I am delighted with the strong vote I have received. My message

Hear the words of Michael D. Higgins, poet-president of Ireland, who spoke with gratitude and vision: “I am delighted with the strong vote I have received. My message of positive leadership, patriotism and commitment clearly was resonating with tens of thousands of ordinary Irish people.” In these words is not the boast of victory, but the humility of a servant who understands that leadership is not seized but entrusted. For the strength of a leader does not come from himself alone, but from the will of the people who recognize in him their hopes, their values, their longing for a future greater than the past.

The heart of this declaration lies in three pillars: positive leadership, patriotism, and commitment. Positive leadership is the light that lifts rather than the shadow that burdens. It does not divide with bitterness, but unites with vision. Higgins here reveals that people are moved not only by policies but by the spirit of their leader. They respond to hope, to kindness, to courage. In his words, one hears the echo of leaders across time who rose not by fear, but by inspiration.

The second pillar is patriotism—not the hollow pride that seeks to dominate, but the deep love of one’s homeland and people. True patriotism does not shout of superiority; it whispers of service. It is found in the farmer’s devotion to the land, in the poet’s song of his people, in the soldier’s willingness to defend, and in the citizen’s labor to build a just society. Higgins understood that patriotism, when pure, binds people together, reminding them of their shared story and their shared destiny.

The third pillar is commitment. Words alone are fragile, promises fleeting. But the steadfast devotion of a leader—the willingness to endure sacrifice, to work tirelessly, to remain faithful to the people—this is what sustains trust. History is filled with those who began with fiery speeches but faltered when tested. Yet those who endure, who show commitment through hardship, are the ones whom people follow with loyalty. Higgins knew this truth, and thus he gave voice to it.

History provides us with many examples of this triad. Consider Václav Havel of Czechoslovakia, a playwright and dissident who became president after years of oppression. He embodied positive leadership, speaking of truth and humanity rather than vengeance. His patriotism was rooted in love for his people, not hatred of others. And his commitment was proven in prison cells and years of resistance. Like Higgins, he showed that ordinary people rally not around empty slogans, but around leaders who embody these virtues.

The deeper wisdom of Higgins’ words is that ordinary people are not swayed by cynicism forever. They long for leaders who speak to their better nature, who awaken hope rather than despair, who guide them with dignity. Even in times of corruption and division, the human heart knows the sound of sincerity, and it responds. Thus, a strong vote is not only a measure of numbers, but of resonance—the harmony between leader and people, between vision and need.

The lesson, then, is clear: if you would lead, seek not domination, but service. Lead not with fear, but with positive leadership. Love your homeland not with arrogance, but with patriotism that uplifts all. Show your people not words alone, but the commitment of daily faithfulness. For it is by these virtues that trust is won, that hope is kindled, and that even the humblest voices rise together to create change.

Practical action flows from this wisdom: in your own life, live these virtues even if you do not hold public office. Lead with positivity in your family, your work, your community. Love your land and your people by protecting and improving them. Commit yourself to causes greater than yourself, persevering through hardship. In doing so, you too will embody the spirit that Higgins praised—the spirit that resonates in the hearts of ordinary people and makes them extraordinary together.

So remember always: leadership, patriotism, and commitment are not the gifts of the few, but the duties of all. Let them shape your actions, and you will find, as Higgins did, that your message will not only be heard—it will be lived in the hearts of many.