Quotes by Mary McAleese

A life quenched in an untimely manner is always sad, the life of a young person quenched, whatever the circumstances, troubles us deeply. If that death arose through suicide that sense of loss is compounded inexorably. TS Eliot's evocative words serve to underline that awful sense of loss for the potential that was never allowed to fully blossom, for all that might have been but wasn't to be:

It is important that we do not complacently assume that economic success and social disparity inevitably go hand-in-hand.

People with disabilities have abilities too and that is what this course is all about - making sure those abilities blossom and shine so that all the dreams you have can come true.

That past is still within our living memory, a time when neighbour helped neighbour, sharing what little they had out of necessity, as well as decency.

The extent to which all people in our society are made to count, and believe that they count, is not just a measure of decency; it makes sound economic sense.

To all of our friends in Irish-America and beyond, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude. Whenever we needed your friendship and encouragement, you were there for us.

We are a vibrant first-world country, but we have a humbling third-world memory.

Whatever changes the new era brings, whatever new pathways we take, I am sure that our special relationship with America - forged in adversity, will not change.