REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF IRELAND, MARY McALEESE AT LISBON CITY HALL TUESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2002
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF IRELAND, MARY McALEESE AT LISBON CITY HALL TUESDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2002
Senhor Presidente,
ESTAR ENTRE VÓS, NESTA MARAVILHOSA CIDADE DE LISBOA CONSTITUI UM PONTO ALTO DESTA MINHA VISITA A PORTUGAL!
I wish to thank you for your warm words of welcome to the beautiful city of Lisbon and to this magnificent City Hall. I am pleased to say that I have been in Lisbon on many occasions previously, in a private capacity. It is a particular pleasure to be here on this occasion as Head of State of Ireland. The people are as warm and friendly as I have always found them to be.
Lisbon and Dublin share the distinction of owing their foundation to visitors from abroad. Dublin was originally a Viking settlement, while much earlier, Lisbon was founded by Phoenician merchants. The two cities share other common features as well. In mythology, Ulysses is credited with the foundation of Lisbon. Dublin for its part will always be associated with “Ulysses” the great work of James Joyce.
Your pride in this great city is well justified. In the first half of the 16th century it was the opulent and dynamic capital of a maritime empire extending over three continents. In 1616 Cervantes was to write “I am in heaven because we are approaching famous Lisbon”. I can confirm that the modern-day visitor has the same feeling!
During my several visits, I have come to appreciate the grandeur and the cultural richness of Lisbon and the city’s marriage with the magnificent estuary of the river Tagus. Lisbon’s past as capital of a great empire is reflected in its buildings and its treasures. It is always a major challenge for a city to preserve its history while responding to the many demands brought on by economic progress. The city authorities deserve congratulations for their success in this regard. You have achieved much in developing the city’s infrastructure and you used the occasion of Expo 98 to bring about renewal and create modern amenities. The Vasco da Gama bridge is truly a wonder!
The warmth and friendliness of the Portuguese people is not a new attribute. Lisbon has proven to be a hospitable haven for the Irish over the centuries. When they fled their country at a time of great turmoil in our history many found their way to Portugal. Some served in the Portuguese army after Portugal recovered its independence from Spain. We know the names of some who were members of the garrison of the Castelo São Jorge close to here. An Irish College was founded in 1593 and in spite of difficulties only finally ceased to exist in 1834. Still in existence after 360 years is the convent of Bom Sucesso, in Belém, which is still being run by Irish Dominican nuns and which I have just visited this morning.
History would suggest, therefore, that the links between Ireland and Lisbon should be flourishing. I think that in recent times they have been less intense than one would have wished. Indeed, it is the case today that far more of the Irish visitors who come to Portugal travel to the Algarve than travel to Lisbon. These visitors are missing the opportunity of seeing one of the truly beautiful cities of the world. When I return to Ireland I will remind everybody of this fact and hopefully the situation will improve!
Obrigada Senhor Presidente.