It was a pleasure to meet again one of the great forces in world affairs, Hillary Clinton, and to reflect once more on the deep and enduring commitment that Hillary and Bill Clinton have shown for more than 25 years to peace on this island. I first met Hillary many years ago at her first major event in DC arranged by Stella O’Leary Democrats Abroad
Last night the occasion was the presentation of the Peter Sutherland Award, impeccably organised by Ian Hyland and his outstanding team at Business & Finance. It was a truly spectacular evening celebrating Irish business, global leadership and public service at its very best. Well done to Ian and everyone involved.
The award honours the mighty legacy of the late Peter Sutherland a transformative figure in European and international affairs. Ireland’s Attorney General. European Commissioner for Competition. Founding Director General of the World Trade Organisation. UN Special Representative for International Migration. Above all, he was a patriot and a global citizen, guided by ethical leadership, cooperation and a deep sense of public duty. I first met Peter during the GATT negotiations and his intellect and integrity left a lasting impression.
In accepting the award, Hillary Clinton spoke movingly about Ireland about the Irish contribution to the American story and about the work she was privileged to support alongside Bill during the peace process. She recalled standing in Belfast in 1995, lighting the Christmas tree before hundreds of thousands of people not just marking a season, but daring to believe that peace was possible. It was a night of celebration, with Van Morrison and Brian Kennedy singing side by side.
She described that moment as one of the most emotional of her public life, and urged us all particularly in a world scarred by conflict in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and beyond to carry that same hope forward. Something we must never forget in the pursuit of lasting peace.
She also reflected on Peter Sutherland’s lifelong defence of dignity and human rights, reminding us that leadership is not only about power, but about citizenship. About standing against cruelty, division and authoritarianism. About choosing kindness, courage and decency.
She closed with superb words from the poet Eavan Boland: “I dreamed we came to an iron gate and leaned hard against it and it opened.”
A powerful reminder that progress does not happen by wishing for it, but by leaning in together.
A remarkable evening. A worthy honouree. And a legacy Peter Sutherland’s and the Clintons’ that continues to challenge all of us to do better.
