REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE GARDEN PARTY AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE GARDEN PARTY AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN ON SUNDAY 28 JUNE, 1998
You know, I’m beginning to get the distinct impression that there’s some connection between putting up marquees at Áras and Uachtaráin and the weather. Now I know that a marquee is supposed to be there ‘just in case’ the weather turns a little nasty in our famous summers. But since this marquee arrived last week – in fact, now that I think of it, it was on the very day that it was put up - we’ve had the most amazing showers. And between the showers we’ve had rain. Of course, we know that where primitive man did a snake dance to bring the rain, civilized man just starts out on a picnic! And I’ll bet you that the day this marquee is taken down, we’ll have blistering sun that will probably last right up to Halloween!
I’d like to welcome everybody here this Sunday afternoon to Áras an Uachtaráin – to this ‘Garden Party’ for families from all over the country. You know, of course that you are all here because somebody – a child, a friend or a relative – has written to tell me how much you would like to spend an afternoon at the Áras – and to see some of what really is a marvellous place to live and work. I have no doubt that many of the writers of those letters are with us today – so you really have them to thank for your being at the Áras this afternoon.
It is a fun afternoon – and we are delighted to have a whole host of entertainers with us – the South Ulster Concert Band – the Derry Voice of Youth Girls’ Choir – St. Mary of the Angel’s Gospel Choir – and the very entertaining magician, Cathy Mullins. All of these talented entertainers and performers have very kindly agreed to perform for us this afternoon. So before we go any further, I’d like you to give them a special and warm round of applause.
When they have finished, you’re all welcome to have some refreshments in the marquee. If the weather holds – and we’re keeping our fingers crossed - you can take your picnics out to the tables and relax in the sun! I’m looking forward to meeting each of you individually – when I go to each of your tables. Afterwards, you can stroll into the house to see the formal rooms and to get an appreciation for what this house means to all of us. I know that for me, the house is a symbol of the history of this island – and its relationships with our neighbour, Britain. It tells its own fascinating story – a story that spans several centuries – and which is preserved to this day in its art and architecture – it is not just a home – it is a place for all traditions and cultures on this island to share.
I said in my inauguration speech that the theme of my Presidency is ‘Building Bridges’. Over the course of my term of office, Martin and I intend to continue to use Áras an Uachtaráin as a place where links can be forged between people and communities – and where traditions and beliefs can be respected and celebrated. With all the families represented her this afternoon, there is plenty of opportunity to build new bridges – and perhaps forge new links. But it is a picnic – an occasion to relax and enjoy where you are – and to take in as much as you can while you are here. I’m delighted that you could come – and I sincerely hope that you enjoy the afternoon.