Inauguration Address by President Erskine Childers 25th June 1973, Dublin Castle
Taoiseach, I am most grateful for your kind remarks. On behalf of my wife and myself, I thank you from my heart for your good wishes. I am greatly honoured at the attendance here today of so many distinguished personages. I appreciate your presence and am sincerely grateful to you all.
This has been for me a most moving ceremony, particularly in that June 25th is my father’s birthday anniversary. I am humbly aware of the great honour conferred upon me at this ceremony. I know I shall need the prayers of the people for God’s guidance in the performance of my duties and in making a meaningful contribution to the harmony among Irishmen and Irishwomen which we all desire. I do hope you will all remember me in your prayers.
Eamon de Valera was my political mentor and leader and my friend for many years. I can testify to his statesmanlike counsel and above all to his kindness of heart. All of you here present have witnessed the dignity with which he graced the office of President during the past 14 years. I join with the Taoiseach in wishing Mr de Valera and his gracious wife every happiness in their retirement.