National anthem in schools - Anthem a way to show pride

There is a huge difference between the aggressive nativism shown by Trump, Putin, Orban, and Brextremism and an expression of a calm, non-confrontational pride in your country. One can, and often does, lead to aggression.

The other reassures and generally inculcates the kind of civic spirit that makes for good, stable societies. Speaking in Chicago, during St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar suggested that all Irish schoolchildren be taught our national anthem, though he did not suggest that learning it, much less singing it, should be mandatory.

Though entirely coincidental, it must mean something that, just as Mr Varadkar made that suggestion, tens of thousands of Welsh people passionately expressed their identity through ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ at the Principality Stadium. Though there are other lessons we can take from Cardiff, the way the Welsh celebrate their culture through their anthem is inspirational.

There is no reason that ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ can not be used in a similar, uplifting way. Mr Varadkar’s suggestion might help that prospect become a reality.

As ever, Brexit casts a shadow. Should that tragedy eventually lead to a united Ireland, a new anthem would be needed.

South Africa’s post- apartheid anthem may offer an example. It is in five languages — Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, and English — and though we would not need as many, it has become a powerful symbol of a united South Africa.