Modern Ireland's beliefs

I am starting this thread to explore what post catholic post nationalist multiethnic Ireland believes in , what values it holds in common. Much of what defines it is negative , it does reject much of traditional conservative Ireland. It would also say this is a good thing as there was much hypocrisy , cruelty and narrowness in the old Ireland.

Part of what I am doing is a devil's advocate exercise but it is worthwhile looking at the image modern Ireland has of itself. The taoiseach articulated this vision in his speech to the pope last August in Dublin castle. Perhaps this speech will be seen as the antithesis of the famous Dancing at the Crossroads Speech of Eamonn De Valera. Needless to say I disagree with much of what follows!

To replace the idea of a white uniform Gaelic speaking isolationist Catholic state seeking the unification of all Ireland if necessary by force we now have a state that is;

1)Free. Personal freedom is highly valued in Ireland. People have never had as much freedom to be themselves , to choose and to do what they want regardless of social disaproval. People can travel the world , marry whoever they like , read what they like, have as many children as they choose or choose not to. No Church tells people what to do or bullies them any more.

2) Outward and Global. Ireland is like Canada , Australia and the USA an outward nation prepared to generously welcome immigrants. We are no longer obsessed by our relationship with Britain but are proud independent members of the EU which has helped bring prosperity and peace to our shores. We are in the top ten of wealthiest countries in the world. Abroad we stand for peace and human rights .

3) Socially progressive. We are now a liberal country. We are generous to minorities and we strive to include all and to protect our vulnerable. Modern Ireland is a more caring compassionate place.

4) Religious pluralism is now a fact. Much of the demise of Irish Catholicism was self inflicted and had little to do with anti catholic attitudes in the media or from the left. People left the church when they felt free to do so. Either they stopped believing , were disgusted at abuse or they couldn't be bothered going through a meaningless ritual. We can now believe freely or not without compulsion.

5) We are an economic success. A nation that cannot fund itself is a failure. We have come out of the most serious economic crisis in our history as an independent state. This is a major achievement that we should all be proud of.

6) Modern Ireland is new but it values the old. Our Taoiseach is the son of Indian immigrants , one of the first gay leaders of any country. He has learned Irish in recent years and is a strong defender of our national interests. Many of our young people are passionate activists and advocates for change and a more compassionate Ireland and world , particularly the environment.

The old Ireland is not dead . It has changed and is still a warm welcoming distinctive place. People of faith are free to believe. People can peacefully strive to unite our island and we still value our native language and traditions. We are now kinder and more inclusive.

Please feel free to comment or add .