The President of Ireland, Ms Mary McAleese, today addressed the General Synod of the Church of Ireland at its sitting in Galway.

On assembling after lunchtime, the General Synod suspended standing orders so that the President could address members, the first head of state to do so.

Referring to the progress achieved in recent years across the island of Ireland, the President told a well attended Synod that “we stand today at what I believe to be a pivotal moment in Irish history, one of those rare moments when all the accreted pain, planning and persuasion, do indeed lead to a sea change, to a sharp and manifest shift in direction.”

”Over the course of the past decade, we have seen the steady advance of the process of releasing ourselves from the grip of history’s vanities and a wasteful past” she said.

“For the first time ever, this island has a chance to feel the surging power that comes from working hand-in-hand rather than going toe-to-toe.

“Underpinning the work of peace and prosperity building is the gospel challenge to love one another, to forgive one another, and to be charitable to one another, especially to those from whom we have been most estranged.”

 The bell presented to the President of Ireland, Ms Mary McAleese, at the 2008 General Synod of the Church of Ireland

The President’s speech was greeted with enthusiastic applause from members of the General Synod. Before the President ended her visit Mr Sam Harper, the longest-serving Honorary Secretary of the General Synod, presented her with a half size replica of St Patrick's Bell.  The original bell is located in the National Museum, Dublin.

For the full text, please click here.