A Book with Legs Podcast: Enda Kenny - Exclusive Interview
Release Date: June 9, 2025
In this exclusive episode of A Book with Legs, hosted by Cole Smead and Conor O'Callaghan of Smead Capital Management, former Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny delves into the profound impact of the Irish Potato Famine on Ireland's demography, culture, and global diaspora. The conversation traverses historical events, societal transformations, and the enduring legacy of the famine, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Ireland's journey from tragedy to modern prosperity.
1. The Irish Potato Famine: Impact and Legacy
Enda Kenny begins by contextualizing the Potato Famine as one of Europe's great humanitarian catastrophes. He emphasizes its lasting effects on Ireland's population, culture, and its relationship with Britain.
"The legacy of the great famine... affected the demography, the culture, the tradition, the language, the relationships between Ireland and Britain..." [01:39]
Kenny highlights the sheer scale of the tragedy, noting that approximately one million people died, and another million emigrated, significantly reducing Ireland's population from 8.2 million in 1841 to about 4.2 million by 1931.
2. Population Changes and Emigration Trends
The drastic population decline due to death and emigration reshaped Ireland's societal structure. Kenny points out that the inability of the British government to effectively manage the famine exacerbated the crisis.
"It was the political inability and inefficiency of the British government of the time to actually cater for what was the single great failure." [05:36]
The resultant diaspora spread Irish culture globally, with significant populations in America and Australia tracing their roots back to this period of hardship.
3. Building a Global Irish Diaspora
Kenny discusses the enduring connections within the Irish diaspora, emphasizing the role of family and community in maintaining cultural ties abroad. He notes that over 70 million people globally identify as having Irish ancestry, a legacy cemented through generations of migration.
"These were Irish people who went out there... and that spread out over the United States... it's a 250-year-old legacy which is there today." [07:06]
He underscores the importance of familial networks in sustaining employment opportunities and cultural identity within diaspora communities.
4. Modern Ireland: Education and EU Membership
Transitioning to contemporary Ireland, Kenny attributes the nation's resurgence to pivotal reforms such as the introduction of free education in the late 1960s and Ireland's accession to the European Union in the mid-1970s. These measures catalyzed economic growth, educational advancement, and international trade.
"Free education... allowed young people to pursue higher education, fostering a generation equipped for the digital age." [09:06]
EU membership opened avenues for trade and mobility, integrating Ireland into a broader European market and fostering collaborative opportunities across sectors.
5. The Significance of Family in Irish Culture
The discussion delves into the intrinsic value of family within Irish society. Kenny reflects on the tight-knit nature of Irish families, both domestically and within the diaspora, and how these bonds have been pivotal in maintaining cultural continuity.
"The Irish people generally are inquisitive and they're curious, and they are some of the best connectors in the world." [16:44]
He illustrates how familial connections facilitate professional networks and support systems that transcend geographical boundaries.
6. Ireland and Britain: Past and Future Relations
Kenny addresses the historical tensions between Ireland and Britain, particularly in the context of the Potato Famine and subsequent conflicts. He elaborates on the progress made since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which has stabilized Northern Ireland and fostered peace.
"The Good Friday Agreement stands... we have to build on that foundation to ensure lasting peace." [23:52]
He discusses the potential for a united Ireland, considering economic implications and the strategic advantages Northern Ireland holds within the European Union post-Brexit.
7. Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks
Reflecting on his tenure as Taoiseach, Kenny shares insights into his interactions with U.S. Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, emphasizing the strengthening Ireland-U.S. relations during his leadership.
"The relationship between Ireland and the United States... is not one way as it was for 150 years. It's now a two-way operation." [30:05]
Post-politics, Kenny remains active in philanthropy and environmental initiatives, underscoring his commitment to global and local causes.
"I do some work for charity with the Children's Fund for Cancer... the direct capture of carbon from ambient air." [33:09]
He concludes by inviting the hosts and listeners to experience Ireland's rich culture firsthand, highlighting the country's transformation from the days of the famine to its current status as a thriving, modern nation.
This in-depth conversation with Enda Kenny offers a nuanced exploration of Ireland's historical challenges and triumphs. By intertwining personal anecdotes with historical analysis, the episode provides valuable lessons on resilience, cultural preservation, and the importance of strategic reforms in shaping a nation's destiny.