President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin McAleese jointly receive DCU honorary doctorates
Monday 31 March 2008

President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin McAleese pictured with their children Justin, Sarah and Emma

The President, Mary McAleese and her husband Martin together have received DCU honorary doctorates.

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 communities, 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.”

In accepting the honour, Dr McAleese spoke about how, when he was 20 years old, his family were forced out of their east Belfast home. He said it was a life living in fear, in an atmosphere of intimidation and sectarianism. He said it was an honour to receive such an award: “This honorary doctorate is so much more than about me. It is about the courageous people from communities in Northern Ireland from whom Mary and I were estranged for so long. The men and women who took a chance on us and whom we are now able to regard as friends”. He also said it was a day that he and his wife Mary will long cherish.

President McAleese opened her speech in a joyful manner saying, “Not since we bought our matching wedding rings 30 years ago have we been matched in anything – now we have matching robes and matching degrees!”

Mrs McAleese went on to talk about the Good Friday Agreement, which on April 10th 2008 will mark the 10th anniversary of its signing.

“The Good Friday Agreement did not happen by coincidence. It took the combined efforts of so many people to help us change the effects of head and heart”.

President McAleese also paid tribute to Dublin City University saying it has always believed so passionately in education.

“DCU’s legendary outreach ‘Access Programme’ has opened up a realm of opportunity to so many people, beyond their reach and hope”.

The Chancellor of DCU, Mr David Byrne S.C. said, “It is particularly apt that at this time, when celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we honour President Mary McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese together, and in so doing pay tribute to the combined efforts of this distinguished partnership, who gave leadership in transforming relations between North and South.”

For news coverage on this event please click on the following link: http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0329/9news.html