Eamon Gilmore, Labour Party leader

The Irish are nothing if not prolific: the discovery of America, splitting the atom, four Nobel prizes for literature and the perfect pint are just a few of the dizzying heights we have scaled. Yet to be Irish is to temper pride in our identity and our many achievements, with the sense of humour that keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously.

That sense of humour springs from the deep vein of anti-establishment feeling that runs through the Irish character. The regular rebellions that lend a rhythm to our history are just one example – the irreverent, independent-mindedness of the Irish shows itself in how we approach authority, in our cultural life, and in the kinds of entrepreneurs we have produced.

And, of course, we Irish are resilient. The size of the Irish diaspora is a testament to the many dark days in our past.

Yet, wherever they went, the Irish were hardworking and successful, often excelling in the political and cultural life of their adopted countries.

In these difficult times, it is worth remembering our many successes in the face of adversity.

The Irish have always relished proving the world wrong, and I think that spirit will help lead us out of this recession.