The Power of Survival: A Lesson from the Past for Political Leaders
In a fascinating twist of events, Taoiseach Michéal Martin, the very man who resurrected Fianna Fáil from the brink of political oblivion, found himself amidst a different kind of survival story – the world of dinosaurs. The opening of University College Cork’s (UCC) extraordinary exhibition, “Domain of the Dinosaurs,” at the Glucksman Gallery, offered an intriguing parallel between prehistoric survival and political resilience.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Could the Taoiseach, by exploring the remains of these ancient creatures, uncover secrets to political longevity? As he navigated through the exhibition, did he find parallels between the dinosaurs’ struggle for survival and the challenges faced by modern-day politicians?
“This exhibition is a true marvel,” Taoiseach Martin remarked with enthusiasm. “Professor Maria McNamara, UCC’s palaeontology expert, deserves immense credit for curating this showcase with the Glucksman team. Her emphasis on survival struck a chord with me.”
And this is the part most people miss: The Taoiseach’s insight into the role of climate in shaping survival. “Mass extinctions are not new to our planet’s history,” he noted, “but Professor McNamara’s perspective is inspiring – life endures, no matter the challenges.”
As Taoiseach Martin was guided through the exhibition by Professor McNamara, Glucksman director Professor Fiona Kearney, and UCC president Professor John O’Halloran, he encountered the stars of the show: the skeletal casts of Megalosaurus and Scelidosaurus, the only known dinosaurs from Ireland.
Professor McNamara explained, “These dinosaurs, existing 200 million years ago during the Jurassic period, showcase the diversity of life. Scelidosaurus, a five to ten-tonne armoured plant eater, coexisted with the formidable Megalosaurus, weighing ten to fifteen tonnes.”
Sharing the spotlight in the herbivore zone, Coillte, was the five-metre-long Iguanodon, a versatile creature capable of walking on two or four legs, with an efficient chewing mechanism and a unique grasping ability thanks to its opposable fifth fingers.
The exhibition also featured marine reptiles, including the three-metre-long Ichthyosaurus and the Plesiosaurus, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems of the past.
So, what can politicians learn from these ancient creatures? Is there a strategy for political survival hidden within the bones of dinosaurs?
The “Domain of the Dinosaurs” exhibition at the Glucksman gallery, UCC, runs until April 12th, 2026, inviting visitors to explore these questions and more.
What’s your take on the potential parallels between dinosaur survival and political longevity? Share your thoughts in the comments!