Unfavourable thoughts kept me company throughout my nocturnal traverse on St. Patrick’s Day and the days that ensued. They did not revolve around the mystical creatures, the pastureland, or even St. Patrick fancied as Father Christmas, nor were these thoughts interrupted by the unpredictable antics of my canine companion. My chief concern was the rampant chaos permeating the State, an entity seemingly run by invisible hands.
In the midst of this chaos, our standing Taoiseach (who unusually vacated his office without truly exiting his position) was in America, presenting President Biden with a symbolic shamrock, when not engaged in distributing arms distastefully destined for innocent children in the sacred lands. Meanwhile, the Ceann Comhairle was in Spain, entertaining hopes of assistance, provided their fleet refrained from running aground this time. Simultaneously, Michael McGrath was in China, dabbling in culinary decisions between items number 22 and 27 on a menu.
During this time, Paschal was showing hostility in Bulgaria, Simon was in India, seeking counsel on conducting elections from Modi, and Darragh O’Brien was in South Africa, discovering the swift art of erecting makeshift towns and homes from cardboard boxes.
Dara Calleary’s depth of understanding about the ideal methods to orchestrate a coup d’état while visiting Peru, Chile, and Argentina is uncertain, and was indeed a breeding ground for my critical thoughts. Our homeland seemed devoid of leadership, presenting an inviting opportunity for any group, band, or gang determined enough to stage a takeover.
Catherine Doyle quite rightly points out that, ‘Children, too, inhabit a world where death and loss are realities, so we ought not shield them from these truths.’
Furthermore, coups d’état are not merely historical footnotes; rather, they continue to shape our world. It’s customary now, especially in African nations such as Burkina Faso throughout the years 2021, 22, 23, with people in anticipation of this year’s impending coup. Extend this list to include Mali and Niger, and a multitude of failed attempts, not forgetting the ongoing tumult in Sudan, and you have a recipe to fend off peaceful slumber for any leader, even those resting on plush mattresses.
“You sobbed, this is Africa. Yet, instances of interventions by the Russian State in 1993, an attempted intervention by Turkey in 2016, and a failed attempt by Portugal in 1975 are noteworthy reminders. Moreover, we cannot fail in remembering Cecil King in the UK trying to persuade Louis Mountbatten to seize power if Harold Wilson got ousted in 1968 as they readied themselves.
We, admittedly, lack a history of adept coup orchestration in these parts, though efforts were indeed made by General Ó Dufaigh, the initial leader of Fine Gael, who sought to emulate Mussolini with his proposed Dublin invasion in 1933. This trait isn’t out of the ordinary for those who value ‘law and order’ in one interpretation of the phrase.
Despite the Taoiseach’s election ultimately resting on the Dáil, a takeover, parliamentary or otherwise, often leads to a new leader not selected by the people. There’s a recurrent trend of hushed, pleased yet bitter coups that we don’t easily let go of. Yet, in the last four days, we’ve been privy to a real-time eulogy for Leo, a rarity that few experiences. Many formulated views about him, he exited the stage (to the right) last Wednesday. But, before there are young successors in his political landscape, the old order would be dismissed with ecstatic pleasure.
Being a political creature is a challenge, but one certainty stands clear. We, procrastinating and lazy lasses, will no longer be troubled with early mornings.”