Eight months away from the UK’s departure from the EU, the Secretary of State who has served as the UK representative in exit negotiations has abandoned ship.

Meanwhile, among the list of concerns which could have been on the Foreign Secretary’s desk on Monday morning were: the controversial visit of US President Trump to the UK later this week; the NATO summit, also this week, that comes at a definitive moment for the future of the security alliance; the tragic death of British civilian, Dawn Sturgess, after her exposure to military-grade nerve agent, Novichok, during the suspected attack of a foreign government on domestic soil; not to mention the summit on security in the Western Balkans he was due to be chairing. Instead, Boris Johnson seems to have spent his time agonising over his own political career before joining David Davis in a move that has (at least) further destabilised the British government.

In 2010-11 Belgium drifted along for 541 days between an election and the formation of a government. Tomorrow Northern Ireland passes the same milestone: it has been precisely 540 days since the collapse of the Assembly and Executive. An unenviable accolade.

Sitting in a café in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, reading the resignation letters of previous secretaries of state and counting the number of days Stormont has been empty, I am driven to lament leadership.

Quintessentially, I understand leaders to be those with a desire and determined resolve to serve. As I survey the current cadre of politicians in positions of leadership, I am saddened by a seeming reluctance among them to lead.

Just around the corner is Gadsby’s Tavern, a pub once frequented by historic American political leaders such as Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and Lafayette. Before unanimously elected as the first US President, George Washington wrote of his reluctance and sense of inadequacy to fit the weight of leadership soon to have bestowed him:

…so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill – abilities & inclination which is necessary to manage the helm. I am sensible, that I am embarking the voice of my Countrymen and a good name of my own on this voyage, but what returns will be made for them – Heaven alone can foretell. Integrity and firmness is all I can promise – these, be the voyage long or short; never shall forsake me although I may be deserted by all men.

 – Letter to Henry Knox, Mount Vernon, April 1st1789

 

It can be easy to view the past with a rose hue and I do not mean to do so. That said, the humility expressed by Washington, being already cognisant of the costs involved in a life of public service, his decision to take the helm despite his doubts and resolving to do so regardless of what might come, is instructive for the world of contemporary politics.

Sadly, abdication of responsibility seems to be trending. I put it to you that the only way to change that is action. Yours and mine. Seek to live out true [servant] leadership in whatever realm you find yourselves.

Do not abdicate; stand.

Gadsby’s Tavern