President Michael D. Higgins has issued his Christmas and New Year message to the Irish public.
In the six minute long video, Higgins addresses social issues both domestic and global, including Ireland’s current homelessness crisis as well as states of turmoil in Israel and Palestine, slavery in Libya and ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
Of the story at the heart of Christmas, Higgins says “Let us recognise its resonance in contemporary society, be inspired to answer its call, to stand in human solidarity with whom, and for whatever reason, this Christmas will be a dark and difficult one.”
Specifically on the matter of homelessness, Higgins said “This Christmas, once again, the burden of homelessness will overshadow the festive season for those deprived of a secure and permanent shelter.”
Higgins also called for “sustained awareness and care for those for whom each day is an act of survival.”
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