Causes for Concern collects some of Michael D. Higgins', Ireland's newly elected ninth president, best and most insightful writing on Irish society, culture, human rights and the larger context of Ireland in Europe and the wider world. Also available in paperback. While four of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation were poets, you would be hard pressed to find the same number in today's Dáil chamber. A man who fits the bill as poet and politician is Michael D. Higgins, perhaps one of the few public representatives today who enjoys widespread respect across all political persuasions. Causes for Concern covers some aspects of Michael D.'s early personal history, Irish politics, culture and broadcasting, global politics, and the human condition. Drawing on material produced over more than forty years, Michael D. Higgins discusses the Irish political system, the role of the Left, Nicaragua and South American politics, Irish film, his own personal journey through political and creative life and the best ways to enhance and protect human rights. In a comprehensive section on Ireland and the Global Community he sheds light on Ireland's international relations with the politically complex nations of Turkey, Iraq, Somalia and Lebanon amongst others- a fascinating read from this side of the "Arab Spring" and unmissable for those interested in an empathetic insider's view of the innermost workings of the often chaotic international political arena, all told from an Irish perspective. An enlightening, thought-provoking and humane collection of essays, Causes for Concern features an extensive foreword by commentator and writer Declan Kiberd. As well as forging a successful political career, President MICHAEL D. HIGGINS is also an author, poet, and broadcaster. He presented a television film on Montserrat, The Other Emerald Isle, and a documentary on the life of Dr. Noel Browne for RTÉ, Dr Browne Also Spoke. He has had four volumes of poetry published, most recently New and Selected Poems (Liberties Press), and has been included in a number of anthologies. He is the author of several books, has contributed chapters to over twenty publications, and was a columnist for Hot Press from 1982 until 1993. Higgins has campaigned for human rights and written about conflict in many parts of the world. He became the first recipient of the Seán MacBride Peace Prize of the International Peace Bureau in Helsinki in 1992, and has twice been mayor of Galway.