As Mary McAleese prepares to depart Áras an Uachtaráin, there has been much reflection on the double term of this remarkable woman as President of Ireland.
Throughout the past 14 years she has been a constant in our ever-changing lives and has represented us in a highly commendable way.
However, if we’re all truly honest, we only sat up and took note of the skills and abilities of this woman during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II last May.
While she always had our respect since she entered the Áras in 1997, we really only displayed our admiration for her following her handling of that historic occasion.
It’s clear that she has been an excellent ambassador for our country and has represented us abroad with dignity and panache.
