Archbishop Dermot Farrell is Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland (Catholic Communications Office archive)
- Archbishop Dermot Farrell’s message for the commencement of the 34th Dáil Éireann
Our Wednesday next, 18 December, the 34th session of Dáil Éireann will assemble, and our country’s elected representatives will begin to seek ways to realise their vision of a shared future for all who dwell in our land.
We know that it may take some weeks before the shape and focus of a new government becomes clear, but at this moment it is appropriate to give thanks for the blessings of living in a society where differences are addressed through public debate, and power transfers peacefully on the basis of the rule of law.
Politics – for all that we say about it – is, in the end, “a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good”, to cite Pope Francis. While wise political leadership and good government is necessary in every age, our age, with increasing political polarisation across the globe, with greater inequality between – and within – rich and poor nations, and with the deepening climate crisis, is in profound need of wise and prudent governments. Therefore, it is right that should pray for the members of Dáil Éireann, as our TDs begin to exercise their political office.
Even if our land is experiencing a time to unprecedented revenue flows, our expectations of politics and government must be tempered with realism. That said, we can expect from our politicians a commitment to the highest standards of public life, a sincere commitment to serving the common good and a prioritisation of the needs of the most vulnerable. Further, and especially at the beginning of a period of government, we need to draw attention to those long-term, strategic projects, vital for the flourishing of our land, and for the wellbeing of all who live here. Few of these are ‘vote-getters’: water, transport infrastructure, sustainable healthcare, the security of our nation, the ‘green transition.’ Even if they are not always to the fore of political debate, that does not render them any less vital for everyone in our country. Gan amhras, tagann na Teachtaí Dála go dtí Teach Laighean chun fadhbanna a gcomhludair áitiúla a rêiteach ach guímid go mbeidh leas an phobail i gcoitinne an tosaíocht is mó acu.
For our own part as Christians, and as citizens, this is also a moment to reflect on our own responsibilities to support what is right and assert what is good. Active citizens in a flourishing civil society are no less important than the institutions of government in securing the well-being of the people.
As we prepare for Christmas, the celebration of our Saviour’s birth, we take heart from the hope that His birth heralds (see Eph 1:8), and the confidence of our God in “what his hand has made.” (see Isa 66:2). Each day we pray the Our Father; we pray each day for the coming of God’s Kingdom, a way of living in which “justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails,” (Psalm 71(72):7). May we pray then that our civic institutions may be open to God’s Holy Spirit in their service of justice and peace.
In that spirit, I ask that parishes and faith communities include a prayer for those who will form the new Dáil among the prayers of intercession at Masses next weekend, and that all of us who trust in God’s providence and closeness, may continue to keep our public representatives before the Lord as they perform their important public duty in the years ahead.
ENDS
