Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach has given us an insight into his vision and leadership priorities. In so doing, he has set in train a debate on the Ireland to which we aspire. He has generated hope that we may be on the threshold of a new era. In particular, he queried whether the 1916 leaders would be pleased with the rampant materialism that has taken hold of the heart of society. He has dusted off the word "patriotism" and placed it in context for the Ireland in which we now live. He has asked that individualisation be balanced by a concept of community.

I find in all this a reflection of the famous dictum of the former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, when he asked, in order to galvanise his people, what one should expect of one's country but also what one's country should expect of its citizens.