Mary McAleese Urges Civility in Political Discourse and Criticizes Social Media
Former President Mary McAleese has sharply criticized social media, warning that it has made the world a “nastier space.”-highlighting the need for dialogue and civility in political discourse.
Mary McAleese’s Critique of Social Media
Mary McAleese, speaking alongside former RTE star Mary Kennedy on their podcast The Changing Times, expressed her disdain for social media platforms. “Social media has just made dialog almost impossible,” she stated. “Everything is reduced to nasty little snide comments. I don’t do tweets or Twitter any of those things. I stay away from social media.”
McAleese further emphasized her feelings about social media: “I feel so exposed on them.” She believes the world has become “nastier” in terms of dialogue, citing social media as a significant contributor to this decline.
Civil Discourse in Northern Ireland
Despite her criticism of social media, McAleese pointed out a positive development in Northern Ireland. “Though, ironically, in Northern Ireland, where I come from, the current First and Deputy First Minister have made a significant difference. They smile at each other and are happy in each other’s company,” she noted. McAleese highlighted the civil discourse among political figures as an exception to the global trend of divisive politics.
5
“These are people who are miles apart politically but can still be civil to one another,” McAleese added. She believed this civility was a step in the right direction, contrasting it with the raw and divisive politics seen elsewhere in the world.
Hopes for Peace in the Middle East
McAleese expressed her hope that peace could spread beyond Northern Ireland’s borders. “I look at what’s happening in the Middle East, and these are neighbors,” she said. “If you don’t get on with each other, your children, in perpetuity, will never know peace.” She noted the importance of reconciliation and understanding, drawing parallels between Northern Ireland’s past and the Middle East’s present.
