President Michael D Higgins in conversation with Manchán Magan
In the lead-up to the Winter Solstice (Grianstad an Gheimhridh), a moment in the Irish tradition symbolising the darkest hours before the return of light, an enlightening conversation took place at Áras an Uachtaráin (December 10, 2024).
The Trailblazery, an award-winning cultural enterprise dedicated to nudging humanity forward, invited writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan to sit down with Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins to explore themes of language, culture, identity, and the pressing global challenges of our time.
The conversation, available to watch on The Trailblazery’s YouTube channel and The Trailblazery website from Sunday 16 March at 12:00 noon GMT, reveals a seer, scholar and statesman whose expansive worldview offers profound insights into the spirit of our times.
President Higgins reflects on his journey from his childhood in County Clare to his distinguished career in academia and politics, sharing his commitment to the Irish language (An Ghaeilge) and its significance in post-colonial Ireland.
He examines the broader impact of history on cultural identity and offers a sweeping perspective on societal transformation — tracing the arc of human progress from industrialism to modernity, from capitalism to socialism.
He warns of the brutality of endless war and the existential threats posed by biodiversity loss and species extinction, while also emphasizing the vital role of imagination, curiosity, and creativity as tools for renewal and hope. He reminds us of the power of possibility and a golden age yet to be achieved.
President Higgins says: “It was much easier during the course of my lifetime to speak about peace, to speak about criticism of capitalism than it is noweI’d like to see the evidence of where capitalism can, in fact, be reformed, amended.”
“If I were to look for hope now, it would be in the Irish language and among the new young generation that are speaking it. They are actually in a time of no repression.”