ONE of the greatest challenges presented by the concept of partnership in Europe was that of national identity, something held very dear by both the Irish and Scottish peoples, the President, Mrs Robinson, said yesterday.
In an address at the University of Strathclyde, she said that for some people this evoked concern, anxiety for our future and nostalgia for our past. "I believe, however, that in Ireland we have now reached the point where we have the confidence to grasp this opportunity and to see it in the most positive way. As citizens of Europe, we need not be fearful. Far from submerging or clouding our identity, it can be enhanced and enriched on the European stage, a stage which facilitates the renewal of that identity."
This mood, she added, was reinforced in Ireland by the fact that it had taken over the presidency of the EU for the next six months. Despite the pressures this put on Ministers and civil servants, the opportunity was welcomed. It was, in itself a vindication of the sense of modern Irishness, which was strengthened by our involvement at European level.
Irish membership of the EU had undoubtedly helped the country to rediscover and to reassert its identity. "The origins of our places of learning lie in Europe; the earliest recognition of our great writers lies in Europe; much of our economic success flows from Europe; our political identity has been irrevocably shaped by Europe; it is, quite simply, where we belong."
The President appeared to rule out any application from her for the post of UN Secretary General, insisting that she intends to serve out her full term of office. "I am not a candidate for the posit ion of UN Secretary General", she said on the second day of her private visit to Britain. "My term of office continues until December next year. I propose to follow that through to the end."
The US vowed last month to prevent the UN Secretary General, Dr Boutros Boutros Ghali, from serving a second term after his mandate expires on December 31st next. However, Dr Ghali (73) has said that he will stand for re election despite US opposition.
The President is due to visit Manchester today to view the damage done by the massive IRA bomb three weeks ago.