Change of president - A worthy successor

TODAY marks the end of an era and the dawning of a new chapter in Irish history, a day when the presidency of Mary McAleese comes to a close and Michael D Higgins assumes the nation’s highest office as Head of State and 9th President of Ireland.

In her last official duty President McAleese opened a new hostel for homeless men in Dublin, an event redolent of 14 years devoted to meeting the ordinary, decent people of Ireland in communities up and down the land and on both sides of the border.

It would be hard to exaggerate her extraordinary success, with Martin her husband constantly by her side, in reaching out to the loyalist community, thus helping to copper-fasten north-south relations.

The same is true of her splendid participation as an equal in the royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II, which has forged a new friendship between the Republic and Britain.

As the first candidate ever to win more than 1,000,000 votes in a presidential election, Michael D, as he will continue to be known to the public, has already made his mark on the nation. In a campaign that was both bruising and volatile, he remained above the fray, a cool presence in the white heat of battle.

An accomplished poet, successful politician, champion of the arts, an intellectual and a human rights activist of international standing, he has rare and inspiring qualities that will enhance his time as Uachtaráin na hÉireann.