REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A RECEPTION AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN TO MARK THE 12TH OF JULY
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A RECEPTION AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN TO MARK THE 12TH OF JULY
It is a pleasure to offer each of you the traditional Irish céad míle fáilte - one hundred thousand welcomes - to this annual reception in which we commemorate those historic events of the year 1690 which culminated in the Battle of the Boyne. The course of Irish history changed and the course of European history too. For the Williamites it was a triumph, for the Jacobites, a disaster. These centuries later we, their children, gather together acknowledging our very different debts to history but also our shared responsibility for the future. Williamite or Jacobite, we are each human beings who shine when we are befriended, respected and treated with kindness and compassion.
It is to the goodness in all of us that we look with hope and confidence for a future where the unique heritage of each has a respected place in an island of good neighbours and good friends.
This reception and the planned re-development of the site of the Battle of the Boyne are, I believe, positive signs of the spirit of inclusion and tolerance that characterise today’s confident, successful Ireland. Today we showcase our differences, acknowledge them openly and colourfully and still offer each other a handshake, a smile and the offer of friendship.
This house is probably the ideal venue in which to hold the only Twelfth reception held anywhere on this island North or South in a public building. Built in the 1750s, it was bought in the 1780s by the British Government and became the seat of British rule in Ireland as the home of the Viceroy. That was its role until the last Viceroy left following independence and partition in 1922. Since 1938 it has been home to eight Irish Presidents, the first of whom, Douglas Hyde, a Protestant Gaelic scholar, as it happens died on this day.
With such a fascinating history you can be sure that whatever your politics or perspective on history, part of your story is captured under this roof and, while we might look at history through different eyes or with different emotions, it shaped each into strands of the same rope - each separate but bearing the imprint of the other when unravelled.
In this house you will find reminders of each era - trees planted by Queen Victoria, Lord Mountbatten and Pope John Paul II; chandeliers celebrating the Act of Union 1801 close by busts of those who tried their best to end that Union. This evening, Áras An Uachtaráin welcomes all the traditions of this island, and I hope that each feels welcomed and at home.
We are honoured to have with us this evening, the musicians, Douglas, Rodney, Willie, and Stephen on authentic period instruments, to bring alive the spirit of the times. The actors from Irish Historical Arms evoke the soldiers, doctors, baggage train and all the participants of the battle. My special thanks go to John Quinn who breathed life into the words which were thrown about.
I would like to thank our MC for this evening, Sean Rock, the Civil Defence Officers on duty, the Tour Guides and of course the staff here at the Áras who have worked very hard to make today specially enjoyable for everyone. I thank each of you for the gift of your company and hope you will take home the happiest of memories.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.