PRESIDENT MARY McAleese has dedicated the lighting of the Christmas tree at Áras an Uachtaráin to those affected by the recent floods and to the victims of child abuse.
In a speech at the annual Christmas tree lighting reception, President McAleese dedicated the lighting of the tree to all affected by the floodwaters.
“Lots of people who should be enjoying their homes and putting up their Christmas trees this weekend are living through a nightmare of loss and destruction. Many people who have businesses or farms have seen their hopes, their incomes, their very strength swamped by the sheer brutal force of the floodwaters,” President McAleese said.
She also acknowledged the professionals and volunteers who have been working in flood-hit areas.
“It has been astounding to hear of the massive community effort that gathered and galvanised so spontaneously in answer to the worst floods in living memory . . . No one asked for a word of thanks, but we surely thank them all from the bottom of our hearts.”
The President noted that the suffering which so many were enduring would continue for some time, and encouraged those who could to support those in need.
“Though money is tight for a lot of people and this has been a particularly difficult year, I would ask those who have jobs and dry homes to dig really deep this Christmas and help all the agencies that are looking out for Ireland’s flood victims, especially the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Irish Red Cross,” President McAleese said.
The President also dedicated the tree lighting to “all those who as children in Ireland suffered abuse and whose stories were ignored or deliberately suppressed for so long but which have now been vindicated and told out in the open”. She thanked them for their “courage and perseverance”, and wished them the “gift of peace of mind” this Christmas.