Visit to Orange Hall - Another step forward

The fact that President Mary McAleese’s visit to Brakey Orange Hall in Co Cavan yesterday would be national news is a reminder that, for all the talk about promoting Irish unity, we have been slow to take practical steps.

Most people in the southern part of the country have never witnessed sectarian bitterness. Sectarianism has its roots deep in our history and it will only be overcome by a determined effort to promote harmony.

People on both sides of the sectarian divide must be encouraged to park their past differences and move forward in a true Christian spirit. President McAleese grew up in the midst of sectarianism, so her gesture is all the more poignant.

“Think how wonderfully transformed all our lives would be if we were all made as welcome in each other’s home as I have been made welcome here,” the president said.

While Americans were celebrating Thanksgiving yesterday, we could all be profoundly thankful of the advances made on this island in the past 10 years since the Good Friday agreement. The president’s visit and the warm welcome that she received at the Orange Hall are further symbolic steps forward.