Wicklow People

The way i see it

- Fr Michael Commane

outlook but the overall good of humanity supersedes our tribalism. He stresses the importance of compromise wherever there is conflict in the world. Clinton believes that diverse groups make better decisions than homogeneou­s ones. At one stage he quips that Concern with its skills in bringing people together might well be needed right now in the United States.

When he is finished talking, Áine Lawlor has a few private words in his ear, she then returns to the rostrum and thanks him for the work he has done in Northern Ireland.

As she speaks, I look over at Clinton. It seems as if he is about to walk away, but then he hears her speak and stops. He is listening. His head is bowed and he appears genuinely moved, maybe even embarrasse­d as Áine speaks her words. It is one of those extraordin­ary moments.

President Clinton tells us that it is his third visit to Ireland this year and is looking for excuses so that he can come back again next year as many times as possible. It was a privilege to have been there. Inspiring too to hear about the work Concern is doing.

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