President Michael D Higgins has called for global solidarity to ensure that vaccines are distributed to all. In a speech to mark International Workers' Day, the President praised efforts in Irish communities to assist one another, and the role of the State in seeking to protect all members of society.
However, he warned that in a most important respect, solidarity at global level has been tested, adding that "we have been found wanting". "Solidarity, in an inter-dependent world, must mean when it comes to global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, sustainability, standing shoulder to shoulder with those in other countries, especially poorer nations with fewer financial resources, so that, for example, vaccines are made available,