the dominant narrative did not reflect many people's values. The presidency holds an authentic, independent platform and a mandate to articulate a vision for a new republic where diversity is cherished, sustainability pursued and a home is a fundamental human right. Immediate priorities include resisting normalisation of war, tackling linked climate crises and addressing persistent housing affordability and availability issues.
Read at Irish Independent
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