Last week I was invited to the conferral at Melbourne University of the Honorary Doctorate of Law for the President of Ireland, Michael Higgins. President Higgins has received this Honorary Doctorate in recognition in of his significant role in advancing the arts, humanities, and education in Ireland and beyond.
The degree was conferred by the University of Melbourne Chancellor Allan Myers AC QC, who said that the honorary doctorate recognised President Higgins’ many personal achievements and his contribution to public life.
“President Higgins is a politician, poet, writer, academic, statesman, human rights advocate and champion of the creative industries,” Mr Myers said.
“As a minister, he championed the Irish language and reinvigorated the film and television industries. He has been an outspoken campaigner for human rights in his own country and around the world.”
You can watch the highlights of the conferral here:
Upon receiving the degree we were fortunate enough to hear President Higgins present a brilliant address to a capacity audience. The President made the case for a re-introduction of moral and ethical considerations in economic decision making.
You can watch the President’s address here:
