‘The journey is not complete' – President Michael D Higgins wishers revellers happy Pride 2025 & marks key milestone
The Dublin Pride Parade and March 2025 will assemble on O'Connell Street today — celebrating a decade since the
2
President Michael D. Higgins sent well wishes for all celebrating Pride today
Credit: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
President
'This annual celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, the dignity and the joy of our
" It is a time, too, to remember with gratitude the courage of those who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today.
'In recent years, great strides have been made in advancing the rights and recognition of LGBT+ people in Ireland.
READ MORE IN NEWS
"In celebrating Pride this year, we are also marking the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum.
'A moment that spoke of the kind of Ireland we aspire to be — inclusive, generous and unafraid to affirm the equal worth of all of our citizens."
The President said that we must also acknowledge that "the journey is not complete".
He continued: "A truly inclusive society is one where all can live authentically and creatively, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, where all can participate fully, and where all voices are not only heard but valued, in all their richness and diversity.
most read in the irish sun
"Pride remains a vital expression of that vision in challenging us to deepen our commitment to human rights, to solidarity, and to the kind of republic that cherishes all of its people equally.
"In a time when hard-won rights are being questioned in many parts of the world, such vigilance and unity are more vital than ever.
Mr Higgins reflected on his terms as President of Ireland.
He added: 'I have been continually inspired by the creativity, resilience and generosity of spirit shown by Ireland's LGBT+ community.
'In so many aspects of Irish life, your rich and varied contributions have helped to enrich our society immeasurably — widening the circle of belonging for us all.
"May I wish all those marking
"May this Pride be a time of joy, of solidarity, and of renewed hope as we work to craft a future together that is peaceful, just and inclusive – a future defined by equality and participation of all citizens across the world in all their wonderful diversity."
2
President Higgins said the event is a vital affirmation of the rights of our LGBT+ communities
Credit: Alamy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
5 hours ago
- Sunday World
Man who killed Irish soldier Seán Rooney believed to be on the run in Iran
The runaway killer fled Lebannon and is said to be hiding in Iran. The man who killed Private Sean Rooney is believed to be hiding out in Iran, according to sources. Hezbollah fighter Mohammed Ayyad has not been seen in over a year but Government and diplomat sources suspect he has fled Lebanon for Iran. The runaway killer was sentenced to death a few weeks ago on July 28 last by a military tribunal for the murder of the 23-year-old Dundalk soldier. But he wasn't in court for the conviction and the Lebanese authorities gave no indication where he was. Ayyad was initially released on bail over a year ago on medical grounds. But yesterday the Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O'Murchu said it is unclear what his medical condition was. rooney News in 90 Seconds - August 16th He said: 'This guy seems to have vanished and nobody knows where he is." But Government insiders believe Ayyad has fled to Iran - the country which bankrolls the Hezbellah organisation in south Lebanon where Sean perished. One source said: 'We suspect he is in Iran and it is unlikely anyone will hand him over to face a death penalty. It is not a satisfactory situation but all we can do is keep the pressure on and see if we can get justice for Sean and his family." Ayyad was among a gang of men who opened fire on the UN peacekeepers convoy on December 14, 2022 in the village of Al-Aqbiya as they made their way to Beirut Airport. Sean lost his life while three other Irish soldiers, Private Shane Kearney, Corporal Joshua Phelan, and Private Nathan Byra were injured. The other Lebanese gunmen involved in the unprovoked attack got far lighter sentences. One got three months jail, another a one month jail sentence, another was fined the equivalent of appoximately €1800 and a fourth was acquitted. These are now being appealed by the Beirut government following pressure from Ireland and Sean's devastated family. The Minister for Defence Simon Harris and Sean's mother Natasha held a private meeting to discuss the case during the week. Mr Harris said: " The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case.. We have raised the issue with the UN, and the Lebanese authorities . This is a difficult time for his family and the 121th Infantry Battalion." The Lebanese authorities have not executed any prisoners in over 20 years so the Irish Government is pushing for the killer to be found to serve a life in prison instead. The Taoiseach Micheal Martin after the court verdict said: 'Sean was a soldier of great courage who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty. He was brave and diligent. "Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected." The Irish Coroner's Inquest into Sean Rooney's death has been postponed and no new date confirmed. Defence Minister Harris revealed in a reply to Deputy O'Murchu that the Coroner has received a response from the United Nations to her request that they should be an interested party at the Inquest and grant access to a number of UN reports. Details of the UN response have not been released publicly. Mr Harris also said that an independent review into the murder by Mr Michael Delaney SC is ongoing. This review is examining the internal tactics, techniques , processes, and procedures employed by the Defence Forces with a view to determining whether there are lessons to be learned for the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney's death. Mr Delaney nis expected to report with Mr Harris in the autumn.
