Editorial: As tensions mount in Europe, we need cool heads to represent us

In the local elections, 3.7 million were eligible to vote to choose the 949 councillors in 166 local electoral areas. No matter the election, it is worth reminding ourselves of what an honour and privilege it is to have the right to vote. As Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “It is so important that people get out and vote. If you don’t turn up, you are allowing someone else to speak on your behalf.”

With a record number of far-right candidates on the ballot for local councils and the European Parliament, concerns of a swing to more extreme elements are real. Voting is a privilege that ought not to be taken for granted, as pointed out by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris.

Kyiv, with some justification, depicts its fight against the Russian invasion as a clash between Western democratic freedom and tyranny.

In a speech at the French National Assembly yesterday, Mr Zelensky drew a parallel with the sacrifices made during World War II and his country’s current fight. “This battle is a crossroads,” he said. “A moment where we can now write history the way we need it. Or we can become victims of history as it suits… our enemy.”

But we hardly need history to see how the freedoms we have cherished are being threatened – especially not with a war raging again on continental Europe, the first since 1945.

After a meeting with US president Joe Biden, Mr Zelensky appealed for bipartisan US support going forward “like it was during World War II”.

Mr Biden also drew parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and World War II. He warned that democracies across the globe were once again at risk, adding that autocrats were closely watching the Western response to Ukraine.

The US and its allies have agreed to supply Ukraine’s arsenal, train its troops and provide economic and humanitarian assistance – but not deploy their own forces.

Lest we forget, it is also worth reminding ourselves that both Moscow and Washington keep nuclear-armed missiles on launch-ready alert.

The consequences of a major miscalculation by either side are chilling.

Given the heightened tensions in Europe and the shifting political tides, one might have anticipated higher engagement and a greater turnout than first indications appear to suggest in these elections.

It has never been more critical to have clear thinkers to represent us. Contrary to belief, decisions are not made by a majority of the people. They are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote.