Irish President Makes National Holiday About Foreigners

Catherine Connolly, Ireland’s left-wing president, gave a Saint Patrick’s Day message in support of foreign migrants Tuesday.

The message regarding the nation’s “inclusive global celebration” focused on the contributions of migrants to Ireland, rather than speaking to national identity and the Christian history of the holiday.

Connolly, who referred to the canonized Catholic saint as merely “Patrick,” said the saint was trafficked from Britain to Ireland as a missionary and now “serves as a reminder of the resilience and courage of migrants.” (RELATED: Grab Some Popcorn: Liberal On Liberal Violence Set To Explode Over Clashing Primary Race)

“As we recall the life of Patrick, we invoke his spirit and acknowledge our shared responsibilities as global citizens,” Connolly said. “We stand in solidarity with those who find themselves in vulnerable and dangerous circumstances.”

She said Saint Patrick’s story invites hospitality for those “fleeing their countries because of persecution or violence.”

Connolly also used the national holiday to appeal to the “principles of international law as set out in the United Nations Charter.”

“As a neutral, independent country, a post-colonial society, and a people marked by famine and forced migration, we are uniquely placed to offer a valuable perspective on the challenges facing our world, not least war and displacement,” Connolly said.

Connolly, a left-wing independent, was elected to a seven-year term as Ireland’s new president in October and is a longtime supporter of Palestine, according to Associated Press. She has also criticized European Union (EU) policies regarding the conflict with Russia and Ukraine.

Irish commentator Kirk Loco described her St. Patrick’s Day statement as “disgraceful,” suggesting Connolly ignored the religious aspects of the holiday, gave a historically inaccurate version of Saint Patrick’s story, and used that version to “create a modern-day socialist propaganda speech.”

“As we celebrate our special day, let us look to the future with hope, determination, a renewed respect for our shared humanity, and use our voice to promote justice and peace in our world,” Connolly concluded.