Northern Ireland represents “a beacon of light to the world” in showing that peace is possible, President Catherine Connolly has said.
Fulfilling an inauguration commitment that she would travel to the North for the first official visit of her presidency, Connolly told a packed room at Ulster University in Belfast on Wednesday she wanted to play a part in “deepening relationships on this island”.
“We won’t always agree,” she said.
“We will have different perspectives and, of course, different aspirations for the future. All of those perspectives and aspirations are legitimate.”
READ MORE
During the speech, she referenced Article 3 of the Constitution, which sets out the firm wish of the Irish people for a united Ireland under consent.
“I think it’s worth reading out what we committed to in our Constitution because I couldn’t capture it any better,” she said.
Connolly said we are living in an “intertwined and unfinished story”.
“Our games, our music, our languages should never divide us,” she added.
“They are integral to this island’s cultural wealth. They are our shared treasures.”
In what was the first of a three-day visit, the President met First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle on Wednesday morning.
All three shook hands and O’Neill told Connolly “it’s great to have you here”.
During a separate visit to Queen’s University Belfast, the President displayed some of her sporting prowess with a cross-community basketball team, the Peace Players.
A video shows her performing a backwards shot in the grounds of the university’s Physical Education Centre.
Connolly described her tour of Ulster University as “an inspiration”.
“Northern Ireland, without exaggeration, now represents a beacon of light to a world in how decades-long conflict can be resolved and reconciliation fostered and continued,” she told staff and students.
“In the world, unfortunately, that is ever more consumed with war and militarism, Northern Ireland’s lesson is increasingly important and increasingly significant. It is a lesson that we should all tell the world, that peace is normal and that war is not normal and that peace is possible.”
She said the Troubles had left “deep marks” on the North and many people “continue to live with grief and pain every day”.
“It is the collective responsibility on all of us to address properly the needs and the questions of the families most affected, wherever they are, with integrity and a determination to deliver truth, accountability and justice for them and for society,” she added.
“As President, I give an absolute commitment that I will ensure through my work that all voices from all backgrounds are heard, regardless of gender, age, belief, ethnicity or nationality.”
The President’s visit will continue on Thursday and Friday with engagements in Co Derry.
