President Michael D Higgins has wished Bob Dylan a happy birthday as the iconic musician celebrates his 80th year.
In a letter paying tribute to Dylan, Higgins praised his musical and political achievements.
The letter was posted online by Áras an Uachtaráin on Monday.
Message from President Higgins to Bob Dylan, on the occasion of the singer-songwriter's birthday. pic.twitter.com/2c75EU2a77
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) May 24, 2021
President Higgins wrote: "Dear Bob, a chara,
"As one 80-year-old to another, and as one poet to another, I felt I should share with you my view that the best poem on an 80-year-old is William Wordsworth's poem Michael, which deals with the consequences of the enclosures in England in the 18th century, and their making of a working-class of men, women and children for the factory system at the cost of intimate rural life. I feel it’s a beautiful work and would love sometime to talk to you about it.
"In 2016, I said of you: 'Bob Dylan’s linking of the American folk tradition to moral, economic and political challenges has been a significant achievement and the appeal of his music has been inter-generational. His lyrics, with their rhythms, have linked followers of country, jazz and rock to counter-cultural and politically engaged movements. In doing this, he has narrowed the space between the poetic, the musical and the political.’ My opinion hasn’t changed."
He added: "Keep going. Good luck with everything. Traoslaím leat (I congratulate you). Beir Bua (May victory be yours)."
