Robinson calls for ‘energising’ of public’s spirit

FORMER president Mary Robinson called for a continued “energising” of the public’s spirit to help lift Ireland out of recession.

The two-time president also said the European Union needs to recognise Ireland’s attempt at stabilising our finances through economic reform.

Ms Robinson said that following the British Queen’s visit last week and the warm tributes to former taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, there was a sense of optimism around the country.

“We’ve had a very successful, very thoughtful, very transformative state visit. It’s brought a sort of closure and it’s opened up a way forward which both the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Cameron emphasised.

“The positive mood from the recent visit and that sense of valuing somebody whose life reflects the best in us is a great way now to move forward,” she said.

“The public mood matters hugely because we could be energised for change and that for me is what Garret [FitzGerald] is really giving us as his last generous gift.”

Speaking to Marian Finucane on RTÉ radio yesterday, Ms Robinson said the mood among the public was starting to change.

“Three weeks ago we were in a bad place. And people were very down and very depressed and very angry and humiliated. We were broken in that sense ... now we’re standing tall.

“I really hope that this mood will become the mood going forward as we tackle hugely difficult issues because it matters.”

But the former United Nations high commissioner for human rights also called on Europe to better recognise Ireland’s attempts to fix the economy.

“We’re doing well in the hardship. The IMF acknowledges that, the EU has to acknowledge that much more,” Ms Robinson said.

“If we had that sense of spirit which Garret gifted us with, I think we will be much stronger, not just politically but also economically,” she said.

Meanwhile, U2 lead singer Bono yesterday also spoke of a sense of optimism among the general public, ahead of US president Barack Obama’s visit today.

Speaking on Sam Smyth’s radio show on Today FM, the group’s singer said Mr Obama’s presence inspired good feelings among people.

He also said the US president was a great speaker.