Election of Micheál Martin. T.D. as Taoiseach ~ Statement from the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork

Statement by Bishop Paul Colton

on the occasion of the election of

Micheál Martin, T.D. as Taoiseach

The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton, has made the following statement on the occasion of the election by Dáil Éireann of Micheál Martin, T.D. as Taoiseach:

‘Twice each day of the year, both morning and evening, members of the Church of Ireland pray for the Government using these words: “O Lord, guide and defend our rulers and grant our government wisdom.” This prayer is offered regardless of a person’s own political outlook or affiliations, for the government of the day. Those prayers will continue tomorrow and are being said today, as a new government is being appointed, and a new Taoiseach has been elected,

As Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, however, I wish to send my warmest personal congratulations to Micheál Martin, T.D. on his election to the office of Taoiseach. In a particular way we in Cork enjoy the achievements of our own. I also extend my good wishes to his family and friends who, I know, are delighted and share in the joy of his personal achievement.

I have known Micheál Martin for many decades. We are the same age and attended UCC at the same time. Since 1999 when I was elected bishop we have worked together in the public forum and in relation to matters of common interest. Like his fellow Teachtaí Dála and Senators in Cork he has been supportive of the work of the Church of Ireland community in key areas such as education, social work, sport, youth work and healthcare; notably Saint Luke’s Home, Cork. I wish him well.

This new Government, constituted in this particular way, is historic. On the one hand it is coming into office in one of the centenary years of our War of Independence and as the centenary of the Civil War approaches. On the other hand, it takes up leadership at a time of contemporary emergencies; our very existence is menaced by climate breakdown and the biodiversity crisis, and we are still in the midst of the CoronaVirus Pandemic. Many issues which our country faces have been accentuated by the current crisis and other enduring challenges have drifted from the headlines; but they haven’t gone away and must be addressed. Now is a time for courage and hope, as well as solidarity and common purpose on the part of us all.

I wish the new Taoiseach and Government well and will continue to pray for them daily, as I and members of the Church of Ireland have done for Taoisigh and Governments before them.’