Kenny: Ireland not preparing young to deal with failure

Ireland is failing its youth in preparing to deal with difficulty and failure, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said, in a speech reflecting on the nation and its recent struggles in overcoming economic hardship.

Mr Kenny said that to achieve a balance, or an “emotional and psychological equilibrium”, the country’s newest generation must be equipped to deal with challenges as, “in this, more than in any other generation, I believe we are not preparing our young people to deal with difficulty and to fail”.

As part of a broad reflection on Irish life, Mr Kenny told the Pendulum Summit at the National Convention Centre on Friday that despite an important focus on success and confidence, “difficulty and failure are inevitable companions”.

The Pendulum Summit is a daylong forum inviting various motivational speakers to showcase “wisdom from inspirational lives” and address the ideals of leading better lives.

However, Mr Kenny did not overlook the positives of Ireland’s recent struggle. He pointed out that last week the country borrowed on seven-year bonds at the cheapest ever interest rate; that jobs are being created here, among Europe’s youngest workforce.

“All of you here will be aware of the shift, the acute political shift we are seeing across Ireland and across Europe,” he said.

“I believe in the years ahead, issues of the ‘self’, the quest for identity, dignity and belonging will come very much to the fore as the political ground shifts beneath us and we write the new blueprint for a public life, a kinder and more equal society.”