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A Reflection on Shaking Hands

Little did I know on the day I shook the hand of Queen Elizabeth that someone I had never met would be so inspired to pen a poem in recognition of that much publicised event. When my friend and colleague Mitchel McLaughlin drew my attention to the poem I was amazed that someone should feel so moved to compose such a wonderful poem as ‘Shaking Hands’. I was intrigued − who was this person Pádraig Ó Tuama of whom I knew nothing?

Some weeks later First Minister Peter Robinson and myself were invited to speak at the Peace Centre at Corrymeela, Co. Antrim. In my speech I mentioned the poem ‘Shaking Hands’. Imagine my surprise when a few minutes later I was introduced to Pádraig who, unknown to me, was among the assembled guests. I expressed my thanks and appreciation for his ability to encapsulate so effectively the symbolic significance of two people shaking hands.

I have a great admiration for poets, the works of Seamus Heaney, Patrick Kavanagh, Michael Longley and John Montague line my bookshelves. People, land, conflicts, life, love, death, hunger, reconciliation, equality, war, greed, law and loss all come under the poet’s microscope for analysis and outcomes. Pádraig’s poem ‘Shaking Hands’ challenges all of us on the hugely important matters of equality and leadership. Without leadership there would have been no peace process in the North of Ireland. Without equality there can be no justice anywhere.

Pádraig’s latest work continues to challenge, provoke and advocate that a better world is not just possible but essential. Honesty, empathy and compassion are the hallmarks of this work from a poet who accepts that he too has a responsibility to help make the world a fairer and better place. Maith thú a Phádraig.

Martin McGuinness

Deputy First Minister

Stormont Assembly

June 2013