Southside politician named as a leading ‘Global Thinker’

THE former leader of the Labour Party, Eamon Gilmore, has been declared one of the leading ‘Global Thinkers’ of 2015.

The Dún Laoghaire TD was hailed after he was given the accolade in the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine.

Each year Foreign Policy (FP) selects the leading ‘Global Thinkers’ whose contributions and work have changed lives and are shaping the world.

This, the year of “changing our minds” focussed on issues from legalising same-sex marriage across the US and Ireland, to major diplomatic triumphs, including Cuba and Iran.

“These thought leaders teach us that even though cultural and worldwide struggles continue, there is hope for a better future,” the magazine stated. “This year’s Global Thinkers hold the key to what is driving change today.

“They have demonstrated extraordinary innovation, passion, creativity, and thirst, and have translated their ideas into action, impacting millions worldwide.

 The honourees are organised into nine categories – the Decision-Makers, the Challengers, the Innovators, the Advocates, the Artists, the Healers, the Stewards, the Chroniclers, and the Moguls.

Among the remarkable ranks of FP’s Global Thinkers are individuals and organisations who have tackled climate change despite a poor country’s economic limitations; a pop singer who has challenged the Islamic State with verses; inventors who have created an iPhone app that serves as eyes for the blind; and a book with pages that clean dirty water.”

And among the world’s mover and shakers, according to the magazine, is our very own Eamon Gilmore.

Dublin TD Joe Costello congratulated Deputy Gilmore on his selection.

“From my time serving as a Junior Minister in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade when Eamon Gilmore was minister, I can attest to his strong internationalist outlook and his commitment to advancing peace and justice across the world,” Deputy Costello said.

“Despite the deep recession in Ireland, as Leader of the Labour Party, Eamon was determined to maintain Ireland’s high level of contribution to tackling hunger and disease in the poorest regions of the world. 

“Eamon Gilmore has been a passionate and tireless campaigner for LGBT rights both at home and overseas and he played a key role in making marriage equality a reality in Ireland.”

Deputy Costello added: “The inclusion of Eamon Gilmore as one of Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Leading Global Thinkers in 2015 is a fitting endorsement of the role Eamon has played and will continue to play at an international level.”