The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Meet China's shady ‘Sea Dragons' – the elite unit training for Taiwan invasion with underwater pistols & pirate battles
The Sun has spoken to leading military experts to find out how the 'Sea Dragons' are preparing for war RED MENACE Meet China's shady 'Sea Dragons' – the elite unit training for Taiwan invasion with underwater pistols & pirate battles THIS secretive Chinese special forces unit could play a key role in dictator Xi Jinping's plot to seize Taiwan. Ever since Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine, the world has held its breath to see if Beijing will follow suit and annex its neighbour. 13 China's elite 7th Marine Bridge is kept at "high readiness" for conflict Credit: Alamy 13 They are often seen as China's answer to the elite US Navy Seals Credit: Alamy Advertisement 13 The marines are armed with specialist weapons that can work underwater Credit: US Department of Defense 13 Chinese marines participate in a steeplechase competition in Qingdao Credit: Alamy 13 Unlike the Russian army, China's military suffers from a chronic lack of recent battlefield experience. Advertisement Beijing's troops haven't seen active combat in a full scale war since the 1970s, when China fought briefly against Vietnam. But China's elite 7th Marine Brigade - also known as the Sea Dragons - is kept at "high readiness" for conflict, and has experience in operations around the world. This secretive unit has been deployed in China's counter-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden - and played a key role in evacuating Chinese nationals from the war in Yemen. They are often seen as China's answer to the elite US Navy Seals. Advertisement As Beijing's sabre-rattling across the Taiwan Strait grows louder, The Sun has spoken to leading military experts to find out how this unit could play a devastating role in such a war. Analyst Alexis Turek of the Coalition Defense of Taiwan Project said: "Any sort of amphibious operation in Taiwan is incredibly difficult. "It's going to be significantly more difficult than the Normandy invasion [in 1944]. "Part of that is because China is very unprepared and they haven't done this before." She explained that one Chinese dictator Xi Jinping's main military goals has been expanding the power of the Chinese Navy to prime Beijing's war-readiness. Advertisement Huge fleet of terrifying new Chinese 'tank boats' takes to water as Taiwan launches huge war drills Over the past decade, China has vastly expanded its naval capabilities, including building two massive home-grown aircraft carriers. "It's certainly true that they're not quite at the level of the US," Turek added. "There's a difference between having very powerful forces, and knowing how to conduct these sorts of operations." But while the rest of the Chinese military remains untested in battle, the Sea Dragons' experience and training could make them a force to be reckoned with. Alison O'Neil, a China researcher at the Institute for the Study of War, told The Sun: "This brigade is specifically trained for urban warfare and urban counter-terrorism. The 7th Brigade is kept at high readiness." Much of their experience comes from battling pirates in the Gulf of Aden, where the Sea Dragons have cut their teeth in amphibious operations. Advertisement Armed with specialist assault rifles and pistols that work underwater, they are especially adept at recon and sabotage operations. 13 Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control Credit: Alamy 13 Chinese marines take part in a joint naval drill in Zhanjiang Credit: Alamy 13 Chinese and Russian marines take part in a joint naval drill Credit: Alamy 13 Chinese marines during exercises Credit: US Department of Defense Advertisement "They have been sent to do a lot of these overseas power projection efforts, so that includes anti-piracy and counter-terrorism," Turek added. Taiwan's geography as a highly mountainous island with densely populated cities makes planning an invasion fraught with difficulty for China. One of the first tasks for China would be to assess Taiwan's coastline for potential landing spots. And the Sea Dragons' expertise in naval reconnaissance would put them right at the forefront. "They would probably be the ones identifying where the targets are and where they should strike," Turek said. Advertisement "We would also see them probably engaging in some of their own targeted strikes." The Sea Dragons would also likely play a key role in psychological warfare to try and force Taiwan into submission, Turek said. This could see them sabotage ports, major airports and other vital infrastructure in a brutal campaign to