Fáilte agus mo buíochas ó chroí daoibh as a bheith liom anseo inniú.
I want to welcome you all and thank you for being here.
And I want to welcome you to the Exo Building.
This building is a striking example of a rising Ireland. An Ireland which has achieved many wonderful things.
But as we look out through these windows, we also see communities which experience great challenges.
Communities which have incredible spirit, strength and potential.
Side by side, two different realities.
But both part of modern Ireland.
Both deserve recognition and respect.
And that’s why I’m running for President.
I want to be a head of state who speaks with and for all parts of our society.
Since independence Ireland has become one of the world’s oldest democracies. We have combined robust politics with respect for the state which we share.
Key to this has been the role played by Uachtaráin na hÉireann over the past 87 years.
Our Presidents have worked to represent all of the people.
They have stood aside from daily politics.
And they have worked to reinforce strong ties with countries who share our values.
Our Presidents have served us well. They have developed a unique and positive role.
It is a very great honour for me to have been nominated to contest this election.
I am proud to be the Fianna Fáil nominee. I want to thank the Fianna Fáil representatives who nominated me, and the wider party which has been so supportive and welcoming.
And I want to thank the Taoiseach for his personal support and encouragement.
I believe that each of us is called to serve the common good.
This is the ethic given to me by my family – that I have always sought to honour.
My parents were born into republican families in West Clare.
They loved the land, its spirit and its sense of community.
Just like so many other young couples, my parents came to Dublin to provide for the family they hoped to build.
My late father and my mother, who is here today, raised us in a new Dublin suburb on the banks of the Grand Canal. It is a place defined by hard-working people. People determined to give their children the best start in life.
As a teenager I was lucky beyond anything to meet Jennifer.
Without her, I could not have achieved anything.
In every way she has been my rock and the rock of our family.
We have shared an incredible journey together, along with our two wonderful kids, Yasmin and Jude.
The theme that links all of my work is my commitment to my country and the values of serving all.
I was honoured to wear the uniform of Óglaigh na hÉireann, our Defence Forces. The units I served in were defined by diverse teams that served in many different places.
I always sought to serve with honour, respect, and dignity. And I demanded these standards from those I commanded.
As head of military aviation in the largest UN peacekeeping mission of this century, I had the privilege of leading personnel from 20 countries.
In Darfur and elsewhere, we saved the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
Since leaving the Defence Forces I have held important roles in the public service. I’ve led diverse teams, developed legislation critical to public safety, and built key relationships with European and international bodies.
But service to my community has been my passion.
I have travelled throughout the country supporting organisations, and I have worked to bring critical services and supports to one of our most disadvantaged communities.
Every day I have seen the impact of bringing people together – to listen, to discuss, and to overcome even the most difficult problems.
And, of course, I have given my time in service to the GAA – our largest community and volunteer organisation.
Sport is a great enabler – giving lessons to young people and providing a shared focus for people from every background.
Whether it be All-Ireland Sunday in Croke Park. Or standing at the sideline of an underage training session in the rain. For me there will always be a powerful and positive spirit at the heart of these games.
And yes, I am not a politician.
But there are many ways to serve your country. It would be deeply wrong to say that the role of President should be closed to people who have contributed to our country in other ways.
Through my public service and my personal commitment, I’ve seen the best of our country.
I believe in this country. I believe that there is no problem we cannot overcome when we work together. And I believe I have shown time and time again my ability to bring out the best in people.
The great strength of our Presidents has been how they have each addressed the needs of our country at that moment.
Each has been unique.
In Ireland, just like throughout the world, these are uncertain times. People worry that we risk losing the strong ties that remind us of what we share.
I’m seeking your support because I believe in the power of the President to make a difference.
My commitment to you, is that I will work every single day to strengthen our sense of what unites us. To find and promote the good in our country.
My vision is to work from the ground up.
To bring people together.
To ensure that every section of our society has a voice.
The President has few powers, so it is hard for people to imagine what a term in office would look like.
Debates often focus on everything except the actual role of the President.
That’s why I am publishing details of what I mean when I talk about an active, positive Presidency – one that meets the challenges of this time.
It is not a manifesto, rather it’s my plan of action and sets out the key principles which would underline my Presidency.
I will be a President who works for the Irish people at local, national and international levels.
I will focus on encouraging discussion and showcasing success in areas including:
I will undertake engagements in all parts of the country. I will visit every county on multiple occasions.
My priority will be to engage with those who struggle to have their voices heard.
Nationally, I will actively encourage dialogue on important topics.
I will acknowledge the exciting new ideas and innovations being generated by our researchers and businesses.
I will further expand the current programme of events in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Internationally, I will actively promote strong, close relations with our friends in Europe. I will highlight Ireland’s humanitarian and democratic values to the wider world.
And during international visits I will seek to promote the best of us. Our culture, education, and innovation. I will reach out to our diaspora as assets of our nation.
Protecting of the Constitution is primarily the role of the courts. However, the President plays an important role in providing stability and setting a tone for debate.
That is why I have also set out my view of how these powers should be used. I will appoint members of the Council of State who will ensure diverse perspectives when reviewing legislation.
I will use the power to address the Oireachtas at least once. My focus will be on how we can find points of unity at a time of growing division.
While the President is not referenced in Articles 2 or 3 which define our nation and our aspirations, I believe that they are central to guiding the President’s work.
As President I will always seek to recognise citizens as part of our shared nation wherever they live. I will articulate our aspiration to unity without being involved in political debate.
I have always been inspired by our national resilience.
By our creativity.
By our sense of community.
By our ability to overcome even the toughest of challenges.
I believe that service to others is a responsibility that we all carry.
Over nearly four decades I have had the honour of serving my country in many roles.
I am standing for President because I believe deeply in our country. Its people, its promise and its potential.
I know that there is great good to be found here.
At a time of growing division, my commitment to you is that I will be a President for every section of our society.
I will be determined. Active. And positive.
A President who works every day to show the good in our country and to strengthen the ties that bind us.
Together. Let’s build a future worthy of the hopes we hold and the values that we share.