Do Ireland’s Presidents Have A Role In Cultural Life?
Because Ireland's presidents rely on support from their local communities to vote them into office, they tend to be far more involved in local grass roots initiatives. Their role in terms of the cultural life of Ireland is one of supporting and motivating the continued preservation and continuation of traditional Irish culture.
President Mary McAleese, the 8th president of Ireland, clearly takes her role in cultural life seriously, supporting local cultural events, festivals and activities throughout Ireland. Her presence at local events, from school recitals to international exhibitions, ensures that her support of the arts and culture of Ireland are visible to all members of the community. Her patronage of local cultural organizations, attendance at events and support of cultural activities actively encourages participation and preservation of Ireland's rich cultural heritage.
President McAleese receives visitors from all walks of life, including school and charity groups, as well as cultural organisations from around the country. Supporting the cultural life of Ireland means not only showing a face at an event, but actively engaging with the people contributing to the culture of Ireland, and the Irish presidents have been very good at this. Although some may feel that the role of the President in this regard is more of a figurehead, her participation in local events and enthusiastic support for arts and culture in Ireland certainly motivate many to continue their efforts in this area.
The president's support for culture in Ireland extends into her official capacity, representing Ireland's interests beyond her borders. Accompanied by Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Film Board, her visit to Hollywood in 2008 lent stature to a visit intended to showcase Ireland's talent and suitability as an international film location. Representing Ireland's arts and culture is an important facet of the president's role, helping to attract foreign visitors and tourists, investment and job creation to the country. President McAleese attended the European Cultural Foundation National Conference with similar goals in mind. National cultural awards such as Ireland's Laureate for Children's Literature are presented by the president, lending credence to their purpose.
Mary Robinson, Ireland's 7th president, was instrumental in forming the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, charged with protecting and preserving Ireland's historic and cultural heritage and ensuring that it continues to be supported both by government and the community at large. The government's Art Council actively supports the graphic and visual arts, sponsoring competitions, festivals and supporting local artists' efforts.
Encouraging the youth is possibly the most important part of the presidents role in cultural life in Ireland. Preserving the language, arts and crafts of Ireland is a primary motivation for the President's involvement, and important for the cultural heritage of the country. Most cultural traditions are handed down from generation to generation, and must be preserved in order to thrive. Pride in their national heritage can only be strengthened by the active role the Irish president plays in preserving cultural life in Ireland.
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