Séamus Ahearne’s weekly musings…

WHEN THE PRIVATE PERSON IS UNVEILED IN PUBLIC:

Nicola Sturgeon was in the news last weekend. She was interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg, on BBC1 Sunday (31st May 2026) for the 09.00 programme. Her former husband Peter Murrell (previously CEO of the SNP) had pleaded guilty to embezzlement. Nicola felt strongly that she was being condemned as guilty by association. Her major rebuttal was – she knew nothing. Many find it difficult to grasp, how it was possible to live with someone, and to see various luxurious items appear without questioning anything. It wasn’t just the issue of what a partner should know or question in a marriage, but Nicola was also the First Minister and the Leader of the SNP, and would be expected to be forensic in covering every possible angle to avoid any conflict of interest or any invasion of the personal into the party finances. Her other line of defence was that both of them earned good money and had separate bank accounts. She claimed too that she was ‘a working class girl’ with the lived experience that had given her. Might that make her more alert?

WHAT NICOLA MISSED AND HOW WE ALL MISS THE OBVIOUS:

There is bound to be an observation: How could she miss so much? She was also a very busy woman and an outstanding political figure. Many would say that she was the main political person of the recent era. She was eloquent. She was clear. She was direct. She was powerful and precise during Covid. I think she is a big loss to the political landscape. However, I didn’t think much of her advocacy for self-identity of gender at 16. It seemed to me that there is so much sexual confusion as people struggle to come to terms with who they are in their sexual evolution. But I still feel sorry for her and almost want to shout – step back and leave the lady alone. She is suffering sufficiently. Her husband. Her former leader – Alex Salmond. That ended badly too. 

POLITICIANS AND POLITICS: 

I do have concerns with how our politicians are treated. (An example is Starmer at present). The general population seems to show very little appreciation for what they do. Everyone wants more and demands it now, and immediately. The MEDIA know that they can always find a story that will draw attention (or even titillate) for every possible mistake made by the political class. Gratitude seems in short supply. Of course we would all want everything done better. 

WHAT WE REALLY WANT!

To have the best educational system in the world. To have the health service available for everyone, at the moment of need. To have houses readily on hand for all. To have care for the poor; for the sick; for those with special needs; to have facilities for the ageing ones; To have pensions for those who have retired; to have defence spending increased, in the light of the Russian invasion in Europe. However all of this costs money, and money has to be produced by taxes, and few want to pay tax. 

LONG TERM V. SHORT TERM EXPECTATIONS

Governments have to plan long term but the popular wish and demand is for the short term. We are being very unreasonable most times. Many talk of the Cost of Living crisis. But is this real? There is one, for some, but not generally. We have full-employment. Those who want to work can have a job. {Now Alan Milburn’s Interim Report on NEETs (UK) does present a shocking view on young people and work}. So we could be worried about how the future is developing. Entitlement is a present day curse. 

THE COLLAPSE OF VALUES IN AMERICA:

Now in regards to specific politicians – my opinion on Donald Trump differs from the above. He is deluded and seems to have no idea or insight into his own stupidity. But he is surrounded by those who pander to his foolishness. That is the greater anxiety. How is it possible? That a nation of success and ability can be so blind; so untruthful; so volatile; so unpredictable; so careless in the use of language; so tolerant of bullying behaviour; so unaware of consequences for the worldwide scene? It does seem as if Trump wants to be a bigger tyrant than Putin. And he is humoured and allowed. We should be praying. 

CHURCH LEADERSHIP:

Another related thought: We also need to be more caring and more sensitive and more appreciative of our leaders in Church. We can question decisions or even lack of decisiveness – but the old phrase in Latin is apt: ‘Scit Omnia.’ We have to be very aware of the ‘know-alls’ in commentary. None of us are ever fully aware of all that goes on in the background, and the multitude of issues that arise in every post for those in leadership. Be gentle. Be kind. Be respectful. Be questioning but caringly. 

WHAT A GENTLEMAN OF THE RACE TRACK COULD TEACH US:

Christmas Day. Won the Derby. And Aidan O’Brien was the trainer. His son Joseph hasn’t done badly either. Good Counsel, New Ross (Augustinian) must have played a part in preparing him for a role in the limelight. Now that Pioneer Pin is always on show with Aidan. He forever has the same words, to say after a race. “It is the lads back in the yard. They do all the work.“ He is an exemplar of all that is good in humanity. The wish is that his graciousness could be catching. Politicians pay attention. Journalists pay attention. The public pay attention. All of us can learn. 

THE WONDER OF BIRD-LIFE:

I watch the egrets these mornings and I like them. But the birds that really fascinate me are the sanderlings who dance with the waves and play with the tides. The do it as a team performance. The choreographer is elsewhere. They don’t get caught by the incoming tides but I have been caught. However, they aren’t preparing for some dance-off – they are looking for food and get it too. The stilts are amazing birds. Those very long and thin legs do take them into swamp land. They are loud as well as long. The flamingos haven’t appeared as yet. They look beautiful but they do squawk! So much around is there for admiration and enjoyment. Many of us have learned little in our schooling but every day is a school day if the mind, heart and imagination are awake. 

NATURE’S EUCHARIST:

Nature is full of lessons. The world is a beautiful place waiting to reveal its mysteries. It is such a gift to acknowledge how little we know about nature; about anything. There has to be a quietness in us humans – to listen; to watch; to appreciate; to be grateful. To be quiet and gentle. And yes to be amazed. It is obvious and it is profound. Eucharist calls us into the very mystery of life and God. It calls us into grace. It calls us into gratitude. If only we realised this and accepted this. If only Mass could be a sanctuary for this. 

Seamus Ahearne OSA

8th June 2026