
The Ulster Unionist Party hosted a Reception today at Stormont for Sergeant Ryan McCready of the Royal Irish. What an impressive man!
Do not confuse Ryan for someone who woke up one day and committed an outstanding act of bravery in Afghanistan, although he did, and that is why he was awarded the accolade of Most Outstanding Soldier award at the Military Awards for British Troops. That itself is why we wanted to honour him today.
I had the privilege of listening to Ryan for a few short minutes talk intelligently and passionately about his work. He had two themes, neither touching the physical violence he is trained to deploy when required, and which not only saved the lives of his colleagues, but leaves him to live the rest of his life with shrapnel in his neck.
Firstly, he spoke of the need to protect and persuade the Afghan people, rather than punish and pressurise them. He and his Royal Irish colleagues encouraged the native Afghanistan population to come to respect the RIR values, not least their professionalism, selfless devotion to public service, and humanity. That alone did more to disarm the Taliban of the area than any old-style military operation.
Ryan’s second theme was how the RIR are not only adapting to deal with the current round of funding cuts from the MoD, but looking ahead to anticipate the future – in terms of finances, but more importantly, as the Army’s leading Regiment in terms of its ability to adapt to offer the new ways of soldiering that will be required as the 21st Century progresses.
I often admire Rory McIlroy as a ambassador for Northern Ireland. In fairness, Rory himself would accept he operates in a comfortable and privileged zone. In reciprocal fairness, he does so brilliantly. Sergeant Ryan McCready could give him a match in the ambassadorial stakes.
I am most grateful for meeting him today, and inspired to do my own job all the better tomorrow.