Irish President, Michael Connolly, has made a national holiday in Ireland focused on the contributions of migrants to the country, rather than the historical significance of the holiday. Connolly used the occasion to invoke the saint's spirit and acknowledge global citizens' responsibilities as global citizens. She also highlighted the importance of international law and suggested that as a neutral, independent society, and a people marked by famine and forced migration, Connolly could offer a valuable perspective on challenges facing the world. Some critics have called her actions "disgraceful," while others argue that she ignored the religious aspects of St. Patrick's Day.