That Michael D Tiglin Speech In Full

McCarthy with the Higgins duo 14JUNE22

t’s plain that Ireland’s president has a soft spot for Aubrey McCarthy and the Tiglin gang down at Carraig Eden.

Not only did Higgins turn the sod on their Greystones HQ last June, but now the rehab charity’s new Kildare centre also got the VIP launch this week.

And it was during Michael D’s typically impassioned speech onTuesday that a few sparks drew fiery responses from the  Government.

Tubridy with Tiglin’s Anatasia & Christine

Stating that the housing policy in Ireland was our “great, great failure”, senior coalition figures were quick to accuse the President of having “crossed the line” and of standing on “high moral quicksand”.

Given that the holder of the Áras front door key traditionally steers clear of political issues, Mr Higgins comments were particularly unwelcomed by some in Leinster House.

Perhaps understandably. Speaking of Ireland’s housing problems, the President stated, “It isn’t a crisis any more – it’s a disaster“.

Speaking to The Irish Independent, one coalition source dismissed such claims as “pure distraction so he can now get all the people saying he’s so right and so in touch”, adding, “It was a performance“.

For one Fianna Fáil member, Mr Higgins was really criticising Fine Gael, as “not one single house was built for 10 years under that government“.

Keeping well clear of such controversy, Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy told the Guide, “We were so delighted that President Higgins gave a voice to our residents who have experienced homelessness,” before concluding, “He truly is a voice for the voiceless”.

Also present at Tuesday’s shindig was Ryan Tubridy and Niall Quinn along with various TDs and both the Brazilian and Croatian ambassadors.

Oh, and that Principal Harper from St Patrick’s National School. She gets invited to all the best parties.

You can find out more about Tiglin right about here, and check out Michael D’s official opening of Carraig Eden last June here.