REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE DR.DOUGLAS HYDE CONFERENCE
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE DR.DOUGLAS HYDE CONFERENCE BALLAGHADERREEN CO. ROSCOMMON
Tá áthas orm a bheith anseo i Ros Comáin ag Comhdháil Dubhghlás de hÍde na bliana seo, go h-áirithe agus muid ag ceiliúradh seasca bliain ón a instealadh mar an chéad Uachtarán ar Éirinn. Táimid ag ceiliúradh freisin i mbliana, céad bliain de Rialtas Áitiúil, agus tá an-áthas orm fáilte a chur roimh phainéal cainteoirí a bhfuil ardmheas orthu ar fad ina réimsí féin.
I am very pleased this evening to be in the company of so many distinguished people for this year’s Douglas Hyde Conference. It is a particular pleasure for me – not just because of my own Roscommon connections – but because this is the 60th anniversary year of Hyde’s inauguration as President – our first President – and it is my first year as President. So I am grateful to Roscommon County Council – and especially Derry O’ Donnell, the County Secretary – for giving me the privilege of opening the 1998 Conference.
The theme of the Conference – “1898-1998: 100 years of Local Government” - is particularly apt at this time because it addresses a period in Ireland when there were monumental changes in our society – in our relationship with Britain – and in our view of ourselves as a separate and self-sufficient country. 1898 was an eventful year – with the launch of the United Irish League by William Smith O’Brien at Westport – and, on the international stage - the outbreak of war between the USA and Spain. In that year also, Douglas Hyde was very active in the Gaelic League – having linked up with another of the Irish cultural revivalists – Lady Gregory – who encouraged him to become involved in the Irish Literary Theatre. 1898 also saw the coming into force of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898 – which provided for the creation of elected county and district councils – although I have to say with women only qualified to sit on district councils and town commissions – and not on county or borough councils. Thankfully, things have moved on a bit since then – and women are now “allowed” to try for the highest elected office in the land! In fact I’m told that children unde the age of eight often wondered whether a man is allowed to become President of Ireland!
The changes that history has brought to all sectors of Irish life in the ensuing century have been facilitated and stimulated by many factors – not least by a comprehensive and dedicated local authority sector. The list of eminent speakers that have been lined up over the week-end will explore many aspects of the impact of local authorities on a changing society – and their reaction and adaptability to change.
Even today, with a country that seems to be breaking all records in terms of economic progress and prosperity – the role of Local Government is constantly adjusting to meet the new situations – the new opportunities – and the new requirements of a society that demands more of itself and for itself. The recent years of local partnerships and initiatives have seen much more interaction between local authorities and local people – as they have facilitated and encouraged local communities to look to their own talents and resources to see what they can do for themselves – and to look at how they can work in partnerships with others, including the voluntary and local authorities – in a new arrangement that brings real power to the people. The local authorities have been quick to respond to that new situation – to take up the challenge – and, importantly, to make it work.
This week-end – as you look at the achievements of Local Government over the last century – at the hurdles and obstacles that have been overcome – and at the direction that Local Government will take into the new millenium – you will have an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of the local authorities to the development of the social, cultural and economic fabric of communities throughout Ireland. That contribution has been enormous – and has been made possible by the willingness of many people through the generations to give up their time and energy to work in the service of others. Many of their achievements have gone unsung – and have at times been subjected to adverse criticism. But there is a commendable willingness to review and learn from experience – and most importantly – to move with the times. That has been the crucial factor in the success of local government – and it is to the great credit of a whole body of elected representatives and dedicated officials, that we have such a healthy and effective system of Local Government today.
The other important dimension to a conference such as this is the informal and social activity that gives it an additional flavour. I am happy to note that the “Two Chairs Company” are appearing, quite appropriately, in the Douglas Hyde Interpretive Centre tomorrow evening – and that Na Casaidigh – great McAleese family favorite – I remember travelling to the Keadue festival to see them - who performed at the Áras on the day of my inauguration - are performing afterwards in Frenchpark. There is also the Remembrance Ceremony tomorrow at the graveside of Dr. Hyde – a fitting recognition of the sixty years that have passed since his entry to Aras an Uachtaráin. I would like to commend the County Council on achieving such a good balance – with a fair proportion of entertainment laced with some serious talk and lively discussion. You have all the ingredients for a truly stimulating week-end.