news

President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin McAleese jointly to receive DCU honorary doctorates
- 29 March 2008

The President, Mary McAleese and her husband Martin will together receive honorary doctorates at DCU* *tomorrow, Saturday 29th March 2008.

This unique joint academic honour, on the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, is to mark the contribution that has been made by the President and Dr. McAleese in building a peaceful society on the island of Ireland through their constant efforts at bridge-building between all Irish communites, and their outreach to all sections of Northern Irish society.

The President and Dr. McAleese have devoted themselves to forging friendships among historic foes, and over the last ten years they have made Áras an Uachtaráin a welcoming house where these new friendships could develop and prosper.

The joint award also recognises the President’s distinguished academic career at both the Queen’s University in Belfast and Trinity College Dublin where she was Reid Professor of Criminal Law, Criminology and Penology, and her role as Pro Vice Chancellor of the Queen’s University in establishing the Centre for Cross Border Studies.

The President of DCU Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski said: “ DCU is delighted to honour the very significant role played by the President and her husband Martin, often with little public attention, in helping to overcome the legacy of decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland. Their efforts at developing cross community commitment to building a peaceful society has assisted a process that is transforming life on this island, helping to heal the many deep wounds of the past, and opening up great potential for the future.”

ENDS