Ireland's president puts stress on quality of life

Ireland's President Michael D Higgins talks in Shanghai yesterday. — Zhao Yun

Ireland's President Michael D Higgins, speaking in Shanghai yesterday, stressed how development must go hand in hand with quality of life.

Higgins, who is on a state visit to China, said at a briefing at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel how impressed he was with the city.

"I think Shanghai has so much going for it. I've been enormously struck by the very high level of architecture, the shape, the model of the city and the new developments," said Higgins.

The president, who is a poet and sociologist, added that quality of life is a vital aspect — citing this as a major factor in Ireland attracting businesses.

While aspects such as Ireland's well-educated workforce and tax incentives were also important, "quality of life is the first thing businesses say," said Higgins.

"That's so true, for one's family, for the sense of experience of life and in the terms of security," he added.

Higgins said there were many global opportunities through cooperation, and that China's President Xi Jinping is well-attuned to these.

"Xi is very aware of the opportunities ... there are real possibilities for cooperation," he said.

Higgins also praised relations between China and Ireland. "We are not strong until we are together," he said.