Sutherland, and his ideas, on the same level as Dev and Robinson
But Sutherland is one of less than a handful I think, whose personal position ultimately outranked any office they held. It is almost 100 years since the State was founded, and other than Sutherland, only Éamon de Valera and Mary Robinson rank politically as figures of global stature. Their position is ultimately personal to themselves, as distinct from the passing importance that attaches to office for as long as it is held. Interestingly, all three are ultimately associated with the influence of ideas, not just the passing power of office. Fame in the old-fashioned sense was not about either power of celebrity. It was about immortal deeds.
A contrast between Sutherland and Garrett FitzGerald is telling. As attorney general — the former on appointment by the latter — he occupied a role, though underrated in importance, still of the second rank politically. He did, of course, go on to occupy other more senior roles elsewhere. But his ultimate stature came from a synthesis of many jobs, and of one man, wielding considerable influence across a broader plain. In hindsight, FitzGerald does not rank with his protégé.
