Volodymyr Zelensky bids to capture Irish hearts on whirlwind state visit
By Bairbre Holmes, PA
Ukraine is “trying to reach every heart”, Volodymyr Zelensky told TDs and senators in the Dáil during an address to a joint session of both houses of the Oireachtas.
The Ukrainian president did not have to try hard with Labour leader Ivana Bacik, who sported two large glittering hearts pinned to her lapel, one in the colours of the Irish flag and the other the Ukrainian flag.
Her yellow and blue outfit was not the only show of sartorial support from those in the chamber and packed into the gallery.
Most on the Government benches sported pins featuring the Irish and Ukrainian flags, while sunflowers, yellow ribbons and a yellow and blue scarf were scattered among the crowd.
Mr Zelensky received a rock star greeting as he entered, hands thrust out from every direction by politicians desperate for a handshake.
He took his seat by the Ceann Comhairle, watched by his wife Olena Zelenska, who sat with with the Taoiseach’s wife Mary Martin and Ukrainian dignitaries.
She was described as “a model for women worldwide” by Verona Murphy in her opening remarks.
Not everyone was as enthusiastic for the Ukrainian leader – People Before Profit TDs Richard Boyd Barrett and Paul Murphy stood but did not join in the repeated ovations.
The party’s TDs were criticised for a similar move after his 2022 virtual address to the Dáil.
They said it was because they disagreed with Mr Zelensky’s calls for Nato involvement in the war and a “decision to ban opposition parties” in Ukraine.
In a statement issued shortly after Tuesday’s speech, Mr Boyd Barrett and Mr Murphy condemned Russia but criticised increased militarisation.
During his speech Mr Zelensky drew parallels between Irish and Ukrainian history, while thanking Ireland for its support.
He said: “Our peoples, Ukrainian and Irish, are among the few in Europe who spent centuries fighting for the right to remain themselves.
“Ireland has stood firmly and clearly for our independence and for a just end to this war.”
The weight of history was returned to time and again during the day, with the Good Friday Agreement, the Second World War and Ireland’s diaspora referenced in speeches and remarks.
The historic nature of the day was not lost on TDs, several of whom captured photos and videos of Mr Zelensky’s speech.
A heavy security operation saw imposing Ukrainian teams bolstered by the Garda’s dramatic-looking armoured tactical truck, or “battle wagons”.
The cavalcade surrounded the Ukrainian president as he travelled to meet his Irish counterpart at Áras an Uachtaráin, where he signed the visitors’ book.
In his message he thanked Catherine Connolly for hosting him, and the people of Ireland for hosting displaced Ukrainians.
It was then on to Government Buildings for engagements including an inspection of a guard of honour of Irish troops, an invitation rarely extended to foreign leaders.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien peered from an upper floor window to get a glimpse of proceedings.
They day also included the signing of a five-year road map for the Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, the launch of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, and a press conference with the country’s two leaders.
Despite a focus on history during the day, Mr Zelensky’s comments during the press conference were firmly focused on the future.
He said he hoped Ukraine would become a member of the EU in the next five years, that a tribunal would one day hold Russia legally accountable for its aggression, and that a “decent, dignified peace” will finally come to his country.
