Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Tá mé buíoch as an seans seo a fháil chun omós a ghabháil do Mháire Mac Giolla Íosa mar an t-ochtú Uachtarán ar an dtír seo ar feadh 14 bliana. Tá Máire Mac Giolla Íosa tar éis a bheith inspioráideach. Anseo ag a baile agus thar lear bhíomar ariamh bródúil as ucht obair Mháire Mhic Giolla Íosa.

Is Uachtarán í a bhí ciallmhar agus neamhspleách sa phost. Is toisc sin a bhfuil áit speisialta aici i gcroíthe mhuintir na hÉireann. Thug sí seirbhís dhílis don náisiún seo. Níl aon dabht agam ach go mbeidh áit onórach aici i stair na tíre seo ins na blianta amach romhainn.

Article 15.1.2o of the Constitution defines the Oireachtas as consisting of the President, Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. It is, therefore, appropriate that we take time today in Dáil Éireann to pay tribute to President Mary McAleese on this her last day in office. As Ireland's eighth President, she has done an outstanding job and represented the country fantastically well for 14 years. It is said a week is a long time in politics. Fourteen years is a significant and lengthy period in any person's life and an extraordinarily long time to dedicate oneself to the role of Ireland's first citizen.

Mary McAleese is one of only four Presidents, alongside Seán T. O'Kelly, Éamon de Valera and Patrick Hillery, to serve two full terms in office. It is fair to say that during this lengthy period, every day at home and abroad, she has been a President who has made the people proud. She has carried out her duties wisely and independently, motivated only by her overwhelming commitment to serve the people. For the skill and warmth she has shown throughout her long tenure in Áras an Uachtaráin, she rightly enjoys a special place in the hearts of the people. Her service to the nation has been immense and her legacy is one of extraordinary public service.

We are blessed that each of the people who have held the role of Uachtarán na hÉireann has distinguished himself or herself and the office he or she has held in trust for the people. That I believe history may well record Mary McAleese as our finest President underlines the ability she has shown in her time in office. The country has truly benefited from her presidency and the contribution she and Senator Martin McAleese have made to Irish society since 1997 has been superb.

Mary McAleese's presidency will forever be synonymous with the cause of peace. This is appropriate because she was our first President to be born in the North. She was the first to hail from the historic province of Ulster. From the outset, she put reconciliation at the heart of her presidency. She sought election under the theme of building bridges and she has delivered on this theme spectacularly. It is important to say this was no easy task.

When Mary McAleese set out on the journey of reconciliation that would define her presidency, the Good Friday Agreement was not in place and many were sceptical that she would be able to deliver on her pledge to improve relations on this and with the neighbouring island. Her work and achievements in peace building are a credit to her perseverance, warmth, political skills and judgement.

Mary McAleese was assisted every step of the way in the work of promoting peace and reconciliation by her husband, Martin. It is appropriate to acknowledge his energy, determination and wisdom in extending the hand of peace and friendship to so many.

When Minister for Foreign Affairs, I had the pleasure of working closely with President Mary McAleese and Senator Martin McAleese. I know how valuable the work they have done has been and will prove to be for the development of a shared Ireland beyond conflict. I was especially struck by the work they did to listen to, understand and reach out to people in the loyalist community. Prior to Mary McAleese's presidency, many of the people in question may have had ingrained suspicions, or worse, about people on this side of the Border. The President has done so much to foster understanding and trust across the island. Hers has truly been a healing presidency for which we and all future generations will be grateful. On behalf of the entire Fianna Fáil organisation and all its members, I thank her sincerely for her tremendous public service on behalf of the people on the island of Ireland.

Many say the Presidency is above politics, but that is not the case. It is a highly political office, but it is removed from party politics. As a party, Fianna Fáil was proud to nominate Mary McAleese and campaign vigorously for her election in 1997. We are prouder still of the integrity, independence and impartiality she has shown in office. Taking the oath of office on 11 November 14 years ago, she pledged to "maintain the Constitution of Ireland" and dedicate her "abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Ireland". She has faithfully kept that promise. The Presidency belongs to the people and, by her actions, Mary McAleese, has been the people's President. She has been inclusive and open and is someone in whom people from all political affiliations and none can share pride and look to for inspiration.

During the downturn in the country the President has been a voice for community values, civic spirit and solidarity. She has travelled the length and breadth of the country meeting people and supporting community projects. She has shone a spotlight on marginalised groups and it is no surprise that one of the final things she will do today as President is to support the homeless in the capital.

During my time as Minster for Foreign Affairs, on many occasions I had the honour of representing Ireland abroad with President McAleese and can readily testify that as an ambassador for the country, she was passionate and effective. On trade missions she would come into her own and her presence and diplomatic skills have helped to secure investment and jobs for the people. It is right that this be acknowledged.

For many, the highlight of the President's two terms in office was the visit of the British monarch to our shores in March. This was the culmination of President McAleese's long and dedicated work for reconciliation and a visit the President had hoped for many years would happen. The credit belongs to her and the then Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, who had the courage to back his analysis that such a visit was desirable as "part of the normal courtesies enjoyed by friendly, neighbouring states." We cannot ignore our history and long interaction with Britain, nor should we deny people in Northern Ireland the right to identify themselves as being British or Irish, or both. What is especially positive about Queen Elizabeth's visit is the further transformation of relationships between Ireland and Britain as another major step on the journey of reconciliation. President McAleese has our enduring gratitude for the role she has played in this regard.

If the visit of the British queen was a happy day in Mary McAleese's presidency, there were also dark days, in which the people drew solace from her and the articulate way in which she lifted spirits, expressed our collective hurt and captured the national mood. I still remember vividly the manner and dignity in which she conducted herself in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing, in addition to the powerful interview she gave following the events of 11 September 2001. For so many, the presidency of Mary McAleese has meant so much in so many ways.

I thank President Mary McAleese for her distinguished service to the nation. She has worked tirelessly and diligently on the people's behalf and we all wish her well in her new life as a private citizen. In addition to extending my gratitude to President McAleese and Martin, I acknowledge the contribution made by the President's children, Emma, Sara-Mai and Justin. I wish all of the McAleese family success and continued health and happiness in life beyond the gates of Áras an Uachtaráin. Go raibh míle maith acu.

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