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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE ‘PICNIC’ FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND FAMILIES

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE ‘PICNIC’ FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND FAMILIES AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN ON WE

Firstly let me say that you are all very welcome to Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon. I don’t know about you but I’m getting the distinct impression that there’s some strange connection a marquee at Áras and Uachtaráin and the weather. I know that a marquee is supposed to be there ‘just in case’ - but since this marquee arrived last week – in fact, now that I think of it, it was the very minute that the it arrived – that a terrible gloom descended on the Áras – and the heavens literally opened. Of course, ever since we’ve had the most amazing showers – with a fair share of rain between them. And we know only too well that Sod’s law dictates that the minute they start to take the marquee down, we’ll have blistering sun!

- But this afternoon were having an indoor picnic – something which is now an Áras phenomenon – and I’m delighted to welcome each and every one of you to the Áras - to our open day – a day when we have SENIOR CITIZENS GROUPS – some FAMILIES and some ICA groups. So we have people from all over the country - from Belfast, Galway, Derry, Kilkenny, Mayo, Offaly, Wicklow, Cork, Antrim, Wexford, Meath, Armagh, Donegal, Down, Kerry, Kildare, Leitrim, Westmeath, Louth, Limerick, Down, Roscommon - and of course a whole host of people who’ve struggled all the way from Dublin!

- Since I came into office last year, I’ve had literally thousands of letters from groups and families who wanted to come to the Áras. And it was because of the number who wanted to come that we’re having this ‘open day’. It is a fun day – a picnic day – and a day where you can come together – hopefully have a chance to meet others from different parts of Ireland – but most of all to relax and enjoy yourselves – take a look around the Áras - and enjoy some of our hospitality. It is a day for entertainment – and we are delighted to have music provided by the Mulhuddard Youth Band – who have been entertaining you out on the lawn – and the Showband Show who have brought back some memories for us here in the marquee. So before we go any further, I’d like you to give the two bands a special round of applause.

- In a few moments, you’re all welcome to have some refreshments here in the marquee. Thankfully, today looks much brighter than it has been – and it is the 1st of July after all – so you can take a stroll outside to listen to the band. Martin and I are going to move about the tables to say hello – and afterwards, you can go into the house to see the formal rooms. 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 people from all over the country here 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 yourselves - and to take in as much as you can. I’m delighted that you could come – and I sincerely hope that you enjoy the afternoon.