We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has warned members of the public to stay safe and not put members of the emergency services at risk by taking “exceptional risks” themselves.
The President was speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime programme and said that people should not worry about cancelling plans because keeping themselves safe is more important.
He said that he himself has had to cancel a number of events.
“All of these things can be done again and I think it’s important that people are safe and I think that at this stage as we get past the peak of the warnings,” President Higgins said.
“I think it’s very important to realise that events can be reorganised but lives cannot and I think that’s very, very important.”
He added:
I think it’s very important as well that people not take exceptional risks. I think it’s always disappointing when you see people taking risks that they should not have taken, therefore involving the emergency services and thereby putting members of the emergency services at risk.
President Higgins also said that “great credit” is due to the charities that have been helping homeless people during the cold snap but he also added that the problem is an ongoing one.
“Remember when all of this is over we will still have a huge housing, shelter and homeless issue too to deal with. It is the greatest challenge facing us and one that we have to solve,” he said.
President Higgins were also asked if his two Bernese Mountain dogs, Bród and Shadow. have been enjoying the snow.
“They’ve been out. One is very young dog, she was experiencing her first snow. The other dog is seven and he would have had experience before and they both have been out and enjoyed it,” he said.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
As I was reading this article on President Higgins Leo came on the six one news. Flanked by army & police and aided by a signer he put out the same message as Michael D.
All this reminded me of the activities I observed on my travels of the leadership behind what was then caĺled the iron curtin over 30 years ago.
Posturing on the State expense account to portray an image of substance.
@Locojoe: You sound like a man with many decades of whinging and whining under his belt, well done.
@Ron North: Maybe you should travel a bit Ron. It might broaden your narrow little mind.
@Locojoe: a lot of it is about trying to look authorative and appear like they’re in control, something which FG are constantly trying to do but of course they actually have a lot less control than they’d like us to believe.
@Ron North: You get a thumbs up just for the Rogue Trooper logo. !
@Ron North: yep. Exactly, well said. The president would look like some tool if he didn’t do a thing!
@Locojoe: Yeah, what was that about – Leo flanked by a Garda, I think! What is he trying to do? He is so up his own backside.
Who, like that fool in for a swim in sandycove earlier? She should of been left go
@Noel James Doherty: some are born thick.
@Noel James Doherty: You wouldn’t have thrown her a lifebuoy?
@Brendan O’Brien: why would I have been on a pier to be able to throw that lifebuoy?
@Noel James Doherty: Somebody did: obviously a decent person. Lucky for her that you weren’t there instead,
@Noel James Doherty: some have mentioned she was washed in by a wave, but dont let that spoil your story…
@Noel James Doherty: HAVE BEEN
@Sighle A. Ni Chuana: sigh
@GerryCummins: sound
What the f..k does Michael D give for the people. He’s not in the loop for giving advice and is a former Labour TD.
@Paul Coughlan: he’s currently trying to establish himself as the main man for the second presidential term. That’s why he’s making these statements. Not able for a presidential election campaign but he’ll take 7 more years in the Phoenix park, thank you very much, from the old school class of Irish gombeen politics.
@Adrian: well said. And ordinary folk can’t go for election to president without political backing.
@Paul Coughlan: That’s because all the rest that went for the presidential election were complete muppets
President Higgins looked out the door of the Aras earlier saw seven inches of snow, and proclaims, quick call a press conference before all this stuff starts going over my head.
@Dae Monicus: A man living in a Huge empty house, mentions that there will still be a housing problem when the snow melts.
@Patricia McCarthy: Let me guess…he should open his doors to the homeless is it?
@Dae Monicus:
In that scenario, Brod and Shadow can get in some solid work practice and will be in their element as Alpine breeds!
On a serious note, our President’s advice is well worth heeding in eliminating unnecessary risks to personal safety from this once-in-a-generation type weather.
We cannot resume transport unless the roads are cleared and treated. Healthcare workers and emergency staff are overstretched, they need to be relieved by their colleagues, who cannot use the roads to travel, as it is unsafe to do so. Transport personnel cannot travel to work, to resume a service, if the roads aren’t a priority. Food deliveries cannot resume, if roads are impassable. Council staff cannot resume work, if roads are unsafe. Safety is a priority for everyone.
@aurilton: Agreed. It always amazes me that LAs grit and clear only the Primary roads. If they don’t grit or clear the Secondary and Tertiary roads out of housing estates etc., how is anybody expected to get to the Primary roads and to travel work?
Do not risk life or limb for a whatever you may have planned for tomorrow and that includes work.
You health and safety is more important!
Good to see the president earning his wages stating the bloody obvious
@Mark Dawson: earning his wages. Surely we have Leo, Eoghan, Simon and the rest of the FG ers out supporting the various status red orange and yellow. Murphy in his shirt sleeves and ordinary workers in the full uniforms. Taking political advantage of people’s misfortunes.
@Mark Dawson: all Politicians are the same always available for the photos and sound bites
Great advice from micky d before he gets trapped under the snow
It seems the exceptional risks are for businesses in jobstown.
What is Michael D on about after all the advice over the past week. Totally superfluous
Gosh!very worrisome.
I was wondering where Michael D has disappeared. Haven’t seen him for ages.
@Krystian Brzezowski: stuck in a snow drift
Such a shower of moaners and begrudgers and Whingers,f the lot of Ye
Down right keen powers of stating the obvious…
have your say