Self-praise is no praise… and not very presidential at all

WHENEVER a public figure says something, it is always worth subjecting their words to a careful analysis.

No matter how trite the sentiments, there is often a hidden meaning in there just waiting to be uncovered.

Several reports over the weekend highlighted Michael D. Higgins’s warm tribute to Liam Neeson as he presented him with

the Presidential Distinguished Service award at Áras an Uachtaráin last Friday. Mr Higgins praised the Ballymena actor for his work with Unicef, as well as pointing to his involvement with the Lyric Theatre and the Irish Arts Centre in New York.

Neeson was also credited for his ‘invaluable assistance’ on a documentary made by Notre Dame University to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. He is, declared El Presidente, a ‘splendid Irishman abroad’ and a ‘worthy recipient’ of the honour. Which is all very nice, of course. But the real purpose of it all only becomes apparent when we get to the bit about the great man’s career on the big screen.

Said Mr Higgins: ‘In the period between 1993 and 1997, when the Irish film industry was getting its second wind and going up to the strong internationally recognised position it is now in, Liam Neeson and those like him were outstanding in helping promote the Irish film industry.’ The years in question coincide with the introduction of tax breaks for movie makers and the re-establishment of the Irish Film Board by the State’s first Arts Minister.

Who, er, just happened to be one Michael D. Higgins. Talk about self-praise...