The European Parliament recently announced the creation of a European Order of Merit. Awarded to citizens by their sovereign for making important contributions to society, state honours are a valuable symbol of awarding citizens—yet Ireland is one of the only countries in Europe which does not have one.
The Order of Saint Patrick, a historic order bestowed by the British monarch, ended with the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922, and although successive Fianna Fáil Taoisigh from de Valera and Lemass to Bertie Ahern have sought to reintroduce a system of state honours, they have frequently run into opposition from Fine Gael and Labour.
In place of a national honours system, Ireland awards petty prizes which lack the prestige and profound meaning that award such as an Order of Merit confers to a person. The Presidential Distinguished Service Award is one such example of these pale imitations, created to reward members of the Irish diaspora, the award is more of a publicity statement than a formal honour issued by the state.
It is unfortunate that in lacking an honours system, the only people in Irish society issued such awards receive them for their services and contributions towards foreign governments. In lacking ceremonies of its own, Ireland neglects to recognise individual achievements in a prestigious manner, leaving the responsibility to industry-specific awards in film, television, literature, or science. Consequently Ireland never elevates its accomplishments to the national stage.
It is a demonstration of Ireland’s political and institutional immaturity that the state has not instituted a state honours system. Countries across the world from small pacific island states like Papua New Guinea, to the Caribbean nations of Cuba and Jamaica, have state honours systems designed to confer formal state recognition to outstanding citizens. State honours are a basic state competency, and it is unfortunate that Ireland has neglected this important institutional tradition.
State honours serve as a valuable social link between the citizenry and their state, one which communicates the unity of a society towards self-improvement, a sense of public duty or recognition in the development of a country’s cultural, political, and economic livelihood. In short, the awarding of state honours demonstrate that the state and its citizens are working towards a common good, and that civilian activities are not just an accessory to this mission, but a necessary component.
However, state honours are not merely a civilian matter, but are a staple of the European martial tradition, bestowing prestige above just an individuals’ military ranking. Further applicability of state honours include foreign recipients with distinguished contributions to Irish society, whether they be businessmen or diplomats. National honours are not merely a state vanity exercise, but provide a vital social function in acknowledgement of esteemed citizens by granting the populace a sense of ownership and involvement with the Irish state.
The President, as the sovereign of any would-be state honour system, would be entitled to confer such awards, perhaps revitalising the damaged links between the public and the ceremonial office of the presidency. The Presidency, despite its ceremonial role, has become distant from the public mind, but this relationship could be mended by formally involving the President’s role in public activities towards celebrating citizens’ service to Ireland.
Through its strong global cultural image, Ireland is one of the most identifiable countries in the world, something which ought to inspire political self-confidence. Awarding naught but petty medals or prizes, Ireland communicates a subtle insecurity in itself that is unbecoming of an independent state. It is for that reason Ireland ought to create a national honours system to sincerely demonstrate to its citizens its respect for their efforts to improve our country.
Max Keating