Noel White, Ambassador for Ireland, attended the flag raising ceremony and memorial services on December 3, 2014, the 160th anniversary of the suppression of the Eureka Stockade. His speech was addressed in launching the new sculpture of the Pikeman's Dog a short distant away from the Museum of Democracy at Eureka (MADE) Transcription of Noel White, Ambassador for Ireland, speech at unveiling of Pikeman's Dog memorial for #Eureka160 anniversary on December 3, 2014 ========================== ...They made a stand. They set down a marker. Arbitrary governments would not be tolerated in this new world: government and power would derive from the people. The significance of the events, the singular stance against arbitrary and exploitative government does not lack for contemporary significance. In the globalised joined up world that we inhabit today it promises much, it opens up opportunities. But that very globalisation can also be a disruptive force, to give rise to unease, to discomfit and it prompts uncertain and insecure reactions. The case then for strong multi-lateral institutions built on the foundation of shared values, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is as compelling today in our multi-polar world as it has ever been. So the advancement of democracy, and of democratic values, a central concern at the Eureka Stockade, is justified in its own right. It was Koffi Annan who described democracy as a universal right that does not belong to any country or any region. He added that participatory governance based on the will of the people is the best path to freedom, to growth, and to development. So the protection and promotion of human rights remain a fundamental principle in foreign policies around the world. Ireland is no exception, inspired by its own historical experience and the conviction that development and peace and security, and human rights are all interlinked and mutually reinforcing. Those at the Eureka Stockade took a stand. They resorted to the only recourse left open to them. They took up arms. They effected change. Today we have recourse to other methods to articulate our views: freedom of speech, freedom of association, universal suffrage - these are not to be taken for granted. Paradoxically, when the demand for representative democracy across the globe has never been stronger we are witness to incresing disaffection with political processes and declining voter turnout and participation. Representative democracy as a concept and as a practice deserves all the support it can get. Those at the Eureka Stockade understood this. I salute those of you who have kept this flame alive in Ballarat. I salute you all for guarding the memory and the idealism of the men and women of the Eureka stockade. I salute you all for providing a constant reminder of the need for vigilance in the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is entirely fitting that this place that teems with historical significance should provide the home for the truly wonderful Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka. And what of the dog? The poignant drama of that story. It conveys more about the events at the Eureka Stockade than can possibly be conveyed in this intervention, that's for sure. The Pikeman's dog captures so much of what this is all about, succinctly and without fuss. The memorial linkage with the pikemen whose courage, and for that matter fate, was never in doubt, speaks to the Irish connection in a special way. It is not necessary to be of a pro-dog disposition, and here I declare an interest, it is not necessary to be of a disposition to be moved by the tenacity, loyalty and perseverance of our canine companion. He has been wandering out there too long, like a lost stray. It is wonderful to have him back. Ladies and gentlemen, the resilience of what happened at the Eureka Stockade, its propensity to fascinate, focus and divide opinion is testament to its enduring relevance. All that it represents resonates within popular imagination today, louder and more clearer than ever. We do well to come back to this place, and to continue to come back to this place, to commemorate those who made a stand for natural justice in this place, 160 years ago today. And in so doing to remind ourselves of our responsibility to future generations to nurture and protect our hard earned and very precious representative democracy. ==========================

• published: 06 Dec 2014
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