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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE ‘PICNIC’ FOR WOMEN’S GROUPS

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE ‘PICNIC’ FOR WOMEN'S GROUPS AT ÁRAS AN UACHTARÁIN ON MONDAY 29 JUNE,

You know, with any luck we’ll get through this afternoon without a shower. Honestly, I’m beginning to get the impression that there’s some strange connection between putting up 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 truck drove out the gate - that a terrible gloom descended on the Áras – and the heavens literally opened. Ever since, we’ve had the most amazing showers - and between the showers of course, we’ve had loads of rain. It’s as though unlike primitive man - who did a snake dance to bring the rain - all we have to do to get rain is to mention the word “picnic”! I have a strong suspicion that the day this marquee is taken down, we’ll have blistering sun that will probably last right up to Halloween!

Speaking of ‘primitive man’ – the one thing that’s in short supply here this afternoon is men – be they primitive or otherwise! But I’m happy to say that there’s no shortage of women – with groups from all over the country – ICA guilds – ladies clubs – women’s guilds – rural groups – committees – institutes – clubs – and an education group. And you’re all very welcome to our first ‘picnic’ at the Áras specifically for women’s groups.

Since I came into office last year, I’ve had an enormous number of letters from groups – particularly women’s groups – who wanted to come to the Áras. Because of the number who wished to come, I thought it would be a good idea to have a special ‘open day’ where you could come together – have a chance to meet others from different parts of Ireland – and in the process, to get some additional value from your visit. So it’s not just an opportunity for a day out with members of your own group – it’s also a chance to establish new contacts – ‘build bridges’ with other individuals and groups with whom you have shared interests. But most of all this is an informal occasion – when you can relax and enjoy some of our Áras hospitality – take a stroll in the grounds (if the rain stays away!) – and come into the house for a tour.

It is a fun afternoon – and we are delighted to have had the musicians from “Sessions from the Hearth” - who played for your earlier – and the Tallaght Youth Band – who have set up outside in the garden. So before we go any further, I’d like you to give them all a special and warm round of applause.

In a few moments, you’re all welcome to have some refreshments. If the weather holds – and we’re keeping our fingers crossed - you can take a stroll outside to hear the band and even relax in the sun! I’m going to move about the tables meeting each of you individually – and afterwards, you can go 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 groups represented 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 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.