Party peace: President's guests paint Aras orange
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PRESIDENT Mary McAleese welcomed some 400 guests to Aras an Uachtarain yesterday for her annual July 12 garden party.
Members of Orange Lodges from the border counties mixed with members of southern Presbyterian churches during the reception, on the day when the Battle of the Boyne is remembered, which has been feature of Mrs McAleese's calender for 12 years.
Speaking to the guests, Mrs McAleese said the day was about acknowledging the shared past that everyone had in marking the events of 1690 and the history of Ireland since.
"We have not always used the past wisely or well. But we share a commitment to using the present to the best of our abilities to be more generous, respectful and caring of each other," Mrs McAleese said.
A number of members of loyalist communities in the North, along with Catholic groups from the South, attended the ceremony.
"I know for some coming here this day was much more than a journey of miles and kilometres but a longer and more difficult journey of the heart that took courage and determination," she said.
"It is that same courage and determination which is investing in a fresh new future for all who share this island, allowing us to hope that the days of enmity are behind us and the days of good fellowship are ahead," she added.
Entertainment was provided by the pipes and drums of the Police Service of Northern Ireland as well as the Garda band.
- Shane Hickey
