Second-term McAleese seeks to strengthen communities

President Mary McAleese today pledged to dedicate herself to building stronger communities in Ireland during her second term in office.

The former law lecturer from Co Down was installed as the eighth president of Ireland after an official inauguration ceremony at Dublin Castle.

Addressing the 700 invited guests, Mrs McAleese said the country needed “strong, resilient communities” to tackle its problems and realise its ambitions.

She also urged peacemakers in Northern Ireland to “muster the courage to complete the journey to a bright new landscape of hope“.

Mrs McAleese, 53, today become the fourth president to secure a second term, joining Sean T Ó Ceallaigh, Eamonn de Valera and Paddy Hillery.

Her ‘bridge-building’ first term will be remembered for her reconciliation work after the 1998 Omagh bombing and the September 11 terror attacks.

She and her husband Martin also carried out behind-the-scenes work to open up dialogue with loyalists after the Good Friday Agreement.

Today’s short inauguration ceremony, during which Mrs McAleese received her seal of office, was preceded by an inter-faith service attended by Christian and non-Christian leaders.

Community groups invited to the event by Mrs McAleese represented youth groups, the elderly, immigrant groups, Travellers, carers and the homeless.

The ceremony was attended by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as well as former presidents Mary Robinson and Dr Patrick Hillery.

Ambassadors and members of the judiciary were also present at the carefully-choreographed event.

The formal itinerary of events began earlier when the president was swept into the courtyard of Dublin Castle in her gleaming presidential Rolls Royce, escorted by 16 motorcycles drawn from the 2nd cavalry squadron.

Just before noon, a fanfare heralded the beginning of the civil declaration ceremony in St Patrick’s Hall.

After inter-denominational prayers, the Chief Justice John Murray administered the Declaration of Office to the president under Section 8 of Article 12 of the Constitution.

After reciting the declaration, the president signed the document and was duly presented with the official presidential seal.

The president then delivered her inauguration address in which she said she was proud to represent “one of the most successful and dynamic countries…in a troubled world”.

The Taoiseach warmly congratulated Mrs McAleese and wished her seven more years of success in her challenging role.

The playing of Amhrán na bhFiann by the Army Band followed.

Outside, the presidential standard was hoisted over Dublin Castle as a 21-gun salute rang out.

Mrs McAleese then inspected a military guard of honour in the courtyard and personally greeted most of the 700 invited schoolchildren who waved miniature presidential flags.

The presidential motorcade then weaved its way back to the Áras an Uachtaráin, where Mrs McAleese hosted a lunch for invited guests.

Tonight’s State reception for the president at Dublin Castle will be followed by a short fireworks display to complete the formal itinerary of Inauguration Day.

Mrs McAleese was re-nominated for a second seven-year term last month without an election after potential rivals failed to win enough support to force a contest.