REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A RECEPTION, ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN, THURSDAY, 7th JULY, 2005
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A RECEPTION, ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN, THURSDAY, 7th JULY, 2005
Is cúis mhór áthais dom fáilte a chur romhaibh go léir chuig Áras an Uachtaráin inniu.
Martin and I are very happy to have this opportunity to welcome you here today to Áras an Uachtaráin. A very special and heartfelt Céad Míle Fáilte to each and every one of you, and especially to those of you who have travelled long distances, from every part of this island, to be with us today.
Although the Áras has its offices and official rooms, it is also our home, and I hope that shows itself in the spirit of the house. It is a friendly place and Martin and I hope that you will very much enjoy your time with us today.
I am both proud and honoured to be President of Ireland and I see it as hugely important to acknowledge and promote that neighbourliness, that community spirit which represents so much that is good about Ireland. All sorts of local partnerships and collaborations bring families and individuals together, build relationships, connecting us to one another, turning strangers into acquaintances and acquaintances into friends. Today is a celebration of that connectedness which breaks down walls of isolation. Where those connections are strong, community is strong and where community is strong and caring, the individual thrives. We are very grateful to all those who in a million quiet acts of decency and unselfishness each day, make this island a happier place to live. Today is a way of saying thanks, an hour or two of fun and a chance to make even more friends, for there are people here from every corner of the island, so take the opportunity to introduce yourself to someone new.
As we say in Irish ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’ – we live in each other’s shadow. I hope today we will enjoy being in each others company and that you will go home with memories of a happy day in a lovely place and among the nicest of people.
I would like to thank our wonderful entertainers who have helped make today special for all of us; the Artane Senior Band and the Palm Court Trio. My thanks also to our friends from Civil Defence, the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, and the staff of the Áras, particularly the gardening staff who I’m sure you’ll agree have done a wonderful job at making the gardens look their very best. Just when I think they can’t do any better, they do better.
I hope that you all have a most enjoyable afternoon, and that you bring home many warm memories of your visit to Áras an Uachtaráin.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.