President McAleese hosts garden party for 400 guests

ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN:THE PIPES and drums of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the band of An Garda Síochána played together. The bands joined forces for Amazing Grace and Highland Cathedral.

President Mary McAleese marked the Twelfth of July at Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday, telling some 400 guests from various traditions North and South it was “not a day when we rerun the battle of the Boyne. History made some winners and losers on that day. But it left us with a legacy of peace still to be made,” she said. “We, their successors, are all the winners for we are the peacemakers.” It was the 12th year in succession that Mrs McAleese has hosted a reception to mark the Twelfth. “We have not always used the past wisely or well, but we share a commitment to using the present to the best of our abilities to be more generous, respectful and caring of one another.”

The events of 1690 changed the course of Irish history but this generation has also changed the course of history, “by making peace with one another, seeking friendship with one another by doing what we can to bring about a vibrant culture of good neighbourliness”, she said.

For many guests, the visit was “much more than a journey of miles,” Mrs McAleese said. Their journey was “a longer and more difficult journey of the heart that took courage and determination”.

The President paid tribute to Sir Hugh Orde, the Chief Constable of the PSNI, who will leave his post in September for his “singular and distinguished contribution”.

Others present were Fachtna Murphy, Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces Lieut Gen Dermot Earley, along with representatives of Orange lodges, the loyalist community and Methodist church. Chelsea Pensioners and members of victim support group the South East Fermanagh Foundation were among the community groups present.

The garden party was “very symbolic as to how Ireland as a country is moving forward”, said Cyril Moorehead of Portadown Local Action for Community Engagement initiative.

The event was a “celebration of cultural diversity for mutual benefit” which “dispels many myths”, he said. Such an ongoing event “incrementally supports the process”. He praised the President for a “deep understanding” of local issues such as Drumcree.

For someone from the Orange tradition, the event helped to recognise that people have moved on but still had a journey to go.

Mr Moorehead also praised Dr Martin McAleese for facilitating the space for conversations which helped to advance the peace process in Northern Ireland. Members of the Ulster Reform Club in Belfast said they had received a warm welcome from the President and spoke of her hard work in fostering relationships across communities. David Boyd, president of the club, said her regular visits to the North were a break from any previous Irish president.