The President, Mrs McAleese, has been inaugurated for a second seven-year term at a ceremony in Dublin Castle, vowing to play her part in the Northern Ireland peace process.
Mrs McAleese, accompanied by her husband, Martin, travelled to the ceremony in the President's traditional Rolls Royce this morning, escorted by 2nd Cavalry Squadron motorcycles.
Hundreds of pupils from primary and secondary schools from every county on the island, including a large number from Northern Ireland, attended the ceremony, which consisted of an inter-faith service and a civil declaration in St Patrick's Hall, to which 700 guests were invited. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and other members of the Government, members of the Oireachtas, the judiciary, the Council of State and the Diplomatic Corps were present.
Mrs McAleese said she looked forward to her second term with "fresh anticipation, proud to represent one of the world's most successful and dynamic countries with a rags to riches, conflict to peace story that I know inspires many in a troubled world."
Mrs McAleese urged both sides in the Northern Ireland peace process to "muster the courage to complete the journey across and let the bright new landscape of hope reveal itself."
"For my part, I pledge to do my best to make us comfortable in each other's company and unafraid of a shared future," she said.
Mrs McAleese said, as President she had a "key role in the renewal and development of ties to our global Irish family, Ireland's unpaid ambassadors, who make our name and nature known throughout the world."
"We have experienced the considerable benefits that flow from those intimate friendships. As one of the world's leading export nations we have also come to realise the vast potential that lies in befriending and trading with countries not so well-known to us.
"I will continue to make it my responsibility to assist in the development of our trade in new markets, to get to know new peoples and their cultures and so help to secure both our nation's wellbeing and global solidarity."
At 6.50 p.m. the President will be guest of honour at a reception hosted by the Government for over 2,000 guests in Dublin Castle. There will be a short fireworks display at Dublin Castle at 9.30 p.m.
Mrs McAleese was returned to office last month uncontested.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Taoiseach said the country had "greatly benefited" from Mrs McAleese's first term in office.
"You have truly been the people's President and this is clearly evidenced by the dedicated work you do in fostering community and civic spirit across the length and breadth of Ireland," Mr Ahern said.
"The encouragement and recognition you provide to those who are working to build, rejuvenate and transform our community, will reap for our country a strong dividend and help widen further the circle of social and economic inclusion.
"I especially want to pay tribute to the way in which both you and Martin have worked quietly yet untiringly for the cause of peace, helping communities to move gradually towards reconciliation.
"I wish you, President Mary McAleese, every success in the challenging role you will play in the life of the nation over the next seven years.
I pledge that you will continue to have my full support, and that of the Government, in the exercise of all your duties."