terrorise the island's population. The unit has even been seen wielding terrifying hidden drones that are disguised to look like birds, The War Zone previously reported. Turek said attacks would be intended to convince Taiwan "that the Taiwanese military is not up to snuff and the Taiwanese government is not being effective." Advertisement While not a member state of the United Nations, Taiwan is a functionally independent country with its own government, currency and military. But China sees the island as a breakaway province that should be under Beijing's control, and President Xi Jinping has long refused to rule out the use of force to achieve this. Many US officials believe that Xi wants China's military to be ready to take Taiwan by 2027. However, Dr Turek added that Beijing would struggle to mount a surprise attack given the scale of machinery and equipment that would need to be deployed. "China has not really experienced any sort of urban warfare before," she said. "A lot of this is going to be pretty unseen territory." Advertisement Dr Turek added: "It will likely be a pretty devastating conflict. It is likely to be a protracted war." However, China could instead opt to blockade Taiwan in an attempt to throttle it into submission - instead of sending troops in to fight and die. Either a blockade or an invasion would likely have devastating impacts on the global economy, as the Taiwan Strait is one of the busiest shipping lanes for international trade. Taiwan is also a key producer of semicondutors - which are crucial component in the manufacturing of electronics around the world. But Dr Turek cautioned that an invasion "is always on the table". Advertisement "We've certainly seen them preparing for it. We have seen them conduct exercises that resemble blockades." However, she added: "Xi Jinping and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) right now are pretty risk averse. "They are not going to invade unless they think they will be successful." Why is Taiwan under threat of Chinese invasion? TAIWAN is under threat of a Chinese invasion as a result of its political and historical ties to China and its strategic importance After the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the defeated Nationalist government (Kuomintang) fled to Taiwan while the Communists took control of mainland China Since then, Taiwan has evolved into a self-governed democracy But the People's Republic of China (PRC) sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland Taiwan has never formally declared independence, partly to avoid provoking a military response from China Chinese President Xi Jinping has tied 'national rejuvenation' to reunifying Taiwan with the mainland Most countries, including the US, do not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent nation, but they do support Taiwan militarily and economically China views foreign support of Taiwan, especially arms sales and diplomatic visits, as provocations Taiwan is strategically important as it sits in a vital geopolitical position in the Asia-Pacific This makes its location a gateway to the South China Sea 13 Armoured amphibious units from China have been spotted practising naval formation in the latest threats to Taiwan 13 Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te walks near Taiwanese naval officers Credit: Getty Advertisement 13 Marine corps formation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) during a military parade Credit: Rex Features
Irish Independent
17 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Letters: Indian community deserve gratitude for their contribution to society
An attack recently on a chef going to work, in which he was beaten and had his mobile phone, cash, credit cards and electric bike stolen, was a despicable act of terrorism on an innocent man. Last month, a taxi driver of Indian origin was assaulted in north Co Dublin and needed a dozen stitches to a head wound. A six-year-old Indian girl was attacked by a group of 12- to 14-year-old boys while playing outside her house in Waterford. Some Indian children are now afraid to go for a walk for fear of being attacked. What a sad situation in our country of 'a hundred thousand welcomes'. President Michael D Higgins is quite rightly upset by this treatment dished out to these people who have come to our country to work and raise their families. They make an immense contribution to our community in many aspects of life. Many are nurses, doctors, caring professionals, cultural leaders and politicians. Indeed, Ireland was led by Leo Varadkar (of Indian parentage) for a number of years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic, when his great leadership skills were to the fore. In my own experience of being attended by Indian nurses and doctors in a Dublin cancer centre of excellence over a long period, I have nothing but the greatest respect for these wonderful healthcare professionals. Let us all hope that as more awareness is being brought to this unfair treatment of our Indian population, we will remember the philosophy of the great Mahatma Gandhi: no violence, please. Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo ADVERTISEMENT Learn more It's time for diplomats to use their skills to hold UN Security Council to account Is it not blindingly clear to everyone that the United Nations, an organisation that was set up to ensure a degree of peace in the world, is not fit for purpose? Countless letters to your newspaper over the years on the appalling situations in Gaza, Ukraine and other places around the world express public frustration indignation and disgust. But to what avail? Aggressors are still protected by their powerful international partners in crime as they proceed with their atrocities in defiance of worldwide opprobrium. Nothing seems to change. Has the time not come to put a stop to this protection by removing the veto that the five UN permanent members of the Security Council have abused so egregiously over the years? I would suggest that Ireland's diplomats, who are highly regarded internationally, should start the ball rolling on this before it is too late. Bobby Carty, Templeogue, Dublin 6 Impotent governments doing nothing about Gaza must answer to electorates Mary Robinson recently referred to the possibility of 'complicity' by many governments in relation to the actions of Israel's government in Gaza and the West Bank. While many democratically elected governments continue to express 'concern' at Israel's actions, not one has taken any direct action against its government. These governments also seem to refuse to listen to their electorates in this regard, raising questions relating to democracy. We need to let our elected representatives know our views. There can be no justification for the continuing Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank. We should and must hold our elected representatives to account – democratically, of course. Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Cork Ireland does not have a teacher shortage, it has a compensation deficiency It has been reported that more than 600 teaching posts remain vacant ahead of the new school term. The shortage of teachers is a growing concern. Reasons are multifaceted and involve recruitment and retention challenges related to pay, housing and working conditions. A teacher friend of mine said to me that this was not only a workforce issue, but the paucity of teachers was a sign of our housing crisis too. It is no coincidence that most of the schools that are reporting serious recruitment difficulties are located in the capital and the commuter belt areas, where accommodation is both scarce and prohibitively expensive. It could also be argued that there is no teacher shortage in this country. Ostensibly, we have thousands of qualified teachers who are no longer teaching. It's my assertion that there's a shortage of respect and proper compensation for teachers. I believe that a key factor behind the teacher supply crisis in Ireland is that teaching is no longer seen as being an attractive and sustainable career. It is interesting to note that many Irish teachers are now pursuing opportunities to teach abroad. This is often driven by factors like professional development, cultural exchange and a desire to experience new educational systems. This should be a clarion call to Education Minister Helen McEntee to take up the cudgels on behalf of our teachers. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Trump and Putin forgot their table manners when sending out invites to talks The world will surely note the scenes in Alaska, where Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the fate of Ukraine without Ukraine's president present. It was a worrying precedent: great powers deciding borders as if drawing lines on someone else's kitchen table. If this is to become the way of things, one wonders what might happen should Mr Trump turn his attention to 'uniting' Ireland. The negotiations would no doubt be held somewhere suitably neutral, such as Florida, with our own leaders invited only to admire the pens used to sign the agreement. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh US and Russia making a meal of things as they try to cook up a peace deal It's early days yet, but what are the odds on the Putin-Trump summit being remembered as half-baked Alaska? M O'Brien, Dalkey Co Dublin
