Patriot Realm

The 17th of March marks the date of the death of St Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. St Patrick was actually born in Britain but, when he was 16, he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. It was about the year 415 and there was no kids helpline or social media available to send out a cry for help.

So he planned and plotted and eventually managed to escape. Alas, Paddy was no Houdini and he was sent off to France where he was introduced to Christianity. 

He escaped again and managed to return to Ireland, which he now accepted as home. Converted to the Christian religion, he set about spreading the Word throughout Ireland.  Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.

In an age where political grandstanding and short-term gains dominate the landscape, the need for true statesmanship has never been greater.

Too many politicians chase votes, media soundbites, and party approval, while too few think beyond the next election cycle.

A statesman, by contrast, is driven by principles, long-term vision, and the greater good of the nation. If our societies are to thrive, we must demand leaders who put country before career, integrity before ideology, and legacy before popularity.

The question is: do we still recognise the difference?

In 1932, as Australia reeled from the Great Depression, a determined nine-year-old boy named Lennie Gwyther set off on an incredible journey.

Riding his beloved pony, Ginger Mick, Lennie traveled over 1,000 kilometres from his family’s farm in Leongatha, Victoria, to Sydney to witness the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alone on the road, he captured the nation’s imagination, becoming a symbol of courage, resilience, and the indomitable Aussie spirit.

As our youngsters sit behind their computers or have radical leftist doctrines shoved down their throats, it is time to remember what we are truly capable of, if we set our minds to the task. Or are allowed to do so.