Care and trust should define a shared sense of Irishness in the New Year, President Michael D Higgins has said.
He reflected on the sacrifice and hardship of recent times and said his next year would be dedicated to the service of the people.
He extended warmest Christmas wishes “in a special way to our emigrants abroad and to the members of the extended Irish family wherever they may be.”
“During 2014 I will be encouraging the widest possible discussion of ethics in every aspect of our lives, nationally and globally,” Mr Higgins said.
“This will, I hope, make a contribution towards moving beyond a version of our society and economy that has brought so much hardship, required so much sacrifice.
“As a new year beckons, I am confident that Irish people will draw on the character and resilience they have so often shown to craft a vision of our shared Irishness that is defined by the values of care, solidarity, trust and responsibility.
“In the year ahead, I will continue to dedicate my abilities to the service of the Irish people at home and abroad, and I greatly look forward to the state visit to our nearest neighbours and friends in the United Kingdom in April.”
PA
