Security forum chair responds to Higgins' 'throwaway' remark on damehood

The speaker expresses admiration for President Higgins and addresses a past remark. They discuss their views on NATO and receiving a damehood, highlighting contributions to education and the AstraZeneca vaccine. The speaker emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in the forum and respects the right to protest, while criticizing attempts to silence others. They conclude with reflections on neutrality and the forum's impact.

What is the speaker's stance on engaging in a public disagreement with President Higgins?

• They are indifferent about engaging in a public disagreement.

• They are eager to engage in a public disagreement.

• They believe it would be inappropriate to engage in a public disagreement.

• They have already engaged in a public disagreement.

What are the two main reasons the speaker was nominated for a damehood?

• Their involvement in politics and media.

• Their role in the arts and sports.

• Their contributions to technology and finance.

• Their work in education and the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

How does the speaker view the honoring of Irish people abroad?

• As a curious practice for a country with a history of immigration.

• As a common occurrence with no significance.

• As an unnecessary recognition.

• As a negative reflection on the country.

What is the speaker's opinion on the right to protest?

• They are indifferent to it.

• They believe it should be restricted.

• They welcome it as a hallmark of an open society.

• They think it is unnecessary.

What issue did the speaker find with the protesters?

• They were too quiet.

• They were unwilling to let others speak.

• They were not present at the event.

• They were too supportive of the speaker.