Ivana Bacik on Michael D. Higgins: "I’ll most remember his courage in speaking out"

Ivana Bacik:

Michael D. has been a superb president who has done us all proud. I’ve known him for a long time, since I was a student in the late ’80s, and canvassed for him with Trinity Labour. I supported him in 2011 – In fact, in 2010, when he first suggested he might like to run for the party for president, I backed him to the hilt, and was part of his campaign team in 2011 and, of course, again in 2018.

I think he’s represented the best of us – in his own personal background, his love of culture, of literature, of art, his work as a poet, his understanding of sociology, of social theory and social justice, and his ability to articulate the values of the Irish people around things like the housing crisis, which he memorably described as the housing disaster, or the genocide in Gaza. He’s been an outstanding president.

I’ll most remember his courage in speaking out. He’s been an authentic and principled voice, but he’s always stayed within the parameters of his constitutional role. So he’s managed to tread a very fine line, but but has done it incredibly well.

I have known Michael D. for many years, and he has always been an inspiring figure and was, in my view, the best arts minister this country has ever had – he introduced so many new and vitally important initiatives in that role, on the Irish language, on public arts and on funding for the arts.

He is truly authentic, principled and courageous. The enormous regard and affection for him from across the country is really evident, and has strengthened during his two presidential terms. I am very proud to have worked with my Labour colleagues and so many others to see him elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2018. During his time as president, he has truly done our country proud.

Read our in-depth cover story interview with Michael D. Higgins – and tributes from Cillian Murphy, Bob Geldof, Niall Horan, Dermot Kennedy, Denise Chaila and more – in the current issue of Hot Press, out now: