Ciarán Cannon: From Politics to Piano and Escaping Toxicity

Waiting in the wings of the National Concert Hall, Ciarán Cannon experienced a feeling of suspension “between terror and ecstasy” before performing a song he composed, accompanied by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

The former Progressive Democrats leader and junior minister, reflecting on his career in public life, finds himself increasingly drawn to his musical passions and distancing himself from the more abrasive aspects of contemporary politics. Cannon, who previously served as Minister of State with responsibility for Training, Skills, and Innovation, and before that as Minister of State for Diaspora Affairs, described a growing disillusionment with the current political climate.

The performance at the National Concert Hall represented a significant personal moment for Cannon, a departure from the often-combative world of Irish politics. He described the experience of performing with professional musicians, citing conductor David Brophy and oboist David Agnew by name, as a unique and compelling contrast to his previous roles.

Cannon’s decision to lean into his musical interests comes as he publicly acknowledges the increasingly “toxic” nature of modern party politics. While he did not detail specific incidents or individuals contributing to this environment, his comments suggest a deliberate shift away from the public arena and towards more personally fulfilling pursuits.

According to reporting from the Irish Independent, Cannon often contemplates what his daughter, who was stillborn, would be like today. “She would be 23 now. I often wonder what she would appear like? And how would her presence have changed the rest of us?” he said.

Cannon’s career in the Progressive Democrats spanned several years, and he continued to serve as a Fine Gael TD following the party’s dissolution. His move towards musical expression signals a potential re-evaluation of priorities and a desire to engage with the public in a different capacity.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra is scheduled to perform a series of concerts throughout the spring and summer seasons, but Cannon’s future involvement with the orchestra remains unconfirmed.