Stylish start to President’s second term

AS a nation we may be somewhat uncomfortable with displays that smack of pomp and ceremony more associated with the heads of our neighbouring monarchy.

But when called upon - as with the inauguration of Mary McAleese as President of Ireland for a second term - we can organise such occasions with considerable, yet understated, style.

Yesterday’s ceremony struck a pitch-perfect note between due recognition of an important State event and the President’s human touch and ease with ordinary citizens in a simple, yet moving, celebration of a democratic republic.