Congratulations, Mr President! Comh-ghairdeas! I salute your courage, charisma, bravery, wealth of experience and enthusiasm. I welcome your commitment “to achieve an inclusive citizenship where every citizen participates and everyone is treated with respect”.
The numbers speak well for your term in office. You were inaugurated on an iconic date, 11/11/11. You are also the ninth president of this country, and people linked with the number nine “tend to be very socially conscious, creative and visionary… they are linked with idealism but also tolerance and compassion”.
I was mesmerised by your strong rendition of the Irish language. You seem to me a man more rooted in culture than materialism, which is a good omen for the restoration of Ireland’s lost glory.
In keeping your promise to support initiatives for inclusion across Ireland, it prompts me to mention that
accommodation centres where women and children are subjected to inhuman treatment would definitely need your support.
The family unit is the bedrock of our culture, and it needs to be protected. I also wonder if you will visit old
people’s homes where those heroes who have sacrificed so much for this great nation are often ‘dumped’ by uncaring
relations.
Mr President, I plead you to take a look at education in this country. Examine the plight of migrant students who
have been here for many years and yet must pay considerably more for third-level studies than native Irish or EU
students, despite working and paying tax.
Meanwhile, for those with high skills and qualifications, the employment sector has become a nightmare. Selection by
merit irrespective of applicants’ backgrounds is still feasible. Good representation of professional migrants in all
sectors of the economy is an inclusive practice.
Also, considering how fluent your Irish is, Mr President, the Irish language could be taken more seriously by all as
a culture and tradition. We have a unique heritage here – it is part of the Irish identity and must not be forgotten.
Above all, I wish to see an Irish society where its people return to their first love – God! To ordinary eyes, people
think Ireland is more tolerant than most other European countries, that they are not quick to protest on the street.
But to those who are still rooted in Christianity, they know that it can only be the finger of God.
Ireland selflessly has touched and saved so many lives all over the world at their own expense. They have helped to
eradicate poverty in so many poverty-stricken countries around the world. They have planted numerous churches
globally which other nations are still reaping. They laid down their lives that others might live. They have laid
strong foundations for future generations which are being neglected. They did it all because of God, and God does not
sleep or slumber.
He still watches over and keeps Ireland, and will never forget the good work Ireland did in His name. Let us
therefore forgive all our trespasses and return to God.
Mr President, to whom so much is given, so much is expected. The people have given you their mandate, you have spoken
well of government, of transformation and people who voted have confidence in you, and they are eager to see a
transformed Ireland. I trust you can!
God bless you, Mr President! God bless Ireland! Saol fada chugat!
Amaka Okonkwo works in sales for Metro E´ireann.
