In April 2010 we were delighted to find that our entry into the Your Country, Your Call competition here in Ireland came in equal seventh in the popular vote. Given that there were over 9000 suggested ideas put up on the competition website by the close of entry, this really was an amazing and greatly encouraging result. Sadly, we did not get selected for the final stages of YCYC nor win any of the cash prizes up for grabs but we did have great fun and lots of excitement watching the SPF idea rise up through the entries to finish on the front page. We actually ended up as the top idea in several of the competition sub-categories including Culture, Justice and Reconciliation and even had our idea listed and evaluated in the Irish times run down of the top 8 ideas.

Here are some of the comments those who voted for us made:

I would support anything that would bring the soul back into St Patricks and I see potential for this in the proposal. Perhaps achievements in medical, civil rights, personal vindication, community work etc. could be show cased and commemorated in events all over the country to give some depth to the festivities.

Brilliant idea...shared this proposal with friends round the world and they all agreed...turning Patrick's original desires for this country could have global implications once again!

Way to go! I certainly haven't read all proposals but some of what I read aspire to very lofty idealistic unachievable goals. This is well thought out and very achievable. This country needs a vision that goes way deeper than simply resolving a financial mess. We need something to hold onto that is truly worthwhile in the midst of chaos and corruption. Something more than political correctness. Something radical like that which inspired St Patrick. Jesus said: "love thy neighbour.." "pray for your enemies.."

St Patricks Day needs to be seen as more than a holiday to celebrate the colour 'Green' outside of Ireland! This sounds Great!

Brilliant idea to give St Patrick's day more depth and a vision. This is a powerful concept.

Ireland needs something like this. We don't just need economic change, we need social and cultural renewal. As South Africa as you mention, and many other suffering countries show, economic prosperity only happens when the people are happy and at peace.

This could do wonders for Irish society. If we became a nation known for reconciliation, or a world leader in it as you say, that would change Ireland forever. Go St Patrick, may your values continue to change Irish society!

Love it! It would be amazing if the Island became known again for its vision for justice, equality and reconciliation. Saint Patrick would be proud of us!

Great idea guys. Justice, equality and reconciliation are three very important concepts. You guys are onto something great :-)

As a member of the Irish diaspora, I think this is a wonderful idea!

Brilliant idea. We need to build on the positive aspects of our heritage to escape our current malaise. 

That is a really great idea! surprised no one has thought of this before.

Thanks everybody for all your support and encouragement. It meant a lot. Let's hope that the amazing day that is March 17th will indeed one day be all about what Patrick was in his amazing life!