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21st Dec 2018

President Higgins calls for Ireland to help and support ‘those that are vulnerable’ in our society

Paul Moore

Higgins speech

“In Ireland today, far too many of our people are missing the necessary securities of home.”

President Michael D. Higgins has delivered his annual Christmas and New Year’s message and he has called for Ireland to “ensure there is room at the inn” for migrants that are “in search of safety and hope” and for the Irish people to support those people that are “missing the necessary securities of home.”

An Uachtaráin stated his belief that Christmas is “a time to join with our loved ones, a time to reflect on the year gone past….a moment of hope and revival of hope” and that a mentality of “celebration and joy” should be at the forefront of people’s minds over the Christmas season.

This being said, he also said that: “In Ireland today, far too many of our people are missing the necessary securities of home. There are those who are concerned about their access to health services and education, for the right to voice their concerns and experience full participation in our republic. As global citizens, we must never hesitate to raise our voice in union with all those who pursue a more just world, making new connections with each other and the vulnerable planet we all inhabit.

We must also ensure there is room at the inn for those who, like Mary and Joseph 2,000 years ago, have taken long and difficult journeys in search of safety and a future of hope.”

He added that: “In particular, vulnerabilities experienced by those that are at risk and excluded. So many for whom, there is no place at the inn. In Ireland today, far too many of our people are missing the necessary securities of home. There are those who are concerned for their access to health services and education. Let us resolve to forge together a renewed sense of solidarity, one shaped and forged to help all our citizens.”

Here’s the president’s speech in full.

Clip via Áras an Uachtaráin

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