The President, Mrs McAleese, says it is up to both the people and politicians of the North to work to save the peace process. She was speaking during a visit to Belfast yesterday.
Addressing the Northern Medico-legal Society at Queen's University, she said there had been great hope in the North that an egalitarian society could be created, a society "at peace with itself, its internal civil relations governed by mutual tolerance, by respect for human rights; its less-than-satisfactory relationship with its neighbours on this island characterised by increased ease, trust and mutually beneficial partnerships.
"The wrapping paper is barely off this exciting and hope-filled gift to the children of the 21st century and suddenly its fragility is starkly evident," she said. "This gift is a living thing. It needs sensitive, expert care to help it to grow robust and it also needs the right atmosphere, a healthy ecosystem in which to flourish.
"The first is the work of the world of politics and politicians, the second is the work of the people. At this highly sensitive time for the peace process, a time during which people of good faith on all sides are struggling to find a way forward together, we rely heavily on the vision of the politicians, who are attempting to resolve complex and emotive issues."
The President opened the new west Belfast premises of Glor na nGael. The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, was present at the opening. Mrs McAleese also visited the Community Development Centre in north Belfast.