In many cities and countries throughout the world today, people of Irish extraction, along with their friends and neighbours, will gather to celebrate the feast of Ireland's national saint. Such good-natured events represent a tribute to the contributions made to those societies by uncounted thousands of Irish emigrants and missionaries in the last century.
Change and tradition are well represented in the story of St Patrick. Sold into Ireland as a slave, he returned in later years to bring Christianity to its people and to become a powerful symbol of Irishness abroad. As Irish society has become more secular and wealthy, religious celebrations have been overshadowed by street carnivals. But Christianity still provides the bedrock on which our identity rests. And the shamrock, so proudly worn by Irish people, refers directly to those beliefs. Throughout the country, religious services will be followed by local celebrations and marching bands. This year, the weather promises to be particularly kind. Blue skies and sunshine are likely to add an exotic and unusual element.
Tourism has moved centre stage. What used to be a one-day event in Dublin, with marching bands and uninspiring commercial floats, has grown to become a three-day celebration. Now in its eighth year, the St Patrick's Festival has been designed to expand the boundaries of the tourist season. The events will entertain both local residents and visitors to the city. An estimated 3,000 performers will fill the streets, theatres and bars with music and jollity.
Government Ministers will attend parades in 35 cities, involving 15 countries on five continents. Their presence abroad, criticised by some commentators, fulfils an important function in raising the profile of this State in terms of tourism, trade and inward investment. St Patrick's Day, with its associated light-hearted celebrations, is an invaluable opportunity to make connections with the Irish diaspora and to draw attention to the changes arising from the Belfast Agreement. As a showcase for modern Ireland, the commercial opportunity offered is simply priceless.
Today is an occasion for joy and for pride in our Irishness. In celebrating St Patrick, however, we should reflect on the Christian message he brought to this island and treat migrant workers and asylum seekers with the generosity and compassion so often shown to Irish people abroad. Newcomers have the capacity to enrich our society, both culturally and economically. We are becoming a multi-cultural society. It is a development we should embrace on this St Patrick's Day.