Sir Tobias Clarke's entourage includes his daughter, the former Senate Warden Madeleine Clarke, and former Supreme Presidents Issy Brown and Lucy Greenmir, plus dozens of senior members of former Liberal administrations. The group are staying at the luxurious Palm Beach Hotel at the beachfront of Iglesia Mayor for festivities organised by the GNP.
After a formal dinner Sir Clarke delivered the final speech of his retirement tour before he returns to Solentia. The tone of the speech was informal delivered in a 'folksy' style, as if among the closest of friends, and as always consistently modest:
- Guests listen to Sir Tobias speak.jpg (89.23 KiB) Viewed 923 times
December 3310... A date that I will always remember...
It was in this very place 32 years ago that I was introduced to Jennifer. I then knew of her as Ms Howard of the Grand National Party in Dranland. Politically speaking we had similarities, yet were not identical. There were other governments within terra at that point with whom I had more in common. At the outset of our meeting, our political differences were foremost in my thoughts. However, within a matter of minutes it was clear that we had a connection which was stronger and far more important than our respective political colours. As we spoke together we knew that our discussions were highly significant and would be remembered for years to come... we knew that we were making history at that very moment.
You may think that as Supreme President of ten years, standing down from office, I may be less than enthusiastic about accepting the role of Foreign Minister in another nation. Not so. From that moment on, It was difficult for me to hide the excitement I felt about this new project, though I still had a year to serve as Supreme President of my beloved homeland Solentia, I knew that my next venture was not about the advancement of my career, my hopes and ambitions, but my tenure at the Foreign Ministry of Dranland was about the future of two nations.
Were all in Dranland eternally grateful for the Solentian statesman coming to work within their government? Not really... I can understand their concerns; I am a politician too... It was with an attitude of service that I dedicated my life to this nation during that time, and I trust that those who were initially sceptical eventually received and trusted me in good faith.
You may ask what it was that enabled this unusual venture to come about. Undoubtedly it was our shared commitment to the values liberty, personal freedom, and democracy - values not shared by myself and Jennifer alone. Values shared by the people of our two great nations. I would like to thank Dranland for taking a risk with me, for stepping outside of the box... you were brave, you are brave. Terra needs nations and needs people who are prepared to take risks... people who are prepared to stand against the tide, to go against the flow. In my eyes this is the spirit our peoples share. Solentians, and Dranlish alike - I feel I can say we - we will stand up for what we know is right.
So Dranland... now a second home to my family and I. Friends, you all know that our shared journey has still a long way to go. I urge you with everything within me, to keep travelling together - sometimes you may feel like a step back has been taken, but never give up, persevere together always knowing that we are stronger together. I believe in a future of two strong, independent, confident nations, working together in synergy for the common good of both peoples and terra. A shining example of what co-operation, understanding and trust between people can achieve.
Alina, you refer to 'clarkism'... whatever that maybe...together we realised that the freedoms enjoyed in Dranland and Solentia were not enjoyed universally. So there came the idea. A congress, devoted to liberty. Politicians from socialist to libertarian, liberal to conservative, monarchist and republican joined together in defence of the principles of liberty. Dozens of parties working together... sharing... striving... standing up for the oppressed... putting others first. It’s not very complicated to understand. Terra is a simple place - some are for us, some are against us. Are we down hearted when we are criticised and hated for what we believe in? Not a chance! It only serves to make us stronger and more determined.
People of Dranland, Ms LeCoultre, President Beckerman. Thank you for the journey. It is time for me to hand over the baton...
The final engagement of Sir Clarkes retirement tour before his return to Solentia is a formal meeting with members of the Unity / PAC administration.