Power of charisma - Living on the sunny side

Bill Clinton, though he may have occasionally misused it, has it in spades.

The last pope, John Paul II, radiated it and recognised what a powerful tool it was in helping him communicate his message.

Every ambitious politician, entertainer or public persona wishes they had some of it. Some imagine they have far more of it than they actually do.

Over the last few weeks we all have had an opportunity to see its great power and uplifting qualities in action.

Teenager Joanne O’Riordan radiates charisma which is, in the heel of the hunt, no more than amplifying the joy of life, the sense of the possible and the comforting, universal warmth of being human.

That she can be so uplifting, so cheering and inspiring despite the fact that she was born without limbs invites us all to move over to the sunny side of the street. What an inspiration. What a challenge.