Regina Doherty: Ireland's 8th EU Presidency - Our Priorities
Regina Doherty outlines Ireland's priorities as the country begins its 8th Presidency of the Council of the European Union, setting out domestic and foreign-policy goals including financial security, business support, housing options, online child protection and standing by Ukraine. She frames Ireland's membership of the EU as a defining national choice since 1973 and argues the Presidency is an opportunity to act at the table in Europe.
Historical context and national choice
Regina Doherty recalls the moment in 1973 when Ireland chose Europe and cites former Taoiseach Gareth Fitzgerald to argue that joining Europe completed Ireland's journey to independence. She presents that membership as a continuing statement about the kind of country Ireland aspires to be: open, confident and engaged.
Presidency priorities
As Ireland begins its 8th Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Doherty sets out key priorities: giving people more options to build long-term financial security, finding solutions for businesses that struggle to grow, expanding housing options for young people, and protecting children online. These domestic aims are presented as central to economic and social stability across Ireland.
Foreign policy and defence
Doherty makes a clear commitment to stand by Ukraine and to defend Europe, acknowledging that doing so may require difficult decisions. She frames that commitment as consistent with Ireland's place at the European table rather than on the sidelines.
Closing appeal
She closes with an emphatic appeal to national resolve, asserting that although Ireland is a small island on Europe's western edge, it has the power to help build a stronger and brighter future for the country. The address combines measured policy aims with a firm statement of solidarity and purpose.
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Go raibh maith agat, Uachtarán, Taoiseach, an tarraith, Tá fáilte ros. Colleagues, our former Taoiseach, Gareth Fitzgerald, said that joining Europe completed Ireland's journey to independence and history has proven him to be so right. Every generation inherits moments that define the nation and for Ireland one of those moments was in 1973 and Ireland chose Europe. And it was a choice about the kind of country that we wanted to become open to the world, confident and engaged and at the table instead of on the sidelines. As we begin our 8th Presidency of the Council of the European Union the challenges that we face today are very different but we will not be found wanting. We will give more options to build long term financial security for the people and their families. We must find solutions for businesses struggling to grow, our young people, options to buy homes and really importantly protect our children online. And vitally we will stand by Ukraine and the defence of Europe even if that means having to make difficult decisions when they're not the easiest at all. Thank you very much. Yes, we're a small island on the western edge of Europe but by God we have the power in this nation to help build a stronger and brighter future for Ireland. Thank you very much.
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