Last year, we approached President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann) Michael D. Higgins’s office with the idea of an interview rooted in his relationship with the Irish language, with support from Foras na Gaeilge. We invited him to share his wisdom and heart-centred leadership with us as a Saoi- a term in the Irish language that refers to one who is highly respected for their mastery in art, literature, and culture.
In the autumn, the President’s office granted us this exclusive interview and we asked renowned writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan to sit down with President Higgins to explore themes of language, culture, identity, and the pressing global challenges of our time. In the lead-up to the Winter Solstice (Grianstad an Gheimhridh), a moment in the Irish tradition symbolising the darkest hours before the return of light, the interview took place in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Their conversation reveals a seer and scholar whose expansive worldview offers profound insights into the spirit of our times; President Higgins responded not only as a statesman but as a poet and philosopher, a son and grandfather, an elder and an ancestor-in-training.
In this stirring conversation, President Higgins reflects on his journey from his childhood in County Clare to his distinguished career in academia and politics, sharing his commitment to the Irish language (An Ghaeilge) and its significance in post-colonial Ireland. He examines the broader impact of history on cultural identity and offers a sweeping perspective on societal transformation — tracing the arc of human progress from industrialism to modernity, from capitalism to socialism. He warns of the brutality of endless war and the existential threats posed by biodiversity loss and species extinction, while also emphasizing the vital role of imagination, curiosity, and creativity as tools for renewal and hope. He reminds us of the power of possibility and a golden age yet to be achieved.
