Senator Ronan Mullen at the Evangelium Ireland conference in Dublin 2026. Photo: Alice Luby/Evangelium Ireland. “The Christian should be pre-eminently political,” Senator Rónán Mullen told young Catholics in Dublin on Saturday, urging them to take an active role in shaping society rather than retreat into like-minded circles.
Speaking at Evangelium Ireland’s ‘The Isle of Saints: Reviving Our Catholic Heritage’ conference on November 7, he said political engagement was a responsibility shared by all Christians, not just those seeking office. “We are all called to be political in terms of bringing the world that we’re living in to a better place,” he said, describing politics as “working with others” to improve society.
The senator also challenged suggestions that believers should “leave their faith at the door” when making political decisions, questioning why atheists were not expected to do likewise.
However, he stressed that Christians must communicate their convictions in ways that make sense to those who do not share their faith, while seeking common ground with others.
“Never give up on people,” he urged, recalling politicians who had disappointed him during the abortion referendum. “I’m not interested in the past, I’m only interested in the future. And if I can make an ally of them for the future and some other issue, I will be absolutely thrilled.”