Remarks to the Diplomatic Corps on the occasion of the presentation of New Year’s Greetings
Áras an Uachtaráin, 18th January 2012
A Oirircis, A Dhéin Ghníomhaigh an Chóir Thaidhleoireachta, A Oirirceasa, a Thánaiste agus Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála, is a Uaisle Uile, agus a Dhaoine Óga, cuireann sé áthas orm agus ar mo bhean chéile, Sabina, céad míle fáilte a chur romhaibh go léir go hÁras an Uachtaráin.
Your Excellency, Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Excellencies, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, Sabina and I are delighted to welcome you all to Áras an Uachtaráin.
I thank you for your kind greetings to Sabina and myself and, through us, to the people of Ireland. As this is our first opportunity to receive you here, I want to underline how glad we are to do so as we begin a New Year. As we enter 2012, I wish for each one of you and the citizens of your countries what I wish for the people of Ireland - a year of peace and of hope.
The beginning of a New Year offers us all a time to reflect. At this time of economic pressure here in Ireland and beyond, we are keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the economic sphere. However, I believe that such a time also brings forth opportunity, including the opportunity for new and creative thinking, reflection on values and on the diverse approaches to problems we share. Our present circumstances underlines our interdependency, and reminds us all of the importance and indeed the urgency of reaffirming our common values of shared humanity and solidarity, of identifying our true priorities in our fragile planet, and of strengthening our commitment to international partnership. In our case, this includes Ireland’s programme of overseas aid which has such enormous support from Irish people of all ages.
Ireland greatly values the good bilateral relations which we have with all of your countries. The role which you as diplomats play around the world is an invaluable one. Your persistent work of building a network of live communications, nation to nation, people to people, helps to promote understanding, peace and reconciliation. More than ever, this world of ours needs your patient work. We are indebted to you and your families for making the often unseen personal sacrifices that this work demands, in order that our world can function more harmoniously, avoid or mitigate conflict and patiently encourage peace.
As I look forward to the year ahead, as the ninth President of Ireland, I do so with confidence in the capacity of our Irish people, wherever they may be, to grasp the possibilities which lie ahead. I am committed to holding a number of Presidency seminars during the next seven years and I hope that some of these seminars might encompass consideration of global issues, such as the importance of an ethical connection between politics, economy, development and society, as well as the future of a Europe built on peace and solidarity, a Europe of all its citizens offering itself as a model for social cohesion, citizen participation and creativity.
European Union
While we are all aware of the tough challenges that face the European Union and, more particularly, the Eurozone, we should not lose sight of the values on which the Union was founded and the inspiration which it still offers to those beyond its borders. Those values of mutual respect and solidarity were at the heart of the hopeful and indeed successful European project as it evolved from a common market towards an integrated and social Europe. While the challenges now confronting the Union are indeed urgent and sobering, it is very important that the shared values and ideals that have brought our European partnership so far over the last 50 years are not degraded. The European project was, in its best aspirations, always aimed at the generations to come as well as present citizens. Those aspirations towards intergenerational justice that draw on Europe’s best moments have a moral significance that must not be neglected.
It is apt to reflect on the words of the late Václav Havel, who embraced those virtues as he worked tirelessly towards a world of freedom and equality - “Just as many showed their solidarity with us…so now we must show solidarity to those who are only striving…in uneasy conditions”.
We too must embrace such solidarity as we extend our hand in friendship and advocacy to those countries who wish to stand with us as equals as members of the European Union. The dynamic of the accession process is a powerful transformative force that enriches both the acceding country and the EU as a whole. We bore witness to this on 9th December last year when the Accession Treaty with Croatia was signed. The people of Ireland stood in welcoming solidarity with the Croatian people throughout the accession process, as we have done, and will continue to do, for all countries willing to adopt, protect and promote the ideals and values of the European Union.
We have an expression in Irish “trína chéile a thógtar na caisleáin”, which means that great achievements only come through cooperation. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first six months of 2013. This will be Ireland’s seventh time as Presidency and, as in the past, we look forward to working closely with our partners and running a Presidency that seeks to address the concerns of citizens across Europe and to respond to their needs.
The first day of Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency will coincide with the 40th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the communities which have since evolved into the European Union. This will be a time to reflect on the benefits that membership of the EU has brought to Ireland and on the constructive role that the Union plays, and has the opportunity to play in the future, in the affairs of the world. Against the backdrop of unprecedented economic and financial challenges, over the coming period the EU will take critical decisions on its future. It will be a time for all Europeans to recall the Union’s founding Treaties and its core principles of democracy, solidarity and commitment to human rights and the rule of law. It is critically important that the EU continues to be guided, keep central and build on these principles that have served our continent and its peoples so well over the past half century.
Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE
At the beginning of this year, Ireland assumed, for the first time, the Chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). With 56 participating States covering most of the northern hemisphere, the OSCE is the world’s largest intergovernmental regional security organisation. As you know, it deals with a wide range of issues in the areas of conflict prevention, democratisation, human rights and arms control. In so many areas where resources are the source of conflict we aspire to have resources become instruments for the construction of peace, sustainability and development.
Our year-long Chairmanship of the Organisation gives us a leadership role in the search for solutions to some of the more intractable conflicts in today’s world. We will be able to make a tangible contribution to the promotion of peace and security in several troubled regions. The experience we have gained of successful conflict resolution in the Northern Ireland peace process will stand to us as we take up this major challenge. Our chairmanship of the OSCE is a clear demonstration of our commitment to effective multilateralism.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who is now Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, travelled to Vienna last week to formally launch Ireland’s Chairmanship. I am confident that our Chairmanship will be a resounding success story and I wish the Tánaiste every success in his new role.
Ireland’s candidature to the United Nations Human Rights Council
Later this year, Ireland will seek election to the United Nations Human Rights Council. We announced our intention to contest this election in 2006, when the council was established. If successful, it will be our first time to serve as a member.
Ireland has long championed the vital role of the United Nations in safeguarding and advancing universal human rights. As a small State, which emerged from a history of conflict and occupation, we strongly believe in the community of nations working together to advance the values at the heart of the UN Charter. Ireland continues to play its part in UN peace-keeping operations; 2011 saw our renewed deployment as part of UNIFIL in Lebanon. Along with all Irish citizens, I am very proud of Ireland’s record in peace-keeping around the world and of the professionalism and sense of care that the Irish Defence Forces bring to their various missions within the UN.
The promotion and protection of human rights underpins our approach to peace-keeping, development assistance and our participation in international organisations. It is central to our aid programme in developing countries which remains strongly focused on the fight against poverty and hunger, especially in the poorest countries and communities of sub-Saharan Africa.
The protection of human rights resonates strongly with the Irish people. Membership of the Human Rights Council would be a valuable opportunity for Ireland to play its part in the development of human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the world. Ireland will work tirelessly to ensure the assertion and vindication of Human Rights and to resist the reduction of Human Rights to becoming a rhetorical instrument of abuse.
Northern Ireland
The people of Northern Ireland continue to enjoy the benefits of the peace brought about by the efforts of their political leaders and the British and Irish Governments, assisted by the international community. As President, I wish to acknowledge the enormous hard work, commitment and vision of all those who have toiled for peace; for a better Ireland for all its people.
My inauguration as President broadly coincided with the 25th anniversary of the creation of the International Fund for Ireland, which was established by the Irish and British Governments in December 1986. Enormous progress has been made over the past twenty-five years in the process of peace and reconciliation between the people of Ireland: North and South. I would like to acknowledge the extraordinarily important and generous role played by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in supporting the work of the International Fund for Ireland over the past twenty-five years in communities across Ireland: North and South.
Economic cooperation on the island of Ireland is increasingly important in these challenging times. I know that the Irish Government is committed to strengthening North South cooperation even further, and to working with their Northern Ministerial colleagues to develop greater economic collaboration so as to accelerate the process of economic recovery and job creation on this island.
The extraordinarily successful visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland last May was a joyous manifestation of how far relations between Ireland and Britain have been positively transformed over recent decades. Many hands contributed to this work of positive transformation, both at leadership and community level. You will understand, however, if I single out for particular mention the extraordinary bridge-building and outreach work of former President McAleese, supported by Senator McAleese, who made Áras an Uachtaráin a very warm house for all historic traditions on this isla
Conclusion
As we start a new year, we look forward together to a shared future built on a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation, which will enable us to overcome adversity and current difficulties. We in Ireland look forward to a future within a world built on peace, prosperity, social solidarity and sustainability.
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, as members of a common global family we share many of the goals which you pursue as representatives of your countries; improved international cooperation, peace and a better future for everyone.
Before concluding, allow me to express a particular word of thanks to the acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Ambassador Walter Hagg, who, in the temporary absence of a Papal Nuncio, has carried out his responsibilities so effectively and to thank all of you for the professionalism and dedication you have displayed in the discharge of your duties.
Please convey the good wishes of the Irish people to all those you represent so well.
Gúim rath and sonas oraibh go léir, I wish all prosperity and happiness and I would now like to propose a toast:
TO THE HEADS OF STATE HERE REPRESENTED.