“Disastrous capitalism” is “poisoning the world”, according to former president Michael D Higgins. Speaking at a Labour Party event in Galway on Friday evening, Higgins severely criticised the current world order, saying the only regret of his political career was he did not “call out” capitalism more. Michael D Higgins said only radical ideas could address world issues. Photograph: Dara Mac DónaillHe also said young people were being told that “you can keep consuming until you blow up”. On a lighter note, Higgins remembered how when he first joined the Labour Party in Galway in the 1960s there were only 12 members and they were “all seeking to have each other expelled from the party”.

Source: The Irish Times February 28, 2026 00:05 UTC